As eggs-perts on all things happening in NYC, we’ve hunted down the best plans going on this year for Easter. So if you’re stuck on what to do and where to eat during this upcoming holiday, fear not, we have incredible ideas that no-bunny could resist!
We’ve created the ultimate guide to Easter in NYC to help you find all of the best happenings this Easter Sunday. See it below:
1. Feast on an Easter Brunch
Easter morning isn’t the same without a delicious brunch, and NYC’s restaurants have prepared themselves with specialty menus for the holiday! Chow down on French Toast, Greek Style Omeletas, Truffle Eggs Benedict, and so many more dishes at one of these delicious spots. Many of these places even have gorgeous outdoor dining sections that can be reserved for you and your family. Check out our favorite Easter brunches that deserve your reservation here.
2. Attend the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
Celebrating lavish bonnets, costumes, and decor, this annual parade and festival on Fifth Ave has been a NYC tradition each Easter since the 1870s. On Easter Sunday (March 31), everyone is invited to show up to St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 10 am to view the variety of elaborate and gorgeous period costumes. The parade will march north on Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street until 4 pm. For the most fun, we suggest bringing along your own whimsical bonnet and joining in on the action! Let your pastel colors shine!
Where: Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th St
When: March 31, 10 am – 4 pm
3. Compete in the Governors Island Egg Hunt
Are you ready for the largest egg hunt New York City has ever seen? On March 30 from 10 am – 3 pm, 50,000 painted, candy filled eggs will be scattered around Governors Island, waiting to be discovered for potential island-themed prizes and giveaways! The hunt is free to join and open to all ages! In addition to the large hunt, there will also be smaller hunts for certain age groups, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, a magic show, and so much more! Read more about it here.
Where: Parade Ground on Governors Island
When: April 8, 10 am – 4 pm
4. Go to the Barnyard Egg Hunt
One of the most historic farmed lands in New York is hosting their annual egg hunt again this year! The Barnyard Egg Hunt at the Queens Country Farm Museum will take place on both March 23 and March 30 for children of all ages and families to have a great holiday! Alongside their egg scavenger hunt, kids and adults alike are welcomed to enjoy an array of outdoor games, hayrides, food vendors, photos with Whiskers the Bunny and so much more! Be sure to bring your own basket!
Where: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens
When: March 23 & 30
5. Sail on an Easter cruise
With spring in full bloom and the weather starting to get nicer, it’s time to sail the NYC waters on a food cruise! Whether you’re looking for a bright and early Easter brunch cruise or something a little more fancy for dinner, there’s plenty of options at your fingertips. Check out our favorite Easter cruises below and book your tickets before it’s too late!
- Premier Easter Brunch Cruise
- Easter Fun Cruise with Egg Hunt
- Bateaux New York Easter Premier Plus Brunch Cruise
- Premier Easter Dinner Cruise
- Easter Weekend Party Cruise
- Bateaux New York Easter Premier Plus Dinner Cruise
6. Springtopia at Seaport
Spend Easter weekend at the Seaport, taking part in one of their varying amount of activities. Both Seaport Square and The Rooftop at Pier 17 will be having kids events all afternoon long on March 30, including dance parties with Hypedance, face painting, spring wreath-making, egg races, and opportunities for selfies with the Easter Bunny. The events in Seaport Square are free, with additional ticketed activities on the rooftop like spring cookie decorating, egg basket creation, and an egg hunt. All details can be found here.
Where: Seaport District
When: March 30, 11 am – 2 pm
7. Spend time at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Get ready for two days of “eggstravagant” fun at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan! On Easter weekend, this museum will be hosting all sorts activities for children, including their annual Easter Scavenger Hunt Festival. Have your child scout the museum for different eggs, with each one representing different animals. Plus, they can take partake in other happenings too like crafting a pair of bunny ear headbands as well as designing their own Easter baskets and eggs. Learn more here.
Where: 212 W 83rd St
When: March 29-31 (10 am – 4:45 pm at various times)
8. Easter events at The Plaza
The Plaza is hosting a few egg-straodinary Easter events this year, including an afternoon tea at The Palm Court happening all Easter week long, as well as a special Easter Egg hunt happening throughout the hotel on Easter Sunday. Learn more about The Plaza’s Easter offerings here.
9. The East Midtown Easter Egg Hunt
The East Midtown Partnership is proudly hosting an Easter Egg hunt all week long through March 30! Kids under 12 are invited to stop by local businesses around the East Midtown neighborhood to grab candy-stuffed eggs! There’s even one special golden egg at each location that comes with a hidden prize! Learn more about The East Midtown Easter Egg Hunt here.
10. Stop and smell the flowers at New York Botanical Garden
It’s no secret by now that we love the New York Botanical Garden and their current Orchid Show happening right now. Take some time this Easter weekend and walk the gravel paths of the gardens, taking in wafts of gorgeous flowers and snapping a picture here and there too. You’ll be fully welcomed into spring after you spend time immersed in florals, a picturesque waterfall, and so much more. Read more about The Orchid Show here.
🌸 Buy your tickets to The New York Botanical Garden here!
Where: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
11. Season opening of La Barca Cantina
Step onto NYC’s only floating Mexican restaurant this Easter weekend, as La Barca Cantina sets to make its season debut! The three-story boat is docked at Pier 81 on the Hudson River, and makes trips around the water with its first sail on Easter Sunday! Is there a better way to celebrate than with tacos and tequila? Learn more about La Barca Cantina’s opening here.
12. Visit an NYC chocolate shop
There’s still time to grab a last-minute chocolate covered bunny or pile of Easter eggs from an NYC chocolate shop! You may as well grab a hot chocolate too, or maybe even some specialty truffles. Check out our list of the best chocolate shops in NYC right here!
13. Macy’s Flower Show
Macy’s annual flower show has bloomed again, and the decadent display is a great Easter activity! Stroll around the flagship store in Herald Square and be mesmerized by the floral exhibit in partnership with Dior. It’s free to visit as well. Learn more about the Macy’s Flower Show here.
14. Easter Hoppy Hour at The William Vale
Feel like a kid again at The William Vale, where they’ll be hosting their Easter Hoppy Hour on March 31 from 2 – 5 pm. The adults-only Easter event will happen at the hotel’s rooftop, The Turf Club, where visitors can hunt for Easter Eggs, build your own Bloody Mary, and more. Learn more about the event here.
15. Shop and eat local around Bronx Little Italy
The Bronx’s Little Italy is one of our favorite emerging neighborhoods, and for this year’s holiday, it’s a great place to stop and shop for some Easter goodies! Spend some time during Easter weekend grabbing foods like Easter Egg Bread from Addeo & Sons Bakery, Madonia Bakery & Terranova Bakery or Chocolate Easter Eggs from Cerini Coffee & Gifts and Marie’s Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans & Gifts!