Just a New York minute!

Spring has sprung in the Big Apple and there are plenty of activities to try if you’re looking for a great day out. Springtime is the time of year when New York City’s streets are filled with blossoms, bright colors, and of course, that special cheerfulness that comes from winter’s end. When planning your New York City vacation, be sure to add a few of these favorite activities to your itinerary to make your trip even more memorable!

Fly Kites in Central Park

April winds are perfect for flying kites in the park. We recommend picking up a kite at FAO Schwarz (at 767 5th Ave, right by the park) before hitting Central Park to fly for awhile. Be sure to stop and get a hot dog or a snow cone before or afterwards, or even have a picnic in the park to enjoy the lovely weather.

Grab Deals at Seasonal Flea Markets

Springtime is also the time when street fairs and outdoor flea markets appear, so be sure to hit up favorites like the Hester Street Fair (Hester St. at Essex St.), Bedford Village Market (Macon St. between Arlington Pl. and Nostrand Ave.), Brooklyn Flea (multiple locations) and the East 67th Street Flea Market (P.S. 183 on East 66th and East 67th Streets) for fabulous finds both new and old.

Go for Ice Cream

Warmer weather is a recipe for happiness – and ice cream! We definitely recommend checking out the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (Baynard St. between Elizabeth and Mott Streets), Dessert Club ChikaLicious (E 10^th Street between First and Second Ave.), Alphabet Scoop (E 11^th Street between Avenues A and B) and the celebrity favorite, Serendipity 3 (E 60^th Street between Second and Third Ave).You can also try tracking down the famous Big Gay Ice Cream Truck by checking Twitter for locations (http://twitter.com/biggayicecream).

Take in a Broadway Show

Springtime is a great time for a show, don’t you think? We think so too! We have several exciting shows opening in the city this spring, including Pippin, Matilda, and Jekyll & Hyde. You can grab tickets to these shows through NYCTrip.com – but don’t wait! These shows are already gaining a ton of buzz, so it’s best to grab your tickets ASAP. We also have Broadway vacation packages for long-running favorites, too!

Besides these activities, you can also go for city standbys, like sightseeing, outdoor brunch, and simply enjoying the energy of the city. There’s always something to do!

Have a springtime activity you’d like to see added to our list? Leave a comment!

Anyone who has traveled to NYC knows that it can sometimes be expensive, however, if you’re strapped for cash, there are a lot of things that you can do without having to break the bank. Take in the best of the city and do so without having to pay a dime when you try these 5 free things to do in New York City:

#1: A Walk in Central Park: This famous NYC attraction is always free to enjoy and no matter what time of year you catch it in, it’s always exciting. Take in the beauty of the Manhattan skyline and enjoy the look and feel of the season. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch a free event in the park to enjoy!

#2: Attend A Free Lecture at The Cooper Union: As the only private, full-scholarship college in the US, Cooper Union is more than just a place for educating students for the professions of art, architecture, and engineering. It’s an experience! If you want to check out this NYC college while getting your intellectual fix, be sure to attend a free lecture. Usually, there a couple of free lectures, book signings or exhibits each month. Past lectures include topics like the Mona Lisa and Rebuilding the City. Check the official Cooper Union events site for more information.

#3: Tour the Chelsea Brewing Company: Are you a fan of beer? Interested on seeing how it’s made? Then check out the free guided tour at Manhattan’s only active brewery. The Chelsea Brewing Company tour (Saturdays 2-6 p.m. on the hour) will take you through the system of brewing and bottling some great beer, which can be pretty interesting to see and learn about! To attend, visit the Chelsea Brewing Company at Chelsea Piers, Pier 59, W. 19th St. at the Hudson River. For more information, 212-336-6440 or chelseabrewingco.com.

#4: Visit the Museum at FIT: The Fashion Institute of Technology is a fixture of Manhattan’s fashion culture and if you’re interested in textiles (or if you want to see some really cool fashions), then you’ll love the Museum at FIT. It’s free, fabulous, and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. 7th Ave at 27th Street. For museum hours, more information, and FAQ’s, check out FITNYC.edu or call 212-217-4558.

#5: Take in a Juilliard Performance: Music and performing arts lovers will enjoy some free entertainment when they take in a free concert performed by Juilliard students. Located at 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, these fabulous events will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your NYC experience. Plus, who knows? You may get to see a new superstar! For more info and to see the listing of student concert events, visit events.juilliard.edu.

Do you have any other suggestions for free things to do in NYC? Share with us in the comments!