April in New York City means that spring has, at last, sprung! The snow is melting away, and in its place are flowers blooming around every corner, especially in New York City’s famous parks and botanical gardens.
Also gone are the winter markets. Instead, night markets and food festivals are making their springtime debut as the city readies for the start of summer. It’s no wonder April brings about so many annual events that allow New Yorkers to get outside and enjoy the sunny days to come.
Planning a trip to New York in April? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in April in New York City, from ballgames to blooming displays. Pick your favorite spring activity from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing April trip.
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in New York City in April
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The 15 Best Things to Do in New York City in April
1. See Cherry Blossoms During Hanami Nights
Typically arriving toward the end of April, Hanami Nights at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best NYC events in April. Take a stroll under lit-up cherry blossom trees, enjoy a curated display of bonsai, watch live performances, snack on Japanese treats, and sip on Japanese beer and cocktails throughout the two-night event.
2. Experience Thrills at Coney Island
The legendary Luna Park at Coney Island typically opens up for the spring and summer season around the end of March or the beginning of April. Riding the rides at Luna Park is one of the best things to do in NYC in spring and a must-do if you’re bringing little ones on your trip. While it’s not exactly beach weather in NYC in April, Luna Park goes to show there’s still plenty to do by the beach when spring starts.
3. Trade in Your Ice Skates for Rollerblades
Most people know about the famous ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center that arrives with winter, but did you know that the ice turns into a roller rink come April? Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, there was a famous roller rink called Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace in West Hollywood.
As of 2022, Flipper’s made its debut at Rockefeller Center, running from mid-April through the end of October. Flipper’s is a fun, high-energy thing to do in April in New York City, offering a chance for those who missed the ice rink to still ride around the iconic space.
4. Play Pickleball in Central Park
With pickleball continuing to gain traction around the US, it only makes sense that NYC embraced the growing sport. In 2023, CityPickle came to the Wollman Rink in Central Park. With 14 courts, it was the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast, running from early April until early October. Keep your eyes peeled for the return of this new springtime tradition.
5. Eat Your Way Through Smorgasburg
You can’t celebrate spring in NYC without Smorgasburg. This massive food market, which has two locations in Brooklyn and one at the World Trade Center, typically arrives each year around the end of March or early April.
There are over 100 vendors between the three locations, with the World Trade Center location running on Fridays, the Williamsburg one on Saturdays, and the Prospect Park market on Sundays.
6. Nosh on Japanese Food at Japan Fes
Like Smorgasburg, Japan Fes is another huge food market that usually arrives at the end of March or early April in NYC. However, this market, which has locations all around the city, is focused on East Asian street food.
You’ll eat your way around bites from over 750 vendors, as well as shop around handcrafted goods from Japanese artisans. Keep an eye out for where Japan Fes will pop up next.
7. See Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for cherry blossoms in NYC in April, head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. But if you’re looking for orchids, you’ll want to pay a visit to the New York Botanical Garden.
Each year, the botanical garden hosts an incredible display of themed orchid installations, as well as interactive experiences for guests. The Orchid Show typically runs until late April.
8. Take Your Family Out to the Ballgame
Going to a baseball game is one of the best things to do in NYC in spring, and you have two MLB teams to choose from. Both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees usually have their Home Openers in late March or early April, which means you’ll have several chances to see them play on their home fields throughout April.
9. Fight For Our Planet During Earth Day
There are several NYC events in April that celebrate Earth Day, but one of the best and biggest can be found at Union Square. During the Earth Day Festival, you’ll learn about the work of dozens of environmental nonprofits and climate activists, participate in eye-opening workshops, and enjoy live entertainment.
10. Take Part in EarthFest
Around or on Earth Day each year, the American Museum of Natural History is home to one of the best family-friendly things to do in New York City in April. EarthFest is a full day packed with interactive activities, performances, and expert talks that put the focus on our planet.
There’s something for every age, whether you’re bringing a child just learning about the world around them, coming with a teen who is starting to think about their impact on the planet, or simply visiting by yourself and want a day of expanding your mind in new ways.
11. Have an Ol’ Fashioned Pillow Fight
If you thought your days of pillow-fighting fun were behind you, we have some good news. A massive pillow fight takes place in Washington Square Park every year, usually arriving in April in New York City. The pillow fight is most often themed, so keep an eye out for this year’s guidelines for what to expect from the big brawl.
12. Race Around Brooklyn
New York City in spring means the return of the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon. Usually happening each April, runners will race from North Brooklyn toward the waterfront, where they’ll enjoy the view of Manhattan from under the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges. They’ll pass by historic streets and storied landmarks as they make their way to the finish line in Prospect Park.
Whether you want to race yourself or just want to enjoy supporting the runners from the sidelines, the half marathon is one of the best things to do in NYC in April.
13. Go to the New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is one of the best NYC events in April. Typically arriving around Easter weekend, this nine-day auto show invites you to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of the automobile industry.
Check out the most anticipated new vehicles, take part in interactive experiences to see the future of the industry, see incredible custom cars, and much more. It’s a true playground for automobile lovers!
14. Enjoy the Return of Rooftop Dining
Some rooftop bars and restaurants stay open all year long with the help of outdoor heaters and cozy igloos. But many of the best rooftop dining spots in NYC close up shop for the city’s notoriously cold winters.
By the end of April, many of these locations spring to life for spring, which means you’ll be able to take in incredible views without needing to bundle up and rely on a heater for warmth.
15. Catch the End of Macy’s Flower Show
For one more of the best floral-themed things to do in NYC in April, head over to the giant Macy’s in Herald Square to see the annual Macy’s Flower Show. This event sees the department store celebrate springtime with window displays and indoor installations featuring thousands of vibrant, blooming flowers. Macy’s Flower Show typically runs until mid-April.
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in NYC in April. What’s your favorite thing to do in April in New York City? Let us know in the comments!
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