New York City transforms into a springtime wonderland during Easter, blending festive traditions with the energy of the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re hunting for eggs beneath skyscrapers, savoring brunch with skyline views, or soaking in Broadway magic, NYC offers endless ways to celebrate. To help you craft an unforgettable holiday, we’ve curated the top Easter-themed tours, family deals, and local tips—all bookable via GetYourGuide with exclusive affiliate links. Let’s dive in!
10 Top Easter Tours & Family Deals in NYC
1. Easter Egg Hunt Adventure Tour
Dive into a whimsical scavenger hunt spanning Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace, Wollman Rink, and Rockefeller Center’s iconic plaza. Designed for families, this 2-hour guided adventure blends NYC history with Easter lore, challenging kids to solve riddles tied to landmarks like Belvedere Castle and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Collect golden eggs for prizes, including chocolates and mini NYC souvenirs. Learn how Easter traditions like egg rolling evolved in the city.
Insider Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a spot—this tour fills fast! Bring a small bag for collected eggs and wear comfy shoes for walking. Guides often share lesser-known Easter trivia, so keep ears peeled.
Location & Time: Starts at Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain; multiple time slots.
Discover amazing events near Central Park
2. NYC Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (Easter Special)
Cruise through Manhattan on a double-decker bus adorned with Easter décor, featuring live commentary about NYC’s quirky Easter history, from the origins of the Fifth Avenue Parade to the Rockefeller Center’s floral displays. Hop off at stops like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Washington Square Park for mini egg hunts. Includes a free plush bunny or themed tote bag. Perfect for photo ops at pastel-decorated storefronts in SoHo.
Insider Tip: Sit on the upper deck’s front row for unobstructed views. Download the bus app for real-time tracking to maximize your hopping efficiency.
Location & Time: Departs from Times Square daily, 9 AM–5 PM (March 28–31, 2025).
Secure a spot on a New York City Adventure Bus Tour
3. Easter Brunch Cruise on the Hudson
Sail past Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline aboard a luxury yacht with a gourmet buffet featuring smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, and Easter-themed desserts like carrot cake cupcakes. Live jazz musicians perform springtime classics, while kids enjoy face painting and egg-decorating stations. Glass-enclosed decks ensure views rain or shine. A mimosa toast for adults and mocktails for kids add festive flair.
Insider Tip: Request a window seat when booking for prime skyline views. Arrive early for a welcome mimosa and family photos on the deck.
Book an unforgettable brunch cruse on the Hudson
4. Broadway Easter Family Deal: The Lion King
Experience Disney’s The Lion King with discounted group tickets for Easter weekend. The matinee features a special pre-show Easter greeting from Timon and Pumbaa puppets. Post-show, meet costumed characters like Simba and Nala in the lobby for photos. The production’s vibrant costumes and African-inspired music make it a hit for all ages. Check for bundle deals including themed snacks like “hakuna matata” popcorn buckets.
Insider Tip: Opt for orchestra seats—kids love seeing the actors up close. Check the lobby for free Easter-themed activity booklets before the show.
Secure a spot in a Broadway venue
5. Harlem Gospel Brunch Experience
Celebrate Easter Sunday at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater with a soul-stirring gospel choir performance and a Southern-style buffet of fried chicken, collard greens, and peach cobbler. The 2-hour event includes a Q&A with choir members and a mini-history lesson on gospel’s roots in NYC. Kids receive Easter candy bags, while adults savor sweet tea and coffee. A joyous, intergenerational celebration of faith and culture.
Insider Tip: Dress in semi-formal attire—many locals wear Easter best. Stay after the performance to chat with the choir for a heartfelt cultural exchange.
Book a Harlem gospel concert ticket
6. Central Park Spring Walking Tour
Wander through Central Park’s cherry blossom groves near the Reservoir, Shakespeare Garden’s tulip beds, and the tranquil Conservatory Water. Guides share tales of Easter picnics dating back to the 1800s and point out hidden ducklings in the Pond. The tour ends with a hot cocoa break at Sheep Meadow, where you’ll receive a map of the park’s best spring blooms. Binoculars provided for birdwatching!
