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Spring is a promise of renewal, growth, warmth and color. After a mild winter with months of stormy wet weather, we are ready to welcome the spring and all of the wonderful changes that take place. The sun is peeking in through the window a little earlier in the morning, and it is time to put away the heavy coats and take out the spring jackets. Park visits become more frequent, and your little ones want to stop and smell every new flower along the path to school. The bitter cold air is gone, and now the bright sun warms us on the way to school and work. Pops of color surround us in the tulips on Park Avenue, the clear blue sky and the trees with their bright green foliage.

In Bloom
As the temperature begins to rise, New York families venture out into the city and enjoy the joyful changes that spring brings. Explore your sense of smell at the New York orchid show held at the Botanical Gardens. As the nation’s largest exhibit of orchids, sweet smells abound at “The Orchid Show: Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Gardens” and the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is transformed by orchids from all over the world. Take tours with an expert and learn about rare and extraordinary orchid specimens. Members and children under two years of age are free. Tickets may be purchased online for adults ($20) and children age 2-12 ($8). The New York Botanical Gardens is a short ride away from Manhattan on the Metro-North train.

Return of the Greenmarkets
Spring also means that the Greenmarket farmers markets are back in full force. Children can try foods from all over the world and learn about the colorful foods available at the market. Take the whole family for a visit to the Greenmarket on Columbus Avenue (between 77th & 80th Street) where there truly is something for everyone. While there, stop by the GreenFlea food section at the market to taste food prepared by gourmet food vendors. You may decide to try the Greek-style pastries or purchase fresh eggs, cheeses and fish that are locally grown, produced and harvested. Jump right in and satisfy those taste buds!

Out & About
If you are headed uptown, a visit to the northern end of Central Park can lead to an exploration of thousands of tree species, hundreds of flowers, insects, fish and birds. Take a minute to let your child run through the grass barefoot or blow bubbles in the sun. The Harlem Meer, named after the Dutch word for “small sea,” is a large body of water surrounded by eleven acres on 110th Street and Fifth Avenue, featuring a catch-and-release fishing program, pool in the summer months and two playgrounds. The Harlem Meer is also a short walk away from the Conservatory Garden, which features six acres of plant life. Families can enter from the Vanderbilt Gate on 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. There are Magnolia and Lilac trees in the English garden, Crabapple and Yew trees in the Italian garden, and the French garden offers a view of tulips and the “Three Dancing Maidens,” a Walter Schott’s sculpture.

Take a simple walk along Park Avenue between 51st and 67th Street and families can see sculptures designed by artist Rafael Barrios. The Venezuelan artist uses a variety of colors like shades of silver, gray, whites, purples and iridescent blues or opal-like reds. The statues change with the sunlight. What a great way to explore your sense of sight while discovering another form of expression.

A train or shuttle bus ride away and families can explore the Noguchi Museum directly across from Socrates Sculpture Park, which features a beautiful green space with art. At the museum, parents can learn strategies for engaging their child during museum visits and explore art materials as a family. The artist’s sculptures continue throughout the museum and flow to the garden. After the museum, head over to Socrates Sculpture Park where families may explore active art exhibits while enjoying a great view of the city. The Noguchi Museum offers a Sunday shuttle service from Park Avenue and 70th Street for $10 round trip. The shuttle departs at 12:30p.m., 1:30p.m. and 3:30p.m. in front of the Asia Society.

Explore a green space of art, try a new food at an outdoor greenmarket or take a walk down a familiar street and see it in a new way. It is SPRINGTIME!

By Alice Rivera-Herrera, Assistant Teacher at Early Learning Foundations Preschool
Alice is currently in her fourth year of teaching early childhood education and is also an experienced tutor for second grade students in all subjects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and is currently working towards her Master’s in degree in Early Childhood Education.