Spring is here to bring us cheer! And soon kids will cheer for spring break. This year, spring break for New York City public schools runs April 15 to 22 and includes Good Friday and Passover. Do you have plans for the week yet? If not, let us help you plan some fun things to do during spring break on Staten Island and nearby when school is out! Browse our list of exciting events, activities, workshops and more that you can do together with your kids during the break, and be on your way to spring-time family fun! And don’t forget to check out our online calendar for even more fun things to do during the break…and after!
20 Fun Activities to Enjoy During Spring Break on Staten Island and Nearby
Visit The Staten Island Children’s Museum
Hours for the museum are pretty much weekends only, but here’s an extra treat: It’ll be open during spring break! Take the kids to the museum this week to enjoy 12 indoor and outdoor exhibits, workshops and events for families. 1000 Richmond Terr. Hours: Saturday-Sunday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Also open April 15 and April 18-22, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed on Easter Sunday, April 17. Admission: $8. Free for children younger than 1.
Explore Snug Harbor
While you’re at the Staten Island Children’s Museum, take some time to explore the other museums and botanical gardens on site at Snug Harbor. 1000 Richmond Terr. The grounds are free and open daily, dawn to dusk, but individual museum hours and admission prices vary.
Celebrate Earth Day
Head to Clay Pit Ponds for an Earth Day Celebration! Enjoy education activities, crafts and more. 2351 Veterans Rd. W.; Friday, April 22; 10am-2pm. Free.
Visit the Zoo
Want more Earth Day fun? Head to the Staten Island Zoo on Earth Day to learn some steps you can take to help animals around the world. 614 Broadway; Friday, April 22; 12-3pm; Free with zoo admission: $10; $7 seniors; $6 ages 3-14.
Visit a Nature Center
And of course, it doesn’t have to be Earth Day to celebrate our planet and embrace nature. Head to a local nature center to discover the natural beauty of Staten Island on Earth Day, or any day!
Go on a Boat Tour!
Adventure along the Hudson River, cruise under some impressive NYC bridges and enjoy live music and food specials on the Circle Line’s Spring Fling Day Cruise. Departs from Midtown West. Check the website for dates and times. Tickets start at $49.
See a Museum Exhibit About Dogs
A new exhibit at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog highlights military dogs who were wounded in battle or sacrificed their lives. It features 10 life-sized, carved-wood allegorical memorials by sculptor, James Mellick. 101 Park Ave., Manhattan; The exhibit is open during regular museum hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm; Free with museum admission: $15; $10, seniors; $5 children 12 and younger; $10 active military and veterans and students ages 13-24.
Go on a Beeping Egg Hunt
Enjoy a fun family day for people of all abilities, the visually impaired and the blind. Eggs beep, allowing everyone to participate. Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden; 1000 Richmond Terr. Tuesday, April 19; Toddlers: 11am-12pm; Ages 6-14: 12-1pm; Ages 15 and older: 1-2pm. Admission is free but registration is required. Register by contacting [email protected] or 718-285-6548.
See a Show at the St. George Theatre
Round out spring break with a show at the St. George Theater. The theater will be showing One Night of Queen on Friday, April 22 at 8pm. Teens who love rock and classic rock will enjoy this show! 35 Hyatt St. Tickets are $39-59.
See Staten Island’s Newest Library
The Charleston Library opened last month on the South Shore, and it’s a must-see! It’s got a collection of approximately 20,000 books, a children’s room, and teen room with lounge space and lots more for families and kids to enjoy. 225 Bricktown Way; Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10am-7pm and Friday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Admission is free.
Visit a New Playground in Manhattan
Enjoy a family ferry ride to Downtown Manhattan to visit the new Battery Playscape, an eco-inspired playground. Located on State Street. Hours: Open daily, 8am-dusk. Admission is free.
Meet Cool Creatures at the Liberty Science Center
Speaking of animals, embark on a wildlife adventure to the Liberty Science Center to see animals such as monkeys, chinchillas, parrots and other critters who call the museum home. 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ; Free with museum admission: $29.99; $24.99, ages 2-12. Check the website for hours.
Plan a Museum Day – Without Spending Money
Check out these local museums for all ages on Staten Island and nearby that offer free admission days.
Go on a Picnic
Embrace nature and enjoy a nice lunch outdoors at one of the many places on Staten Island to have a picnic. From beachside locales to historical sprawling grounds, there are many picnic spots located throughout the borough.
See Cherry Blossoms
See these colorful trees while you still can! There are lots of places around New York City and nearby where you can see these spring-time beauties!
Head to a Playground
Playgrounds are wonderful places for children to play and be active. With so many playgrounds dotted throughout Staten Island, you’re sure to have one in your neighborhood!
Play Laser Tag
Head to one of these laser tag arenas during spring break for some interactive fun. Please, many of these places offer additional activities, such as arcade games and bowling.
Make Breakfast Together
Sometimes it’s nice to just stay in. Take some time in the morning this week to make breakfast with your kids. Get some inspiration from our list of breakfast ideas!
Go to the Movies
See one of the latest new releases at a local movie theater.
Head Inside!
Even though we’re hoping for some nice weather during the break, don’t worry if it rains or the temperature drops. There are plenty of indoor activities you and your family can enjoy throughout the borough and nearby that offer lots of spring-time fun, such as bowling, rock climbing and more!
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