The weather is getting warmer and there is no better time to get out and enjoy our beautiful area. Here are some great ideas for day trips close to the City. Whether you stay close to FiDi or venture further there is something for everyone!
Close to NYC:
NY Botanical Gardens Orchid Show
This stunning installation by famed designer Jeff Leatham is on display until May 1. Experience his dazzling floral creations which have transformed the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a kaleidoscope. Kids will be enthralled with the orchid towers which are brightly colored. Purchase tickets here. Adults are $30 and kids $15. A perfect place to spend the day.
Wave Hill
28 acres of urban tranquility await you at this treasure above the Hudson River. Sweeping views, walks, talks, art, and live performances are some of the things you can find here. It is best to spend a day and get lost in all Wave Hill has to offer. Easy to get to on the subway or by car as it is in the Bronx. Please note it is closed on Monday.
Snug Harbor
So close to home! This is an easy day trip to take the kiddos on. Here you will find history, architecture, visual and performing arts, gardens, agriculture, and educational programming. You can even hop on the new ferry route that goes from BPC to Staten Island. Or you can hop on the free Staten Island ferry. Visiting is free except for a few exhibitions. Check their calendar to keep up to date on their rotating programs.
Bronx Zoo
Everyone loves a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Their epic Dinosaur Safari is back on April 11! Get tickets and you and the fam will get up and close with 52 life-sized dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
You must order tickets ahead, so grab them here. Or if you are feeling more adventurous head over to the Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure and experience NYC’s own aerial ropes course. Nothing beats ziplining through the trees!
Coney Island
Feeling like a trip to Coney Island? Well Luna Park is open as well as the new Playquarium at the New York Aquarium. Here kids can explore a kelp forest, coral reef, and the sandy shore all while transforming themselves into a shark or a whale! Finish the day with a walk on the boardwalk and a hotdog from Nathan’s!
More than 1 hour away:
Grounds for Sculpture
Just under a 2 hour drive from Lower Manhattan Ground for Sculpture is a perfect spot for a day trip. 42 landscaped acres with nearly 300 contemporary sculptures (both large and small in scale) all outside await you here. There is an indoor gallery as well as educational programming for all ages. Kids will love roaming the ample green spaces and parents will love the contemporary art. Bonus–the on site cafe and restaurant are amazing and worth a visit alone!
Old Westbury Gardens
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places this mansion is nestled amongst 200 acres of lush formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, lakes, and so much more. Visitors of all ages can take a guided tour or join in some of their family friendly programming. It is a beautiful place to spend a day and get lost in the beauty. This is about an hour and ½ drive from NYC. Easy for a day trip!