What Makes Queens Such A Great Place
Before diving into all the fun things to do in New York, specifically Queens, lets explore why Queens matters and why its such a great place. Historically Queens was founded in 1683 as one of the original 12 counties in the New York colony. It was named after the English queen Catherine of Braganza, who was married to King Charles II at the time.
Queens became a borough of Greater New York City in 1898 when the city consolidated with several surrounding municipalities. And, since its founding, Queens has been attracting people from all over the world. It is now one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the US, with residents hailing from more than 140 countries! This diversity is reflected in the food, culture, and languages youll find throughout Queens.
So, what does this mean for visitors? It means that there are endless things to do in Queens! You can explore different cultures, try new foods, and find something new and exciting around every corner. Trust us, youll never be bored in Queens!
Best Things To Do In Queens
Queens is a family-friendly borough of community and diversity in New York state, with some of the best food and art on display in New York City. The numerous official and unofficial cities in Queens mean a new restaurant or business is always popping up.
Many famous artists and musicians like Louis Armstrong and Isamu Noguchi made Queens their home because of its cultural richness and affordability. Whether youre having a picnic in Gantry State Plaza or catching a New York Mets game at Citi Field in Corona, Queens has attractions for everyone.
Since Queens is the largest borough, well start by breaking down where you can find what and some of the boroughs history before jumping into the best things to do in Queens on the weekend. Moving to or from NYC? Keep in mind that we buy houses New York City residents want!
Best Things To Do With Kids In New York Cityview All
One of the most iconic cities in America, New York City offers a vast array of attractions and historic landmarks unrivaled anywhere else. Tour the Statue of Liberty, admire world-class art collections and take in stunning skyscraper views as you experience the best things to do in NYC with kids:
- Tour the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island
- Check out the panoramic view of the city from the Empire State Building
- See all of the exotic animals at the Bronx Zoo
- Say hi to your favorite cartoon character and shop the toy stores in Times Square
- Admire the amazing works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Columbus Ga For Couples
Grand Bazaar Nycgrand Holiday Bazaar
Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated weekly shopping market in NYC. Open every Sunday, youll find all kinds of creative makers and passionate dealers, vending one-of-a-kind, rare, and unique goods. This Sunday youll also find the markets annual Grand Holiday Bazaar. Explore unique gifts indoors and out from 150+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Come hungry! There are great artisanal food options as well. 10am-5pm.
New York Hall Of Science Queens New York
Located on 111th Street in the Flushing Meadows Park, the New York Hall of Science is a science museum also known as NYSCI. Established as part of the 1964 New York Worlds Fair, the museum deteriorated until it was renovated and reopened in 1986 further renovations occurred in 1999, 2003, and 2004. If you are wondering what to do in Queens NY with kids, this is a great place to visit.
Today with its 400 exhibits, it is New York Citys only hands-on science and technology museum with a focus on biology, chemistry, and physics. The museum is dedicated to educating children who have little or no experience with science. Some of the museums many permanent exhibits include Connections: The Nature of Networks, Realm of the Atom, and Rocket Park.
47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368, 718-699-0005
Also Check: Fun Things To Do In Howard County Md
Inspiration For Things To Do In New York City From The Gist
Big Fun in the Big Apple: 12 Fun Things to Do in NYC With the Kids – Soyoure planning a family trip to New York and youve already made plans to hit the big attractions …
9 of the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC – So, youve got a weekend in New York. You could hit up the usual touristy spots and find plenty of things to do in Times Square, Central Park or take a Statue of Liberty ferry tour, etc. But what do people who arent tourists do during an average weekend in NYC?…
8 Indoor Things to Do in New York City When It Rains – Planning to wake up in the city that never sleeps? We dont blame you. New York is a city bursting with entertainment, fun and food on nearly every corner. Its also a city that has quite a few outdoor attractions but when it rains, do you have any go-to indoor activities in NYC?..
Things To Do On Queens With Kids
As a parent, it can be difficult to find things to do with your kids that are both fun and affordable. Thats why weve curated this list of the best things to do in Queens with kids! Weve included some great parks, play centers, and other attractions that will keep your little ones entertained for hours on end. So, whether youre looking for something to do today or youre planning a trip ahead of time, weve got you covered!
