mocktails, bird walks and more

Spring has finally arrived in New York City, bringing with it a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy. From nature adventures to art exhibitions, there is something for everyone to explore in the five boroughs.

One unique way to experience the beauty of spring is by participating in the Spring Kids Programs at the Queens Botanical Garden. Children can learn about nature from seed to table, planting veggies, making art, and cooking up recipes while playing and making new friends. These outdoor festivities take place on weekends throughout the spring season, rain or shine.

For bird enthusiasts, Central Park offers Spring Migration Walks led by renowned urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. Participants can explore the park’s paths, spotting chirping warblers and blooming wildflowers while learning fun facts about our feathered friends. The walks take place on Wednesday evenings and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Rockefeller Center is also celebrating spring with a large-scale outdoor art installation featuring floral illustrations by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet. The exhibit includes poetry readings, children’s storybook readings, live painting, and dance performances, presented by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Macy’s Flower Show is back for its 50th year, transforming the department store into a whimsical spring oasis. The show features thousands of plants and flowers from around the world, creating a surreal garden experience. This year’s installation took over 1,300 hours to install and includes 8,000 plants and 50,000 stems representing 50 flower varieties.

For those looking to enjoy skyline views of the Empire State Building, The Pool Club at Virgin Hotel NYC offers loungers and cabanas for daily bookings starting in May. Guests can cool off in the pool, enjoy cocktails, and light bites while taking in the sights of Midtown Manhattan.

Art lovers can visit The Frick Collection, which recently reopened after a five-year renovation, offering a refreshed take on the Gilded Age mansion. The museum features new gallery spaces, an upgraded auditorium, and restored exhibition areas, providing a unique experience for visitors.

The Museum of Modern Art is showcasing a new exhibit, “Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind Flowers,” featuring botanical works by the Swedish artist. The exhibit showcases never-before-seen nature studies by af Klint, blending spirituality and science in her mystical take on Sweden’s flora.

The New York Botanical Garden is hosting “Van Gogh’s Flowers,” a massive show featuring floral displays and art inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings. The exhibit includes living flower recreations and a nighttime event called “Starry Nights” with drones, music, and cocktails under the stars.

Food and drink enthusiasts can visit The Mark Clam Bar at The Mark Hotel for elevated seafood dishes with a caviar flair. The pop-up called Pancakes at S&P Lunch offers breakfast favorites all night long, with craft cocktails and playful bites taking center stage. Brooklyn’s newest nightclub, Signal, is set to open in East Williamsburg with a strict no-phone policy, offering underground dance music, an outdoor garden, and Spanish tapas.

Overall, New York City is buzzing with unique and exciting ways to embrace the spring season. Whether you’re exploring nature, art, or culinary delights, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city that never sleeps.