Sensory Friendly and Engaging Activities to Explore This Spring: Help Grow Speech and Language Skills: A NYC Speech Therapist’s Suggestions and Recommendations
Springtime is my favorite time of the year to explore all the amazing offerings around the city for children and families.
The warm weather is a perfect time to take a walk with the kids and family to explore all the incredible, creative sensory friendly activities abound the New York City streets this spring season!
Here are some of my most treasured activities and coveted spots around the city to explore this spring season.
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and The Cherry Blossom Festival
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival and events is an annual treat – not to be missed.
These activities kick off the spring season in this popular Brooklyn neighborhood – commonly referred to as “Weekends in Bloom.”
The Cherry Blossom fun and festivities take place this year from April 26 – May 11, 2026, featuring live music, tours, and other special surprises.
The Hanami Nights night time events are scheduled for April 21–24, 2026, and require tickets.
Peak blooming dates typically begin at the end of April. However, you can view the cherry blossom trees flourishing – from late March – all the way through early May.
So definitely put this activity on your spring to-do list!
This time in nature, fresh air, beautiful flowers and fragrant smells – will instantly put your mind, body and soul at ease.
Governor’s Island – Earth Day 2026
Earth Day 2026 on Governor’s Island is taking place on April 18th, 2026 from 10am -2pm. There will be free activities for the whole family.
Highlights will include: ecological education, walking tours, an outdoor soundbath, science and tech demonstrations, and more in store.
Governor’s Island is a magical place that is a short ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building – located at 10 South Street in Downtown Manhattan. It is open year round to the public from 7am-6pm, daily.
Governor’s Island is a sprawling 120 acres of green open space – right here in New York City! This island is car free – so kids can enjoy biking and walking – stress free!
Recreational activities include: biking, slide hill, hammock grove, lavender fields, and picnic and grilling areas. There are also various beverage and food vendors – for those hungry tummies – after all that biking and running!
So, put on those comfortable sneakers and take a trip to Governor’s Island for the Earth Day celebrations on April 18th, or pick a warm spring day to go for a peaceful stroll or bike ride – followed by a delicious picnic lunch on the grassy lawns!
The Sea Glass Carousel – at The Battery
The Sea Glass Carousel is a special and immersive experience for your family. This is a unique ocean themed carousel. It is a multisensory, playful and engaging experience for children.
This playful ride includes: beautiful art, lots of movement, calming music, and colorful lights. Riders sit inside one of the captivating fish for a magic ride of fun!
The Sea Glass Carousel is located off State Street within the Woodland SeaGlass. And all riders under 42 inches in height must be accompanied by an adult.
I have taken many of my students on field trips to this amazingly immersive ride of wonder and beauty.
I highly recommend it – the kids are always filled with smiles, gazes of wonder, and lots of stories to share – on the way back to the clinic!
I hope these springtime adventures help to motivate the whole family to get out and enjoy that warmer weather and lighter days coming along!
I invite you to put on those walking shoes and explore the amazing activities all around the city this Spring!
I would love to hear what some of your favorite springtime activities are to enjoy around your neighborhood. Drop me a line – I love exploring new finds!
At Chatty Child, we can help your children embrace their differences – finding calm, clarity and creativity in their everyday lives.
Our experienced speech and occupational therapists can assess your child’s communication needs, while crafting a perfectly tailored sensory environment, program, or field trip – for your child to thrive and succeed.
Chatty Child is a bespoke, neurodivergent affirming, and fully equipped sensory gym. We are here to support all your child’s speech and occupational therapy needs.
I invite you to schedule a tour – to discover the support waiting for your child – at Chatty Child.
We are here to help. Let’s create voices, calm kids, and limitless possibilities – together!
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP
Begin Children’s Speech Therapy for Learning Success in NYC
At Chatty Child, we believe every child deserves to feel capable, confident, and successful in the classroom. If your child is struggling with focus, organization, reading, peer relationships, or self-expression at school, we’re here to provide the individualized support they need to thrive. Here’s how to get started:
- Contact us or call 347.491.4451 for a free 15-minute conversation to discuss the classroom challenges your child is facing and how speech therapy can help.
- Schedule a comprehensive evaluation that may include school observations to understand your child’s needs in their actual learning environment.
- Begin individualized therapy sessions with goals focused on the skills that support classroom success—from auditory processing to executive functioning to speaking confidence.
- Collaborate with your child’s educational team through regular communication, team meetings, and shared strategies that create consistency across home and school.
Your child doesn’t need to struggle alone. With the right support, they can build the communication foundations that make learning joyful, friendships easier, and confidence possible.
Holistic Speech and Occupational Therapy Services for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we support children as they develop the communication, cognitive, and social-emotional skills that help them thrive at home, in school, and in their wider community. Our approach looks at the whole child, recognizing that language development is deeply connected to learning, relationships, and self-confidence.
Our offerings include:
- Speech Therapy – Individualized, play-based sessions that enhance language, articulation, social communication, and confidence in real-world interactions.
- InterAct – A story-driven, imaginative program that strengthens language, connection, and self-assurance through creative play.
- Occupational Therapy – Guidance in sensory integration, fine motor skills, and fostering independence in daily routines.
- Hum Studios – Mindfulness, meditation, and compassion-based classes designed for accessibility at all ages and abilities.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual sessions for speech and occupational therapy, serving families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Customized academic support to boost reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition strategies that promote focus, regulation, and overall developmental health.
- Consulting – Collaborative guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children thrive in multiple environments.
- Group Programs – Small-group sessions fostering communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Meet Heather: Expertise Guided by Compassion and Insight
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a nationally certified and New York–licensed speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience delivering pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her approach blends professional expertise with mindfulness practices, trauma-informed care, and the perspective of living as a neurodivergent, differently-abled individual.
Motivated by both personal insight and clinical experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice centered on creative, individualized support for children. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team provide in-person services at their Tribeca clinic as well as virtual therapy sessions throughout New York State, empowering children to strengthen communication skills and express themselves confidently in everyday life.
