The trees are turning green. The flowers are blooming. The weather is warming up. Now is the time that you shed the winter coat and embrace spring to the fullest. It is time to enjoy this beautiful season in the midst of nature!
Spring is one of the best seasons. It’s the time when the weather is just perfect- neither hot nor cold. So there’s stunning greenery everywhere. It’s the time when the sun shines bright but doesn’t burn your skin.
They say that the best things come in small packages, and this delightful city is no exception to the rule. From outstanding tourist attractions to thrilling adventures, there are loads of things to do in Spring.
Explore the sights of Spring with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of fun activities in Spring. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and focus on planning the ultimate vacation.
10 Things To Do In The Spring
1. Spend time outdoors
You’ve likely been locked up inside all winter trying to escape the cold temps, so the second the weather gets nice you should head outside. Go for a bike ride, explore the nearest national park, take a hike, or have a beach day.
It might seem like you have plenty of time to do those things over the next few months, but summer and its scorching temperatures tend to sneak up fast. Head outdoors before it’s too hot to bear.
2. Getaway
Spring breaks don’t have to stop once you’ve graduated. Head out on a warm vacation, big or small, at least once this spring. You’ll get away from any lingering cold weather and it’ll give your mind a helpful refresh.
3. Go to a farmer’s market or food festival
Several food festivals and farmers’ markets have been closed all winter long so join them when they start back up again.
You can browse a variety of goods and support small, local businesses while shopping for all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and taste testing the year’s trendiest foods.
4. Get organized
It’s called spring cleaning for a reason. The year might technically start in January, but springtime is the season of rejuvenation.
Get rid of the things you never touch, clean your living spaces, and put your organizational skills to good use. Need inspiration? People around the world are obsessed with this decluttering method.
5. Go shopping
Once you donated and tossed your old clothes, hit the racks for new ones. Spring is one of the best times to shop for new clothes because all the new trends of the season will start to arrive in stores.
You can also find some stellar sales on winter clothes if you need to gear up for next year.
6. Go to an art festival
There are art shows and festivals all over the place on spring weekends. It’s the perfect weather for leisurely walks through the local artists’ stand. The bright colors in the artwork will also help snap you out of any lingering winter blues.
7. See a play or movie outside
Though it started in NYC, a few other cities host their own take on Shakespeare in the Park or put on other outdoor productions. There are also drive-in movie theaters or organizations that hold movie nights.
Also read: WhatsApp Has 5 Interesting Features This Year: Report.
8. Have a picnic
You don’t have to lay down the checkered blanket and carry wicker baskets, but getting all your friends together for a big outdoor lunch is a great way to kick off the season.
9. Stop to smell the roses
Literally. With flower festivals popping up and public gardens opening their gates, take some time to surround yourself with greenery and flowers. You can even hit up a local beer garden if flowers aren’t really your thing.
10. Celebrate the holidays
There are quite a few celebration-worthy holidays in the spring. There are big ones like International Women’s Day, Earth Day, and Mother’s Day, but there are also several smaller holidays to get excited about.
What are the fun things to do in the Spring?
1. Fly a kite
Go fly a kite—literally! Choose an open field and run around with the kids to try and get their kite up in the air.
2. Ride a bike
Spend an afternoon riding the bike trails in your local area. Is your little biker still in training? Use it as an opportunity to teach him how to ride his bike without training wheels.
3. Collect rocks
Whether you’re at the beach or park, collect the biggest (and smoothest) rocks you can find. Add them to your collection or use them to make crafts.
4. Take lots of pictures
Make sure that while living in the moment, you don’t forget to snap photos of the silly and fun times, too. Print the photos and have the kids help you finally put together that scrapbook or album you’ve wanted to make.
5. Jump in puddles
Throw on your rain boots and explore the outdoors after a rainstorm. Find the biggest mud puddles and jump in them to see who can make the biggest splash. Or bring some toy boats and watch them race across to the finish.
6. Take a Rain Walk
They don’t call them “April showers” for no reason — it tends to rain a lot in the spring. But make the best of a rainy day by going out for a rain walk. Grab umbrellas and go explore the neighborhood, jumping in the puddles all along the way.
7. Draw with chalk
Sprawl out on the sidewalk with a big bucket of chalk or spruce up your driveway with your wildest creations.
8. Play with outdoor toys
Have fun outside with your kids’ favorite toys. Sounds simple, right? It is, and the kids will be so happy to show you how they play with their most prized possessions.
9. Play some street hockey
Even without the ice, you and the kids can enjoy Canada’s favorite game outside. Play ball hockey on the driveway or on a safe corner of the street (with supervision, of course.)
10. Have a swinging contest
Swing side by side and have a competition to see who can swing the highest.
11. Play baseball
Grab a ball, bat, and glove and prep for baseball season. Any park will do!
12. Watch the sunset
The best ending to the perfect spring day is watching the sunset with the little ones before calling it a night.
13. Enjoy the beach
It may seem a bit early for this, but even if you need to bundle up the beach can be a great springtime destination. And…for our mamas in more southern climates, we’re guessing that you’re even into bathing suit territory! Our stripes are such great neutrals that go with anything.
14. Go, Horseback Riding
Seriously, this is one activity that offers loads of fun during the spring season. You can be experienced at horseback riding, or you can learn it during the coming season. Make sure that you enjoy it to the fullest.
15. Plant a Garden
Whether growing veggies and herbs or just pretty flowers, a garden can liven up the yard and make a fun, teachable moment for kids. Colorful flowers like pansies and violas are perfect for planting in the spring, too.
