The Best Family-Friendly Activities in Queens
Things To Do With Kids in Queens
Located on the eastern side of New York City, Queens is the largest borough geographically. It has a more suburban atmosphere and it moves at a slightly more relaxed pace. This borough has a down-to-earth quality that still offers easy access to everything that the city has to offer. Queens is also a very diverse borough and you can enjoy the many different ethnic restaurants and cultural opportunities that are available here.The relaxed pace makes Queens an excellent place to explore with kids. There are a number of fun family-friendly activities in the area including museums, parks, playgrounds, and festivals. Below are some of our favorite places to explore with kids.
Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY, 11106
Fantasy Forest at Flushing Meadows Carousel
More than just a carousel, the Fantasy Forest has a variety of smaller rides ideal for younger children such as a small coaster, teacups, and more. The carousel itself it historic and has a variety of gorgeous horses and other animals to ride, as it was built for the 1964 World's Fair by combining pieces from previous carousels. It's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These rides are located next to the Queens Zoo.
5351 111th St., Queens, New York, 11368
If you're looking for more information about New York City, read Romantic Places to Visit in New York City and An Art Lover's Guide to New York City.
Rockaway Beach & Jacob Riis Park
Rockaway Beach is located in Queens and is accessible with public transportation. Here you can find some nice sand, fairly calm waves, and a relaxed crowd. In the summer months, especially on weekends it can get a bit crowded as this is one of the most accessible beaches to the city. A large section of this beach is Jacob Riis Park which is a National Recreation Area managed by the NPS. Here you'll find several historic art deco buildings in addition to the wide sandy beach (and a sizeable parking area).
125 Beach 135th Street, NYC, New York, 11694
Queens Zoo
This 18-acre zoo in Flushing Meadows is home to a huge collection of animal exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. Don't miss the sea lions, bison, bald eagles, and other animals from the Americas. The farm animal section is a popular favorite with the little kids, too.
Corona, NYC, New York
Queens Botanical Gardens
Located at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing in Queens, the 39 acres of the Queens Botanical Gardens features rose, bee, herb, wedding, and perennial gardens, as well as an arboretum, art gallery, and more. They also host seasonal events, children's activities, and community classes.
13598 Elder Avenue, Murray Hill, NYC, New York, 11355
New York Hall of Science
This hands on science and technology museum has more than 400 exhibits that focus on biology, chemistry, and physics. It's perfect for kids and adults who are interested in engineering, math, and science. There are exhibits about robots, outer space, design, and light.
47-01 111th St, Queens, NY, 11368
Queens Museum
The most impressive exhibit at this museum is The Panorama of the City of York, which is an almost 10,000 square foot scale model of the city and its five boroughs. The museum is housed on the grounds of two World's Fairs, and it continues to grow in size and popularity.
New York City Building, Meridian Rd, Queens, NY, 11368
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This beautiful park has many flowers, green spaces, outdoor art, and cultural institutions. There's also a lake, historical walks, sports fields, a skating rink, marina, and carousels. It's the perfect place for a family to hang out and there's entertainment here for kids and adults of all ages.
Queens
If you're looking for more information about New York City, read Places with Water Views in New York City and The Best Art Museums in New York City.
LIC + Astoria Flea & Food
This is a weekend market that is a favorite of locals and tourists alike who are headed to Queens. The market has a number of food and beer vendors as well as vendors that sell antiques, art, fashion, furniture, jewelry and more.
5-25 46th Avenue, Queens, Long Island City, NY, 11101
Citi Field
Citi Field is a baseball stadium in Flushing Meadows that is the home of the New York Mets. Anybody interested in baseball will enjoy a visit to Citi Field. There's also activities that kids of all ages can enjoy including a FanFest area and a large family entertainment area.
41 Seaver Way, Queens, NY, 11368
The Noguchi Museum
This museum was opened by Isamu Noguchi in Queens in 1985. The museum is designed as a meditative oasis and includes 12 galleries and a garden with sculptures done by Noguchi. There are also architectural models, and stage and furniture designs on display.
9-01 33rd Rd, Queens, NY, 11106
Queens County Farm Museum
This fun and family-friendly museum lets kids and adults explore everything about life on a farm, including getting to know the animals. They have pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, and chickens, as well as hay rides, a bush maze, and a variety of education events. They also have seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking in the fall and more. Most days are free, except during special events.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, Floral Park, New York, 11004
Gantry State Park
This 12 acre park runs along the East River and has a unique mix of industry and nature. There are abandoned steel structures, but also natural green spaces, a playground, a water play, area, and a concession stand.
4-09 47th Rd, Queens, NY, 10007
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $8 to $519. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $100. A few of the best options are below.
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Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Science Museums in New York City and The 17 Best Children's Museums in New York City and The Best Parks, Gardens, and Things to Do Outdoors in New York City and The Best Iconic Skyscrapers to Visit in New York City and Famous Squares and Plazas to Visit in New York City and The Best Planetariums to Visit near New York City.
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