You May Like: Things To Do In Orlando For Bachelorette Party
The Weekender: 12 Things To Do On Long Island This Weekend
ANTHONY RODIA
Rodias comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a social media rant. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue, patchoguetheatre.org $31-$71. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18.
THE NARROWBACKS
This Irish-American band is here to help get fans in the mood for St. Patricks Day. Opening are Niall and The Durty Nellys featuring Denny McCarthy of Shilelagh Law. Mulcahys Pub & Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh, muls.com Ages 21+. $10-$15. 8 p.m. Feb. 18.
HOWARD JONES
This British musician, singer and songwriter made his name with such hits as No One Is to Blame and Things Can Only Get Better. He returns to LI on his Acoustic Trio Tour featuring Nick Beggs and Robin Boult. Opening is Rachael Sage.The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington, paramountny.com $20-$145. 8 p.m. Feb. 18.
THE POLISH WIENIAWSKI PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The program features Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Chopins Piano Concerto No. 2, and Beethovens Symphony No. 5. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, tillescenter.org $40-$80. 8 p.m. Feb. 18.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
These world-famous hoop stars make a triumphant return to Long Island for an evening of stunning basketball and wondrous stunts. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Belmont Park, ubsarena.com $29-$169. 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Feb. 19.
DANÚ
OLLIES ANGELS WINTER SEMIFORMAL
Enjoy New Yorks Best Local Suds
Western Queens boasts seven breweries within a 3-mile radius. Brewery crawls were made for this neighborhood. You can visit Rockaway Brewing Co. for a simple sour ICONYC Brewing for an iconic tasting room Transmitter Brewing for some farm-to-table saisons SingleCut Beersmiths for a relaxing night of Connect 4 and a wide variety of IPAs Big aLICe Brewing for a quality kolsch LIC Beer Project for quality take-home cans and Fifth Hammer Brewing Co. for pale ales and live music. Visit all seven on foot or via a few very cheap rideshares. And just like everything else in New York, these breweries make sure their beer is the best.
Dont Miss: Things To Do In Mystic Ct
Don’t Miss: Fun Things To Do In Glendale Az
Five Things: October 5 2022
1. We recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to Glenstone when my mom was visiting its a great place to take out of town guests! so I was inspired to share some info and reminders about the indoor-outdoor art museum in Potomac, MD:
1) Tickets are free, but timed-entry, and need to be reserved in advance. I just checked, and there are still some available for October and November. And fall is a great time to go!2) Their Guaranteed Entry program ensures admission for students ages 12+, along with one guest each, even without passes. This applies to active-duty military personnel and staff from other museums, too. We took advantage of it when my mom was here.3) You can also visit without reserved tickets by taking the Ride On Bus that runs from Route 301 to the museum.4) The museum does not allow anyone under age 12 to visit at all. I know some people with younger children dont like this, but I think its a good call by Glenstone. The museum has a certain tranquil vibe that could be disrupted with a lot of little ones running around. I also think much of the art there would be more appreciated by older kids. Plus, its fun to have activities to look forward to enjoying with kids as they grow, kind of a rite of passage for them.
Read more about Glenstone in this KFDC post, and view more scenes from our recent visit here.
3. Cant wait to check out this restaurant that just opened on Capitol Hill!
Playground For All Children
While we had a great time at all the parks and playgrounds we hit up, this one took the cake. The name says it all this ADA-accessible playground truly is for ALL children . It is huge and has everything. Playhouses, playbuses, playtrains, music makers not to mention the climbing structures typically found at most playgrounds.
The difference was that almost every single structure was accessible. I looooved the fact that there was a ramp that led over the swinging bridge and up to the highest platforms of the climbing assembly, as opposed to just stairs. Use a wheelchair, but want to go to the top? You can. And the slides were extra wide to allow space for kids who require assistance or need parents to slide with them. I was left wondering why all playgrounds dont incorporate features like these.
Jack had a ball playing in the little houses, sliding down the large slides and running up and down the ramps. Its large enough and has enough different play areas to keep a kid busy for hours.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Newark Ca
The Noguchi Museum Queens New York
The Noguchi Museum, located on 33rd Road near the Socrates Sculpture Park in the Long Island City section of Queens, is a museum that focuses on the works of the Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Opened in 1985 in what was originally a gas station and a photogravure plant, the museum displays the artists architectural models, drawings, furniture designs, sculptures, and much more.
