Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in April
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in April
1. American Museum of Natural History
A rain-or-shine favorite where kids wander from towering dinosaurs to dazzling gems, with the Gilder Center’s insectarium and butterfly vivarium adding springtime magic.
✓ Why Go:
It’s engaging for all ages, stroller-friendly, and packed with can’t-miss icons that turn curiosity into wide-eyed wonder.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening on April weekdays or late afternoons after school groups thin; weekends around spring break get busiest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the 81st Street entrance connected to the subway for shorter lines and plan a loop: dinos on 4, giant blue whale, then butterflies.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the scale and variety; some note noise and lines, but timed entry smooths the day.
2. Bronx Zoo
One of the world’s great urban zoos with sprawling habitats, peacocks roaming paths, and a seasonal children’s area perfect for little explorers.
✓ Why Go:
April’s cool temps keep animals active and make long walks comfortable, turning the day into an exciting safari-by-subway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Get there at opening on April weekends; midweek visits are calmer and give you room to linger at favorite exhibits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the Children’s Zoo early if it’s open for the season, then work clockwise to avoid crowd patterns.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Kids love the tigers and gorillas; parents praise the space but advise comfy shoes and a flexible plan.
3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Stroll beneath cherry blossoms, tulips, and magnolias, then let kids dig into hands-on nature fun in the Discovery Garden.
✓ Why Go:
April bloom season is a photogenic, low-stress outing that turns botany into playtime and picnics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening on mild April mornings; peak bloom often falls mid–late April but varies with weather.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the Washington Avenue entrance to reach the Discovery Garden quickly before it gets busy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families swoon over the blossoms; crowds can swell on peak weekends, so early birds get the serenity.
4. Central Park Zoo
A compact, easy-to-navigate zoo where sea lions splash and the Tisch Children’s Zoo invites gentle animal encounters.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, it pairs animal time with nearby playgrounds and park meadows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go in the morning when animals are active; April afternoons can be breezy and cooler in the shade.
✓ Insider Tip:
Catch the sea lion training session posted on-site and then pop into the Children’s Zoo before nap time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for being manageable and delightful; some find it pricey for its size but worth it with little kids.
5. New York Botanical Garden
Vast grounds burst with daffodils, azaleas, and flowering trees, while the glass conservatory offers tropical warmth if April breezes rise.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a nature immersion within the city, with space to roam and family programs that make plants come alive.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-to-late April often brings colorful displays; weekday afternoons are serene and stroller-friendly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hop on the tram to save little legs and plan a stop at the Edible Academy for kid-focused activities when available.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the beauty and breathing room; costs can add up, but many call it a spring must-do.
6. Luna Park Coney Island
Classic boardwalk thrills with kiddie rides, gentle coasters, and salty ocean air that feels fresh after winter.
✓ Why Go:
April typically marks the return of rides and seaside energy—perfect for school-break celebrations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April weekends and holiday weekdays; bring layers for cool coastal winds and aim for late morning starts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Consider a wristband if riding for a few hours and start with family rides near Surf Avenue before queues build.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Kids beam from ear to ear; expect lines on warm days and bundle up for the breeze.
7. Little Island
A whimsical, tulip-shaped park floating over the Hudson with lawns, overlooks, and frequent family-friendly performances.
✓ Why Go:
It mixes imaginative design with river views and open space that invites unstructured play.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunny April afternoons for warmth; early mornings are quiet for stroller walks and photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow the paths up to the Lookout for skyline views and check the amphitheater schedule for pop-up shows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families applaud the vibe and amenities; it can feel crowded on the first truly warm weekends.
8. New York Hall of Science
Hands-on science exhibits, design labs, and an outdoor Science Playground that reopens with warmer weather.
✓ Why Go:
It turns STEM into play, giving curious kids room to experiment and build.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Ideal for rainy April days; late afternoons are calmer after field trips depart.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a spare layer if the outdoor areas are open and ask about timed maker sessions at check-in.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A hit with grade-schoolers; some exhibits feel old-school, but engagement stays sky-high.
9. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Climb aboard an aircraft carrier, step into a submarine, and stand beneath the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a tactile history lesson where kids connect with planes, space, and seafaring up close.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Go at opening for elbow room on the flight deck; if it’s brisk, start indoors and work outward.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the Exploreum—an interactive hangar ideal for kids—and be prepared for ladders and stairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Children are wowed by the jets; parents appreciate learning moments but note the physicality of getting around.
10. Queens County Farm Museum
A historic working farm with barnyard animals, tractor rides on select days, and fields that feel miles from Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a gentle, affordable way to introduce city kids to agriculture—spring brings baby animals and fresh air.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mild, dry April afternoons; weekends may feature hayrides depending on weather and schedule.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a picnic and wear boots if it’s recently rained—trails can be muddy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its calm vibe and space to roam; simple pleasures beat screen time every time.
