Hudson Yards is now open—here's what families can look forward to

Kids can take in the springtime sun as they stroll through the cherry blossoms of Randall's Island. They'll also have the opportunity to get their faces painted, fly kites, enjoy live music and experience Japanese culture with an Origami studio, plus get a chance to try on a kimono. Meet at Fields 62 and 63. All ages.

You might think you've been transported to Japan thanks to Brooklyn Botanic Garden's legendary festival. Welcoming the peak of the cherry blossom season, the Japanese tradition of Sakuri Matsuri celebrates spring, the arts and the great outdoors with a slew of cultural arts and merry making. Expect performances, tea ceremonies, games and more. All ages.

We're longing for spring—warm temperatures, blue skies and, of course, flowers. Fortunately, the New York Botanical Garden is here to deliver with its annual Orchid Show. Visitors can expect a taste of Singapore right here in NYC thanks to the 2019 theme. "Singapore" celebrates the Asian "City in a Garden," and we're certainly adding it to our list of things to do. Be sure to take a look at the festival's programming, which includes an insiders tour for budding botanists, orchid care demonstrations and q&a session. Mom and Dad, if you're calling the babysitter for a night off, you might want to consider enjoying an Orchid Evening ($38) complete with cocktails, music and naturally, the beautiful display. Learn more about "The Orchid Show: Singapore" here. All ages. 

Spring is in the air! Families can make their way to the Brooklyn Children's Museum for Holi Hooray!, a spring Indian Color Festival that will include a day of art, dance and food. The highlight of the afternoon is the outdoor color powder procession and extravaganza, so come dressed in white and ready to get completely covered in (non-toxic, washable) powder to look like a walking rainbow. All ages. 

New York’s biggest block party hits town once more, offering free access to six museums (from the Met to the Museum of the City of New York) along a car-free mile sprinkled with music, art and entertainment. Kids can color up the sidewalk with chalk, get their faces painted, and enjoy performances. Stop in to enjoy amazing exhibits celebrating many different cultures and styles at El Museo Del Barrio, the Jewish Museum, Guggenheim and more. The festival runs along Fifth Avenue between 82nd St and 105th St. All ages.  

Don't just hug a tree at the garden's festival — celebrate them! Nature specialists and seasoned gardeners will be on hand to guide kids through the gardens, plus families can check out craft vendors, watch a puppet show, meet zoo animals, get their faces painted, listen to live music, participate in workshops and more. Parents can also indulge in the beer tent. Check the website for the full schedule. All ages.

At NYC's annual Earth Day celebration in Union Square, tots (and their parents) can see live performances, participate in family-friendly DIY activities and watch as local environmentally conscious businesses put on various displays. In NYC, this event is an Earth Day tradition. All ages.

Even farm animals need a little touchup in the hair, er, fur department. At the Queens County Farm's annual sheep shearing event, families will also be able to check out shearing and wool spinning demos, enjoy crafts, local food vendors, music and much more. All ages. 

The Japan Society NYC hosts this traditional children’s festival with a lively and interactive production of “Momotaro,” a story about a superhuman boy who saves his village from an evil oni, or ogre, with the help of his animal friends. Before the performance, kids can participate in fun cultural activities, including making samurai helmets, carp streamers and masks that will serve as props during the show. If hunger strikes, vendors will be selling tasty treats such as kashiwa mocha (sweet sticky rice cakes that come wrapped in an oak leaf) and chimaki (bamboo leaf filled with rice paste). Ages 3–10.