Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Blossom Festivals on Long Island

Cherry blossoms usher in the spring season at Old Westbury Gardens. Photo courtesy of the garden

Spring has arrived on Long Island, bringing with it a glorious burst of colorful cherry blossoms. These are perfect days to explore some of the area's family-friendly gardens and Long Island's excellent state parks, where displays of delicate pink cherry blossoms and a host of other springtime trees and flowers are in full bloom.

A visit to any one of the beautiful gardens or parks listed below lets your kids experience the vibrancy of the season and see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Searching for more seasonal splendor? Check out our Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids. Or pile the kids in the car and set off on a family day trip to one of the many cherry blossom-filled parks in New York City.

Cherry Blossoms in NYC: Cherry Blossom Festivals and Where to See the Blooms

The Green-Wood Cemetery has gorgeous cherry blossoms and amazing views. Photo by Amy Nieporent

Viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms in New York City or attending a local cherry blossom festival is one of the most delightful rites of spring. In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is taken to almost religious heights. Blooming flowers are carefully watched, enjoyed, and celebrated. Traditional Sakura Hanami parties feature eating, drinking, and music.

There are many places to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms in NYC this spring, and take note—the cherry blossoms are just beginning to burst to life. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms and celebrate whith cherry blossom festivals in New York City this spring. Find more seasonal happenings in our NYC Kids' Guide to Spring Fun.

NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun

Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California just debuted a brand-new land within the park that's Jurassic and fantastic. Dino Valley immerses theme park visitors into the world of dinosaurs with new rides, interactive places to play, and dino-sized LEGO sculptures.

I took my sons (ages 5 and 7) and their best bud (age 6) to check out Dino Valley. In their words, it was the “best day of their lives.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. 

Discover why LEGOLAND is a beloved Southern California theme park, expand your visit with other things to do with kids in Carlsbad, and find more thrills in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.  

Leu Gardens' Glass in Flight 2 Ascends to New Heights

Experience amazing outdoor sculptures of flying insects and birds at Leu Gardens.

Leu Gardens invites families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of its Glass in Flight 2 exhibit, on display now through May 12, 2024. This mesmerizing outdoor attraction showcases 28 sculptures of flying insects and birds, skillfully crafted by renowned artist Alex Heveri. Using colorful glass and powerful steel, Heveri's innovative technique captures the essence of flight, set within the idyllic Leu Gardens.

Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon Near DC with Kids

Kids of all ages will find lots to explore at Mount Vernon. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Washington, DC—home of the Smithsonian—is known for its fantastic free museums. But there are also some great museums in and near DC that are absolutely worth paying to visit. One of them is Mount Vernon, George Washington's home in Alexandria, Virginia. Roughly 15 miles south of DC, Mount Vernon is full of interesting places to explore, historic items to see, and hands-on activities to enjoy.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Mount Vernon, America's most popular historic estate, with kids. Find more great museums to explore, including our list of the best museums for kids in the DC area, in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in DC.

Visit LuminoCity's Dino Safari for Dinosaur -Sized Entertainment

The only thing better than lifesize dinosaurs are ones that light up! Check out LuminoCity's Dino Safari in Lawrenceville until April 28, 2024. Photo courtesy LuminoCity

Go back in time to the land of towering dinosaurs at LuminoCity's Dino Safari Festival in Lawrenceville! This mesmerizing attraction combines the thrill of prehistoric giants with the magic of detailed light sculptures. Children and adults alike will marvel at the realistic dinosaurs and ancient mammals, as well as have an awesome time at the interactive recreation zone, fossil hunt, and more. Get all the details below to plan a visit before the attraction closes on April 28, 2024.

Solar Eclipse 2024 Watching Events in Philly

Protect little eyes when viewing the eclipse.

Get ready for an extraordinary experience as the highly anticipated total solar eclipse of 2024 approaches! Families in Philadelphia are gearing up to witness this rare event together. On Monday, April 8, during the solar eclipse, the moon will pass in front of the sun, casting a captivating shadow and creating moments of darkness in the middle of the day.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, also known as totality, and day momentarily turns into night. At its peak, the sun will be about 85% eclipsed by the moon in our area.

Read on for a list of the best events and destinations for experiencing the solar eclipse 2024 in the Philadelphia area.

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