If you are beginning to hallucinate a desert oasis in the sea of ice that is currently blanketing New York City, it’s high time you took a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to absorb a heavy dose of Vitamin D from the heat lamps in the tropical greenhouses. Stop and take a deep breath of simulated humidity – I mean, warm island air. Spend some time communing with the cacti, ferns and bromeliads. Smell a flower. It will do your body good. On your way out, ease back into wintertime by taking a stroll through the frost covered Japanese zen gardens. If you go on a Tuesday, this entire experience will be as free as snow.

Date & Time: Tues – Fri: 8am – 4:30pm, Weekends 10am – 6pm
Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: 1000 Washington Avenue / Brooklyn NY 11225
Directions: 2 or 3 to Eastern Parkway gets you directly to the main entrance (more options here)
Price: Free on Tuesday (more info on admissions here)