Best Easter Activities for Families in New York

Looking for the best family activities in New York this Easter? Whether you're after classic egg hunts, festive parades, or adorable animal encounters, read on for our top fun-filled ways to celebrate the season.

Published: February 27, 2025
Spring in New York

Discover the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival 

a lady wearing an easter bonnet in new york

If you’ve never seen Fifth Avenue transformed into a sea of extravagant, over-the-top Easter bonnets, you’re in for a treat! Every Easter Sunday, families gather to watch (or take part in!) this colorful tradition.

There’s no official parade route – just stroll along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street and soak in the festive atmosphere. And yes, you’re absolutely encouraged to wear your own Easter hat! 

Egg hunts in NYC’s parks 

central park in the spring time

New York’s parks pull out all the stops for Easter with community egg hunts, crafts, and games. While some require pre-registration, you can always find public events in Prospect Park, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Bring a basket, channel your inner detective, and let the kids go wild searching for hidden treasures!

Go to the zoo 

seals in the central park zoo

What’s Easter without a few adorable animals? We’re not just talking about bunnys – spring is the perfect time to visit one (or all) of NYC’s awesome zoos (Central Park Zoo, The Bronx Zoo and Staten Island Zoo).

Look out for baby animals this time of year and get stuck into any seasonal activities on offer – the Bronx Zoo often hosts special Easter-themed events, but even a regular visit is still a fantastic way to celebrate the season.  

See spring in bloom at the New York Botanical Garden 

the new york botanical garden with tulips

Easter usually coincides with peak bloom season, making the New York Botanical Garden a stunning spot for a family outing. Wander through colorful displays of tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms, and check out their family-friendly activity options.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another must-visit for its gorgeous Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom. Florals for spring? It’s a classic! 

Ride on Jane’s Carousel 

jane's carousel, traditional painted horses

For a whimsical Easter activity, hop on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This beautifully restored, vintage carousel is a hit with kids and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline – perfect for those family Easter photos.

Maybe just give your easter eggs time to go down before you hop aboard.  

Get those blue-sky views

views from the Top of the Rock observation deck in New York

Springtime in New York is a beautiful season, and what better way to take it all in than from the top of an iconic skyscraper? The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock both offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city bathed in spring sunshine.

The perfect way to add a touch of adventure to an Easter weekend!

Head to the American Museum of Natural History

american museum of natural history, fun easter activity

For an Easter outing that’s educational but also fun (we promise) take the family to the American Museum of Natural History.

Kids, and to be honest most adults, will love the dinosaur exhibits, the butterfly conservatory (seasonal), and the interactive displays that make learning an adventure.

Explore Coney Island

little girl on the beach in Coney Island

If the weather’s nice, why not take a trip to Coney Island? While Luna Park officially opens for the season around Easter, even a simple stroll along the boardwalk, a visit to the New York Aquarium, or a stop for a classic Nathan’s hot dog can make for a fun and memorable family outing. 

Let the kids run off some energy on the beach, hunt for seashells, or grab an ice cream while soaking up that springy sunshine.

Go for a scenic spring walk 

the high line in New York

Wrap up your Easter celebration with a scenic walk through one of NYC’s most picturesque spots. The High Line, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and Roosevelt Island all offer beautiful views and peaceful strolls that capture the essence of spring in the city.

Time to get those steps in and walk off all those Easter treats! 

No matter how you celebrate, Easter in New York is filled with fun, color, and plenty of sweet treats, yum. Whether you're donning a bonnet for the parade, hunting for eggs in the park, or enjoying some springtime culture, there’s something for every family to enjoy.  

Hoppy Easter! 

Enjoyed this? Check out our complete guide to New York public transport or read our guide to the travel apps that save you time and money.

Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Content Manager

Alice is a copywriter in the Content team at Go City®, where she combines her love for travel, literature, food and theatre to craft inspiring content for cultural explorers. From blog articles to TikToks, she creates engaging stories that help travellers uncover hidden gems and must-see spots in every city. Passionate about exploring new destinations, Alice shares her discoveries to help others curate unforgettable itineraries.

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