Spring, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Egg Hunts, & Other Reasons to Love NYC with Kids
Ah, Spring. At least that’s what it’s feeling like today in New York City.
The boys and I set out to enjoy a few hours outside, after what seemed months of hibernation or enduring the cold. As my kids ran and laughed and played with the other kids, and I mingled and chatted with the smiling parents relieved to be out as well, I began to get excited about the many things that are coming up in the next few weeks which make New York City even more fun with kids in tow.
First on the list of things coming up are the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. HUGE here in New York City. Last year we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day while having dinner at the super kid-friendly Cowgirl in the West Village, and then a few days later headed out to Park Slope for their parade. Tons a fun, albeit a bit chilly.
Some friends have been wondering what’s going on in the city now that the weather is nicer, and St. Patrick’s Day and Easter are right around the corner. So I decided to highlight my favorite kid-friendly things coming up.
Granted, there are probably more than what is listed below but when I think “kid-friendly” events I think friendly for my wallet, as well as for kids who are very much like my boys. In other words, no High Tea events during Easter, or overly-crowded St. Patrick’s Day events for us, thank you!
Spring Highlight:
To start things off for Spring, Macy’s Annual Flower Show show kicks off on March 28 and goes on till April 11th. It’s “Spring Is In The Air” theme promises to “transform Herald Square into a wonderland of spectacular gardens where magic reaches new heights and floral fantasies take flight!“
This year’s show features 10 different garden environments, including our new Hot, Palm and Topiary gardens, and over 30,000 different varieties of exotic trees and flowering plants.
Guided tours are offered, but I also recommend going at your own pace with a stroll through their gardens. A must see: a hot air balloon centerpiece, overflowing with lush spring flowers that will make your spirits soar!
The 20-minute guided tour of Macy’s Flower Show is available every half hour between 11am and 4pm at the Macy’s 35th and Broadway door. During the tour, you’ll learn all about this year’s flowers and plants, plus you’ll get an insider’s look at how the show was installed. Tours are complimentary. For more information, call 212-494-4495.
St. Patrick’s Day:
Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day at The Irish Arts Center which has a day full of kid-friendly activities planned not only on this holiday, but ongoing throughout the year.
Enjoy a day of arts and crafts on St. Patrick’s Day Crafts at the Chess and Checkers House (mid-park at 64th St.) on March 11 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
Tavern Concert: Irish Stout on March 12 in Staten Island starting at 9:30am.
Easter:
Unfortunately the Gallery Church has informed me that they will not be hosting it’s Annual Eggtravaganzza in Central Park like last year. However, the New York Department of Parks and Recreation has a few Easter events listed in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Unlike the St. Patrick’s Day parade, The Easter Parade which takes place on Easter Sunday (April 4th), is a bit more kid friendly, but still very popular parade and can be crowded (but kids love it!). Put on your most creative and best Easter bonnet and join the crowds along 5th Avenue between 49th St and 57th starting around 10:00am.
Brooklyn Heights Playground is hosting a 2010 Spring Egg Hunt, and they are looking for volunteers to help with set up and other organization.
I’m sure more events will be announced closer to Easter and later during Spring. I would search to see what your favorite venues, like museums or kids’ books stores, are featuring on their events calendar. We of course will post in our Upcoming Events page and keep you informed on any cool things that may come up!
Whether you have kids or not, New York City in Spring is certainly the place to be, as the list of celebrations as the months get warmer is endless! Stay tuned as I share some of those with you.
divaraven
Oh no! I can't believe Grace Church isn't doing its annual Easter Egg hunt. Did they tell you why?
Carol Cain
divaravenI know!! I was totally upset by that too! I asked but the lady on the phone couldn't get anyone to talk to me that would be able to offer an explanation. I am holding on to my deepest hopes that this changes, but it's no where on the calendar and in the past it has been by this time : ( I'm thinking funding may be the culprit.
MaryO
Unfortunately, budgets are down in many churches–people who used to donate may not have jobs anymore, and if it comes down to keeping the lights on/shelter open/food pantry going, versus some fun events, the necessities have to come first. There are other churches with egg hunts; St. Luke in the Fields has theirs Sunday morning.