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic blanket to relax post-tour. Guides often point out hidden ducklings and blooming magnolias—perfect for photos.
Discover exciting activities at Central Park
7. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Easter Weekend Pass
Explore 52 acres of springtime splendor, including the Cherry Esplanade’s pink blooms and the Fragrance Garden’s hyacinths. Family workshops include Easter basket weaving with local artisans and seedling potting for kids. Don’t miss the “Eggstravaganza” scavenger hunt with clues tied to botanical facts. Adults can join guided tours of the Bonsai Museum’s rare specimens. Food trucks serve hot cross buns and lavender lemonade.
Insider Tip: Visit the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden early for serene photos. Check the schedule for free Easter craft sessions at the Visitor Center.
Visit the NY Botanical Garden
8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Tour & Easter Mass
Join a 45-minute guided tour of this Gothic marvel, highlighting its 8,000-pipe organ and stained-glass windows. Stay for Easter Mass, featuring the cathedral’s renowned choir performing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The 10 AM service includes a procession with incense and floral bouquets. Pre-booked guests receive a commemorative prayer card and priority seating. A spiritual highlight for all denominations.
Insider Tip: Attend the 10 AM Mass for the grandest choir performance. Silence phones—ushers enforce a strict no-photo policy during services.
Discover exciting activities near St Patrick’s Cathedral.
9. Family Combo: Top of the Rock + Easter Activities
Soak in 360-degree views from the 70th-floor observatory, then enjoy Easter-themed activities like a scavenger hunt to spot landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Central Park. The activity book includes puzzles, coupons for Magnolia Bakery’s Easter cupcakes, and a voucher for a nearby egg hunt at Paley Park. Twilight visits offer dazzling sunset panoramas.
Insider Tip: Visit at sunset for golden-hour cityscapes. Redeem activity books at the gift shop—they include coupons for nearby bakeries.
Explore fun activities near Crysler Park.
10. Easter-themed NYC Bus Tour with Live Guide
This 2-hour ride winds through Midtown and the Upper East Side, passing Grand Central’s flower-adorned Vanderbilt Hall, Bergdorf Goodman’s extravagant window displays, and the historic Easter Parade route on Fifth Avenue. The guide shares tales of NYC’s most lavish Easter parties from the Gilded Age. Kids receive Easter trivia cards with prizes for correct answers.
Insider Tip: Ask the guide for the best spots to watch the Easter Parade afterward. Front seats have better access to the guide’s Q&A.
Take advantage of amazing NYC touring bus deals.
Must-See Easter Events in NYC
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- Fifth Avenue Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival: Don your most creative hat and join the procession! Free to attend; starts at 10 AM near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
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- Central Park Egg Hunts: Multiple hunts cater to different age groups, with golden egg prizes. Check NYC Parks’ website for 2025 dates.
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- Easter Services at Riverside Church: A nondenominational sunrise service with breathtaking views over the Hudson River.
Local Tips for a Seamless Easter Getaway
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- Book Early: Tours and brunch cruises sell out fast. Reserve via GetYourGuide for flexible cancellation.
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- Stay Central: Midtown hotels (e.g., The Roosevelt) offer easy access to the parade and Broadway.
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- Dine Smart: Secure Easter brunch reservations at hotspots like Balthazar or Sarabeth’s weeks ahead.
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- Layer Up: April weather can be unpredictable—pack a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Final Thoughts
With this guide, you’re ready to hop into an unforgettable Easter holiday in NYC! From egg hunts with skyline backdrops to soul-stirring gospel brunches, these curated experiences promise magic for all ages. Don’t forget to use the affiliate links above to snag deals and support our blog. Happy Easter, and enjoy the city in bloom!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book via our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our work!
Ready to plan? NYC’s Easter charm awaits—start booking your adventures today! 🌸🐣
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