Cherry Blossom Season in NYC: Best Spots to See the Blooms with Kids

Spring is in the air, and that means one of New York City’s most magical seasonal sights—the cherry blossoms—are about to make their grand appearance! If you’re looking for a fun, kid-friendly way to celebrate spring, grab your picnic blanket, pack some snacks, and head out to enjoy these stunning pink and white blooms. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, how to track peak bloom times, and tips for making the most of your cherry blossom adventure with kids.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC

1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
   The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is one of the most famous spots to see cherry blossoms in NYC, especially along the breathtaking Cherry Esplanade. All through April 1-May 11, enjoy special extended hours for the season, and kids under 12 get in free! Or to really get into the spirit of hanami–the Japanese tradition of experiencing the ephemeral beauty of the season–check out Hanami Nights.
2. Central Park
   Cherry trees are sprinkled throughout Central Park, but the best clusters can be found at the The Glade (between 74th & 77th Streets), Cherry Hill (mid-park at 72nd St.), and along the Reservoir (east and west sides). View Map of Cherry Blossom Trees in Central Park. The open spaces make it easy for kids to run around and play while you soak in the beauty.
3. Roosevelt Island
   Take the Roosevelt Island Tram for a thrilling ride with amazing views before landing at one of the most scenic cherry blossom spots in the city. The cherry trees along the East River walkway make for gorgeous photo ops, and the island itself is a great place to explore.
4. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
   This Queens park, home to the Unisphere, has plenty of cherry blossoms and wide-open spaces for kids to play. If your little ones love planes, they’ll enjoy spotting flights taking off from nearby LaGuardia Airport!
5. New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
   Located in the Bronx, NYBG offers a peaceful and less crowded experience with stunning cherry trees. They also have a variety of family-friendly programs, so check their schedule for special spring events.

How to Track Peak Bloom Times

Since cherry blossoms have a short bloom period (usually around a week or two), timing is everything! Thankfully, you don’t have to guess when they’ll be at their peak—several websites and social media accounts track them in real time:

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s CherryWatch updates daily with bloom status.
• NYBG's Bloom Trackers follow the progress across their 250 acres of trees and flowers.
• Central Park Conservancy’s Bloom Tracker provides updates on the cherry blossoms (and other flowers) around the park.
• NYC Parks’ Instagram (@nycparks) often shares bloom status for various locations.
• Hashtags like #cherryblossomsnyc or #sakuranyc on Instagram can give you an idea of what’s in bloom across the city.

Tips for a Fun Cherry Blossom Outing with Kids

• Go early or on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park.
• Pack a picnic: Grab some snacks and sandwiches from a nearby bodega before heading into the park, or pack your own picnic to relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Be sure to bring a waterproof blanket, as some areas might still be muddy and wet, April is a rainy month!
• Encourage a deeper appreciation of the culture and history of cherry blossoms: Talk about hanami (the Japanese tradition of blossom-viewing) and bring along a book like Japanese Traditions or Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms.

• Ready to capture the moment:
  • Dress in light or neutral colors for beautiful family photos among the blossoms, but don't forget layers – April in NYC can still be quite chilly!
  • Cloudy skies? No problem! Overcast days and the soft light of early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for capturing those dreamy pink-and-white moments.
• Get creative with fallen petals: If you find blossoms on the ground, bring them home for a fun craft like pressing flowers, making bookmarks, suncatchers, or creating nature collages.

Spring in NYC is truly something special, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than under the cherry blossoms. Happy bloom-watching! 🌸