16. Spend a Day at the Zoo
The zoo is always a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids of all ages, and it’s a solid outdoor activity that could take up all day. It feels like an adventure every time, and many zoos across the country are enforcing safety guidelines, like limited capacity and mask requirements.
Best Things To Do In Cold Spring, New York
Where is Cold Spring NY?
Located between the city of Peekskill in Westchester County NY and the city of Beacon in Dutchess County NY, Cold Spring is the epitome of a ‘small town’. Just 50 miles north of Manhattan, this historic area of the Hudson Valley is a gem on the river.
1. West Point Foundry Preserve
Anyone who likes to explore outdoor museums and wants to learn more about the American industrial revolution will want to check out the West Point Foundry Preserve. Visitors will be able to learn about how the foundry started out as an ironworks in the early 1800s and became a home for nature after its operations ended in the early 1900s.
The preserve’s trails take visitors through different areas that show old, important structures and office buildings, and you will be able to enjoy great views of the wilderness along the way. Visitors are recommended to come between dawn and dusk to get the most out of their stay.
2. Stonecrop Gardens
This traditional Alpine garden is rich in history and initially began as a private garden. Started in 1958 by Garden Conservancy founder Frank Cabot and his wife Anne, the Stonecrop gardens are now open to the public to enjoy during the warmer months of the year.
Due to its elevation of 1,100 feet in the Hudson Highlands, this garden enjoys a unique climate.
3. Hudson Highlands State Park
The park offers locals and visitors a huge outdoor recreation area where you can pursue activities like fishing, hunting, birding, and hiking. There are several scenic hiking trails including a 5.1-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail which runs through the southern part of the park. One of the most popular and challenging trials is the 4.6-mile Breakneck Ridge Trail – a steep ascent followed by a scenic mountain-top trail. You can also enjoy kayaking on the river – a launch site is available at Annsville Circle.
4. Bijou Galleries
As you walk down Main Street, be sure to check out all of the vintage collectible stores that Cold Spring has to offer. Known for their wide selection of art and décor as well as their welcoming staff, Bijou Galleries should be your first stop.
5. Hiking in Cold Spring NY
My first suggestion for things to do in Cold Spring, NY – it’s hiking of course! If you arrived on the MetroNorth, you may have already seen numerous hikers ready to seek out Cold Spring’s amazing trails.
With many visiting Cold Spring NY solely to explore Breakneck Ridge, it’s an excellent excuse to dust off your mountain boots and get moving.
Offering a short but steep scramble to the top, it offers some incredible views of the Hudson Valley. Though it’s a very difficult hike, the trail is always packed. So, be sure to allocate plenty of time to do this as it may well take you the better part of a day to see the best of this area. If you’re looking for things to do in Cold Spring NY – then hiking the local trails is ideal.
6. Visit the Putnam History Museum
The Putnam History Museum focuses its efforts on collecting and preserving historical material pertaining to the immediate area. Many artifacts from nearby West Point Foundry and its history can be viewed at the museum.
Built in 1830, the building was originally a one-room schoolhouse for children of the employees of West Point Foundry. The Putnam History Museum also has a wonderful outdoor exhibition, open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This is one of the best educational things to do in Cold Spring NY.
7. Enjoy the Hudson River views at Dockside Park
The centerpiece of Cold Spring NY is Dockside Park. Although it’s not large in size offers gigantic views of the river and the Hudson Highlands State Park. With amazing views of Mount Taurus, Breakneck Ridge, and Storm King Mountain, this is one of the best things to do in Cold Spring NY.
Dockside Park is the ideal spot to take fantastic photos of the surrounding area. Have fun and take lots of great pics. You won’t regret it! This is certainly one of the most Instagram-able locations in the entire Hudson Valley.
8. Bannerman Castle
Those who live on the Hudson and enjoy castles and exploring their history should be sure to check out the Bannerman Castle. Visitors can take a ferry to see the castle, which is located on a small island, adding to its mystery and wonder, and garden enthusiasts will be treated with a variety of plant life outside the establishment.
The trails will please anyone who likes to get some exercise in their day. The “Constellation” tour will be the most expensive at the castle, though it is sure to provide a more informative experience. Different buildings provide different history lessons, which is sure to interest history buffs. Bannerman Castle is one of the most memorable places to visit in Cold Spring.
9. Breakneck Ridge Loop
If you’re around or want to take a ride up on the Hudson line, it’s no secret that Breakneck Ridge is THE best hike in town. Heck, Newsweek magazine listed it as one of the top ten hikes in the United States.
In addition to getting to climb and walk through different paths, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Hudson River. The loop hike provides a long and steep journey to the top of the mountain.
Those who have traveled through the trail recommend that those who are considering going through with it pay attention and be careful, especially if they are bringing kids. You’ll also want to consider hiking on days when it’s less crowded so that you can experience the park at your own pace.
10. Dockside Park
The Dockside Park is a quaint little paved square situated on the Hudson River encompassing beaches lining the beautiful waterfront and a canon memorial. There’s also a little field that’s perfect for various sports activities including football. A kayak or a canoe can be launched from here too.
The Dockside Park is very well-maintained, is scenic, and offers a serene getaway from the hubbub of city life and spend a few relaxing hours admiring the views. You could consider walking your dog here or enjoying a nice little picnic with the family. A walk along the beach would give you the chance to appreciate the history as there are a few bits and bricks there dating back to around 200 years back. Bring your camera along to capture the beauty of this place.