The structure was renovated in 2004, and today it contains 12 galleries and a gift shop in a 24,000 square foot two story building. There are several education programs presented at the museum including Art for Families, and Art for Tots.
9-01 33rd Road, 718-204-7088
Alley Pond Environmental Center
Located on Northern Boulevard, Alley Pond Park is the second largest public park in Queens, and it occupies more than 650 acres of land. At the northern part of the park on the south side of Northern Boulevard lies the Alley Pond Environmental Center. Created in 1976, the center is dedicated to providing environmental education for both children and adults and to preserving, protecting, and restoring Alley Pond Park with its bodies of water and its open spaces.
The area consists of wetlands and acres of salt marsh that serve as a wildlife refuge for many animals, including 300 species of birds and other animals. Volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to revive the wetlands.
22806 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck, NY 11362, 718-229-4000
Read Also: Fun Cheap Things To Do In Cincinnati
Local Parks In Queens
If youd like to take the kids out to enjoy some fresh air, Queens has plenty of parks to choose from. Check out one of these local parks the next time youre looking for things to do in Queens with kids.
Things To Do With Kids In Queens Ny
- TripBuzz found 638 things to do with kids in or near Queens, New York, including 610 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like New York City, Staten Island, Bronx and Brooklyn.
- From Forest Park Skate Park to Flushing Meadows Carousel, the Queens area offers 119 different types of family activities, including: Parks, Playgrounds, Dog Park and Amusement Parks .
- One of the largest boroughs in New York City, Queens has been included in many movies and films. This community is also important to the growth and development of African-American Culture. Thus, there is both an active Afrikan Poetry Theater and Black Theater Company in the community. Still, there is lots of diversity in and around Queens.
Read Also: Things To Do In Southern Pa
Go To Madame Tussauds
This is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. The famous house of wax includes a lot of celebrity figures and even notable characters such as Marvels Avengers.
Madame Tussauds is open late every day of the week, until 10 pm on weekdays, hours are extended to 12 am on weekends.
NOTE: All of the major New York tourist passes include admission to Madame Tussauds.
Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a must-see for music lovers. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of jazz musician Louis Armstrong and features over 20,000 items from his personal collection.
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the best things to do in Queens with kids. With so many great options, youll never be bored.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Atlanta For Birthday
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery closed its doors as a New York State fish hatchery on March 31, 1982. The following day it was reopened as a non-profit educational center by the Friends of the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, Inc. Its mission is to operate as an environmental education center and public aquarium that continues to raise and stock trout. We are proud to have the largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fishes and amphibians. The Hatchery is a fun place for your family to spend an afternoon together. Visitors can tour our two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds, feed the hungry trout, and try our Catch & Keep fishing. Special events, such as Animal Passport Program and Hatching Turtle Day, offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the creatures that inhabit New York States natural environment.
Play Centers In Queens
During the winter months or when the weather isnt cooperating, its helpful to have some indoor play centers in your back pockets. Here are five of the best play centers in Queens.
- Astro Kids Playground is an indoor play center with a space-themed playground, arcade games, and a snack bar.
- Kids World Playland is an indoor play center with a large playground, arcade games, and a snack bar.
- Mini Golf & Games is an indoor play center with mini golf, laser tag, and arcade games.
- The Queens Zoo is an indoor zoo with animals from all over the world. The zoo also offers educational programs for kids.
A lot of these play centers in Queens are great for hosting birthday parties.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Roseville This Weekend
Different Parts Of Queens
Queens is the largest borough in the city of New York. The borough is home to not one, but two airports, a baseball stadium, a zoo, the US open, beaches, dozens of museums, hundreds of public parks, hundreds of historic landmarks, thousands of chic stores, and thousands of restaurants featuring fare from all of the diverse cultures that make Queens great.
The romantic allure of Manhattan and Brooklyn overshadows the charm of Queens. However, theres a high likelihood that any local you encounter has either grown up in Queens or has family that lives in Queens.
New Yorkers live in Queens because of the diversity, community, food, shopping, affordability, outdoor spaces, entertainment, and convenience.
