Sometimes you don't need a better reason to get outside than to just enjoy the beautfiul nature that CAN be found even here in New York City. Once kids get out among the flowers, grass and trees they don't need an activity, somehow they find ways to entertain themselves. And for parents, it's a refreshing change of pace from all those kid activities to just enjoy the natural beauty of Spring's flowers in bloom.
But time is running out to catch some of the more dramatic Spring displays before they're gone for another year. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy nature's bounty this Spring:
Fans of the
Highline will see a change in scenery along that elevated garden. The free park is showing its spring colors with
redbuds and miniature daffodils. Bring your little ones and pick up a yummy lunch in the Chelsea Market before heading up to the
Highline for a picnic on one of the cool benches. The
Highline is now open for its full seasonal hours from 7am to 10pm. If you're going with a stroller, there are access elevators at 14
th and 16
th streets.
Kids can test out their green thumbs by getting involved in your
local community garden - or just visit, enjoy and say "thanks" to your neighborhood gardeners. NYC is full of community gardens where volunteers create little green oases in any patch of dirt available. Some of them are quite impressive.
Search for community gardens in your area.
Here's a tip on a heavenly little garden my son and I discovered on the Upper West Side that's bursting with tulips.
The West Side Community Gardens at 89
th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues in Manhattan is in full bloom. It's such a splendid surprise that greets you as you pass by and calls you to stop, sit and enjoy for a while. If you're in the area, this weekend is a good time to visit. The volunteer-run garden is holding its annual
Tulip Festival this Saturday and Sunday, April 24
th and 25
th, from 1 to 4pm. Have your kids bring along their crayons to draw the brilliant scene or a camera to enter the garden's photo contest. While you're there, check out the schedule for the children's theater production in the garden starting in July. This year's show is
Midsummer's Nights Dream. The Department of Parks and Recreation makes it easy to find great spots for communiing with nature all season long. Check out their monthly online bloom chart to help you find where blossoms are blooming in city parks throughout the city.
From the daffodils at the
Alice Austen House on Staten Island to the wide array of blooms in Queens'
Cunningham Park - let us know where YOUR family's favorite gardens and secret picnic spots are. Comment below and share!
