April Activities to Take Advantage of in New York City While You’re Learning English March 29, 2018

If you remember from my posts last year around this time, I tend to get a bit more jovial due to the warmer days, longer sunshine periods, and pops of color coming out of hibernation from the long and dreary winter. This is the time of year that I’ll open my windows and feel inspired to clean my apartment, pull out my lighter jackets, and head back outside after months of staying in to avoid the harsh winter temperatures. If you’re anything like me, you’ll start looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the cooperative weather and also look for unique and original things to do in New York City. If you think you’re running out of ideas, think again—I’ve got you covered with a few great ideas below.

If you’re new to the English language as well as New York City, I’ve included ways that you can practice your English while you’re at these events so your textbook learning can extend outside the classroom. From interacting with other event-goers to wishing your friends a “Happy Spring!” you’ll be able to exercise your English vocabulary and boost your confidence so you can step out this April with a little “spring” in your step!

1. Easter Parade – Sunday, April 1

Easter is another fun holiday celebrated all over the world, and of course, New York City is no exception. This year, the Easter parade starts at 49^th Street and runs up Fifth Avenue to 57^th Street. People will often come dressed in their Sunday best, as it can often be seen as “Easter Sunday Mass.” Be sure to dress warm, as this time of year can be hit or miss with warm weather! Practice your English by asking people if they went on an egg hunt or ask the children if the Easter Bunny came for a visit. It’s a jovial celebration, so you’ll be greeted with lots of smiles. Plus, don’t be surprised if you’re showered with lots of candy or goodies, as vendors on floats might gift the parade-goers with fun and seasonal treats. So “hop” on over to Fifth Avenue just before the 10 am start so you can see it all go down—and if you play your cards right, you could catch sight of the Easter Bunny himself!

2. The 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk – Sunday, April 22

If you’re an active person, I highly suggest participating in this run. I ran last year, and I have to say—it was a blast, and it was also quite the humbling experience as we ran our way around the memorial. The path takes you through all over Lower Manhattan, granting you incredible sights of the city and the water. But the best part is that all proceeds benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, so not only will you be getting in some great exercise, but you’ll be contributing to a wonderful cause. After the run, there are tons of food trucks, booths, and activities so that you can practice your English with these vendors. You can chat about the run, the product they’re sampling, or even the weather—it’s a great opportunity to put your English skills to use.

3. Spring Festival – Sunday, April 29

What better way to welcome spring with an actual celebration that honors the arrival of the season? If you’re up for a quick trip to Queens, be sure to check out all the features available with this festival. Vendors will be setting up booths with food and drink, activities for the kids, like face painting, puppet shows, and even a petting zoo, and of course, tons of live music. You’ll be able to put your English social skills to great use by interacting with other attendees—help them with directions, ask others where they got their food or drink, or even say, “Happy Spring!” to others around you. The warm weather and sunshine tends to lighten everyone’s mood, so you won’t have to worry about getting any kind of dirty looks! So pull out your light spring jacket, your most stylish shades, and some comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring.

If you’re new to New York City and to the English language, don’t worry about getting lost in the spring shuffle; these activities will not only gear you up for the upcoming warm season, but you’ll get plenty of English language practice.