Spring is in the air, and few sights capture the magic of the season like cherry blossoms. While many flock to New York City’s parks to catch a glimpse, families in the know head to the East End of Long Island, where a quieter, equally stunning display awaits.

Cherry blossoms put on their best show starting in mid-April, with each tree flaunting its blooms for about 10 days. But nature loves to keep us guessing — recent years have seen these beauties make an early debut as soon as March.

If you’re planning a spring adventure with your kids, here’s how to make the most of cherry blossom season in the Hamptons, complete with fun side trips, picnic ideas, and creative crafts inspired by nature.

Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms on the East End

Start your day with a visit to some of the best cherry blossom viewing locations:

• Greenport Village Cherry Blossom Festival (Greenport): Named one of the prettiest towns in America, Greenport hosts a self-guided walking tour featuring 300+ cherry blossom trees. The festival runs from April 7th to June 6th, offering themed refreshments and gifts from local shops. Maps are available at participating shops and the AgroCouncil information center at the Greenporter Hotel.
• Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay): This 400-acre estate boasts formal gardens, trails, and greenhouses. Visit mid-April through mid-May to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Don’t miss the Arbor Day Festival on April 29-30, featuring family activities like a petting zoo, live shows, and a visit from Smokey the Bear.
• Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival (Stony Brook):The Charles B. Wang Center will host its annual celebration of spring blooms and Japanese culture on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy taiko drumming, traditional dances, martial arts, and hands-on workshops like bonsai, calligraphy, origami, and manga drawing. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite manga character.
• Argyle Park (Babylon): Located in Babylon Village, Argyle Park surrounds a picturesque lake and comes alive with cherry blossoms in mid-April. Families can enjoy a peaceful walk, followed by stops at The Toy Box, Sweetie’s Ice Cream and Mini Doughnuts, and Amityville Books on Main Street.
• Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury): This grand estate features formal gardens and landscapes that bloom with cherry blossoms and other spring flora from mid-April to mid-May. Families can explore the grounds on their own or join a guided tour to learn about the estate’s history.
• Mill Neck Manor (Mill Neck): Known for its historic charm, Mill Neck Manor’s landscaped grounds burst with cherry blossoms in mid to late April. It’s a peaceful spot for a family stroll and a popular location for springtime photography.

Picnic and Snack Ideas

Cherry blossoms and picnics go hand-in-hand. Pack a basket full of fresh, kid-approved treats inspired by springtime flavors:

• Blossom Bento Box: Include bite-sized sandwiches shaped like flowers using cookie cutters, fresh fruit like strawberries and grapes, and a small container of yogurt for dipping.
• DIY Trail Mix: Let the kids create their own blend of dried cherries, almonds, mini pretzels, and white chocolate chips before heading out.
• Locally Made Goodies: Pick up fresh pastries at Armin & Judy in Bridgehampton or artisanal cheeses and bread from Loaves & Fishes Foodstore in Sagaponack.

Cherry Blossom-Inspired Crafts

Bring the beauty of the blossoms back home with simple, nature-inspired crafts:

• Handprint Cherry Blossom Trees: Trace your child’s hand and forearm on brown paper for the tree trunk and branches. Add pink tissue paper blossoms for a keepsake they’ll be proud to display.
• Laced Paper Plate Cherry Blossom Tree: Build hand-eye coordination with this easy lacing craft, featuring pink and white pom pom blossoms, green string, a green paper plate, and construction paper.
• Blossom Crown: Make cherry blossoms out of crepe paper to create a wearable crown — a fun accessory for a springtime photo shoot!

A Day of Discovery and Delight

From exploring the East End’s cherry blossoms to enjoying family-friendly activities and crafts, spring is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and spark creativity. To keep the creativity going, drop by the Shine NYC studio in Bridgehampton for more hands-on art, storytelling, and imaginative play. Whether it’s painting cherry blossoms on canvas or designing nature-themed crafts, our workshops are designed to inspire kids (and parents) all year long. See you there!