After a long, chilly winter hibernating indoors, spring breathes new life into the city. If you’re planning on moving to Long Island or Queens, you’re in luck: One of the best ways to experience the change of seasons is by spending an hour — or an afternoon — getting back to nature in a local park.

From Queens to Long Island, head to these scenic green spaces to experience the spring season.

Long Beach Boardwalk and Beach Park

When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to be than the beach—Long Beach Boardwalk and Beach Park. Take a stroll or bike ride along the two miles of boardwalk and enjoy some ice cream.

Spring is a great time to visit Long Beach Park as it’s usually less crowded. Plus, migratory bird species are active this time of year.

Bring a picnic and set up on the lawn, or head down to the sand to watch the surfers and build a sandcastle. After Memorial Day, remember that you’ll need a pass to visit on the weekends.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

If you’re seeking that perfect spring mix of history and nature, Flushing Meadows Corona Park fits the bill. Set in the heart of Queens, the park has a long, rich history still evident today.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park was the site of two World’s Fairs, and many features remain today, such as the 12-story Unisphere, the New York Hall of Science, and thousands of trees planted decades ago.

When you’ve had your fill of history, head outdoors. You can bike, jog, or walk on the park’s many trails, rent a paddle boat or kayak, or play tennis, soccer, volleyball, cricket, or baseball.

Alley Pond Park

Queens’ own Alley Pond Park has it all if you’re looking for some springtime adventure. Here, you can test your skill on a high ropes adventure course, try your hand at fishing, and even learn to use a compass through the budget-friendly classes at the park’s Adventure Program.

If you’d rather just relax and enjoy nature’s beauty, the park offers more than 600 acres to explore. Sprinkled with lakes and waterways, Alley Pond Park is home to a diverse ecosystem of reclaimed salt and freshwater wetlands, tidal flats, and forests. It’s the perfect place to go bird-watching. In spring, stroll through the park’s meadows and check out the wildflowers as they bloom for the season.

The second largest park in Queens — also has a rich history. Set in a valley bordered by glacial boulders (hence the name “Alley”), the park was part of George Washington’s tour of the region in the late 18th century.

After months of chilly temperatures and inclement weather, spring is the perfect time to shrug off that heavy coat and head outside. Best of all, you can experience the great outdoors without leaving the city. Parks in Long Island and Queens make it easy to return to nature.

If you’re planning a move to Queens or Long Island, don’t do all the heavy lifting alone. We can help make your move stress-free. Contact us for a free quote.