Spring Break Activities 2013

Spring Break Activities 2013
Horse in Prospect Park

Public schools are on Spring Break from Monday, March 25 to Tuesday, April 2. School resumes Wednesday, April 3.

The question is: how do you keep kids entertained for the week-and-a-half break if they aren’t in camp? Never fear, we’ve got ideas.

Prospect Park—Our go-to solution for free (or almost free) kid-friendly entertainment is our reliable Park.
Audubon Center–Open March 25-April 2, 12noon – 4pm. Free.
Carousel—The carousel opens March 23rd and will remain open throughout Spring Break. Tickets are $2/ride or $9/five rides.
Lefferts House—Volunteers will teach kids how to plant herbs. March 25-29, 1-4pm, $3.
Prospect Park Zoo–Plan your trip around the sea lion feedings. Will operate on summer hours starting March 23rd. $8/adult, $5/child.
Kensington Stables–If your child is older than 11, plan a horseback riding adventure through Prospect Park. $37
Tennis–(50 Parkside Ave) Adults and children can sign up for a week long tennis camp. Or, if you want to take advantage oft he other activities we’ve listed here, sign up by the day. $350/week, $80/day.

Go to brunch—create a special memory with your kids by ordering hot chocolate and a scone at one of our fancy coffee shops.
Branccacio’s–(3011 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy) order a sandwich to take to the park. Or better yet, stay out all day with your little ones and grab a Brancaccio chicken for dinner on your way home.
Steeplechase—(3013 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy) treat yourself to a latte and the little ones to hot chocolate and an almond croissant. Memories in the making.
Hamilton’s—(2826 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy) During the middle of a week day, you and your young foodies may have the place to yourself.

Hop on the F train for easy outings:
Luna Park at Coney Island–(1000 Surf Ave) opens March 24th, just in time for spring break. This is the best time for to take advantage of the amusement park because no one else is there. Kids can run from ride to ride without any lines and without the glaring heat of July.
Coney Island Boardwalk–Explore 3 miles of beach and boardwalk. It may not be swimming weather, but there are many off-season treasures for those willing to investigate.
New York Transit Museum–(130 Livingston St) The Make It Grand performance, an “original, interactive musical that celebrates 100 years of Grand Central Terminal” happens twice a day during the break. Tuesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm. $7/adult, $5/child.
Brooklyn Bridge Park—Pick a warm day to explore this new green space, ride the Jane’s Carousel, and sample delicious treats at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

These outings aren’t on the F, but are worth the adventure:
Brooklyn Botanical Garden—(150 Eastern Parkway) Take part in the Spring Break Discovery Week and watch artist Rodrick Romero build a giant nest.
Brooklyn Museum–(200 Eastern Parkway) Explore the ancient Egyptian wing to see an actual mummy. Times vary. $12/adult free/children under 12.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum–(145 Brooklyn Ave) Wee ones can join the Easter Egg Hunt on March 24th. 10am – 5pm. $9/person.
The Jewish Museum–(1109 Fifth Ave, Manhattan) Honor Passover with a trip to The Jewish Museum. Art workshops and Passover dance parties happen at various times. Friday to Tuesday, 11am to 8pm. $12/adult, free/children under 12.

Take the kids out to the theater:
Brooklyn Academy of Music–(30 Lafayette Ave) BAM has day and night shows appropriate for various age groups. Check out their family page.
Puppetworks, Inc–( Has performances every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 and 2:30. $9/adult $8/child.

If you have a daughter:
Check out one of Church Avenue’s many nail salons.

What will you do this spring break with your kids?