Planning Your 2021 Spring Break Staycation

Spring Break is around the corner—from March 29-April 2 for New York schools—and with vaccines still on the way for most of us, it's understandable if your family doesn't feel ready to get on a plane yet. Luckily, we live in (arguably) the greatest area in the world for family fun and there are plenty of things to do this Spring Break that are just a quick car ride or train ride away for the perfect Spring Break staycation.

Whether you're looking to meet some of the cool animals living in our backyards, learn at a museum, or try a new challenge with the family, these venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Rockland, Westchester, and Long Island are the most fun (and COVID-conscious) places to visit this Spring Break if you want to stay local.

And if you are looking to travel outside of the area, check out these awesome Spring Break Road Trip ideas, complete with places to eat, drink, play, and stay along the way.

Things to do this Spring Break with Your Family

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Manhattan Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Brooklyn Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Queens Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Westchester Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Rockland Spring Break Staycation Itinerary
Long Island Spring Break Staycation Itinerary

Things to do this Spring Break in Manhattan

March 29: 

Take your teens on a super-unique and cool tour. The 90-minute Hard Hat Tour on Ellis Island takes you through the unrestored Immigrant Hospital Complex, where you'll walk through the indefinte hallway where immigrants were sent if they had a contagious disease, past the psychiatric hospital, and visit old rooms in the TB ward. When the tour's over, make your way over to the National Immigration Museum and stop by the Statue of Liberty. 

March 30:

Take in some spectacular (and iconic) views! With the city still quiet because of COVID-19 (and fewer crowds), it's the perfect time to visit venues that are usually abuzz with tourists—and visiting the Empire State Building is a rite of passage for every little New Yorker. Whether you trek up to the 86th floor or make it to the 102nd floor, the views will remind you why we love this city so much.

March 31:

Visit with live animals in the heart of Manhattan. Spend an afternoon seeing snow leopards, grizzly bears, sea lions, penguins, and more at Central Park Zoo. And if you want your little ones want to get out the wiggles, stop by the Tisch Children's Zoo, where kids can crawl, jump, climb, and pretend to be animals. 

April 1:

Climb aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum reopens to the public March 25 after being closed for a year. Your kids can explore what life is like for Navy sailors, explore the submarine Growler, see Space Shuttle Enterprise, and so much more! What's more? The museum is opening two new experiences: a restored pilot escalator and the ship's bomb elevators.

April 2:

Test your family's spy skills. Spyscape is an immersive experience featuring secret intelligence, encryption, lie-detection, surveillance, and a laser tunnel! Plus, the museum explores rare spy devices, like those used during World War II, the FBI, the CIA, and even some gadgets "Q"—the agent who inspired James Bond—used.

Things to do this Spring Break in Brooklyn

March 29:

Conquer tricky challenges at Beat The Bomb before your family gets paint-blasted! Or, get paint blasted anyway because it's fun and it makes for a great pic. The hazmat suits and masks that are required for paint protection also protect us from COVID, so it's a win-win!

March 30:

Feed the alpacas and sheep at Prospect Park Zoo. Meander through the Discovery Trail to spot red pandas, river otters, prarie dogs, dinos, and deer, then visit withthe frogs and turtles in Hall of Animals. Oh, and don’t forget to stop in to see the elusive Pallas’s cat, or as the zoo calls them, the original grumpy cat. 

March 31:

Take advantage of your last opportunity to go ice skating this season at LeFrak Center Lakeside Prospect Park! The tickets are currently all on sale, and the rink is designed for skaters of all skill-levels. If you have a very little one new to skating, Penguin Skate Aids are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

April 1:

Play and create at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Totally Tots, World Brooklyn, Neighborhood Nature, and The Nest are all exhibits that are open for exploration. You can also make, celebrate, and explore art at workshops inspired by an artist.

April 2:

Discover the wonders of the ocean! Visit New York Aquarium, where you’ll meet sea lions, seals, sea otters, and more! "Swim" through Ocean Wonders to come face to face with sharks, rays, and sea turtles, then get a snorkler's-eye view of a colorful reef.

 

Things to do this Spring Break in Queens

March 29:

Do a little bit of everything at Laser Bounce—from bowling and bouncing to laser tag and arcade games. Mission Impossible (AKA Laser Frenzy) is an arcade-style laser maze with mirrors, haze, effects, and fun themes! Compete against your friends to complete your mission, just like the movies.

March 30:

Discover the Nature of Color and so much more at the American Museum of Natural History. Make a day trip to the Upper West Side to see all of the incredible exhibits and artifacts in the museum and while you're there, take a stroll through Central Park to enjoy some much-needed fresh air and of course grab a water dog from the street cart that's usually parked on Columbus and 79th.

March 31:

Meet some furry friends or go for a hayride at Queens County Farm. The premises has a bike rack and is stroller, backpack, and water bottle friendly, so you can get around the property however is most convenient for your family.

April 1:

Jump around at Launch Trampoline Park! The combination of trampolines and sports your kids love will get the whole family releasing endorphins. Practicing your vertical and horizontal jumps on the trampoline court, dodge some balls, shoot some hoops, or compete in the battle pit.