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Blooming Adventures: Fun Things to Do in Spring

By Anna Pasinkoff March 20, 2025


As spring blooms in Nassau County, Garden City and Hempstead offer numerous activities for residents and visitors alike. Here's your comprehensive guide to enjoying the season in these vibrant Long Island communities.

Garden City Highlights

  • Garden City Bird Sanctuary: Visit this 9-acre nature preserve during peak migration season. Open weekends from April through October, offering guided nature walks and bird watching opportunities.
  • Roosevelt Field Mall: Enjoy spring shopping at Long Island's largest shopping destination, featuring over 250 stores and seasonal events.

Hempstead Activities

  • Hempstead Lake State Park: Perfect for spring picnics, fishing, and hiking. The park features three ponds and miles of trails that come alive with spring wildflowers.
  • Hofstra University Arboretum: Explore 240 acres of beautiful grounds showcasing spring blooms. The campus features labeled specimens and walking paths open to the public.
  • Hempstead Plains Preserve: Visit one of the few remaining grassland prairies in the East, featuring unique spring wildflowers and native plants.

Family-Friendly Events

  • Spring Festival at Kennedy Memorial Park (April 9th)
  • Farmers Markets opening in both communities
  • Youth sports leagues beginning their spring seasons 
    • West Hempstead Chiefs Soccer Club 
    • Town of Hemsptead Lacrosse Academy 

Cultural Activities

  • Cathedral of the Incarnation: Attend spring concerts and cultural events
  • Hofstra Museum: Visit rotating exhibitions and sculpture gardens
  • African American Museum of Nassau County: Special spring programming and exhibits

Outdoor Recreation

  • Cherry Valley Golf Course (Garden City)
  • Garden City Tennis Courts (open spring through fall)
  • Hempstead's various community parks and playgrounds

Remember to check local community calendars for specific dates and times of seasonal events, as they may vary yearly.