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. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best things to do in Queens with kids! We’ve included some great parks, play centers, and other attractions that will keep your little ones entertained for hours on end. So, whether you’re looking for something to do today or you’re planning a trip ahead of time, we’ve got you covered!

What Makes Queens Such a Great Place?

Before diving into all the fun things to do in New York, specifically Queens, let’s explore why Queens matters and why it’s 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 you’ll 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, you’ll never be bored in Queens!

Best Things to Do in Queens

There is plenty to do and see in Queens but what are some of the best things to do? We’ve narrowed it down to the top five for you and your whole family.

1. Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo was founded in 1968 and is home to more than 600 animals from around the world. It’s a great place for a family day out with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. The zoo is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Corona.

2. New York Hall of Science

The New York Hall of Science is a great place to learn about science and technology. There are over 450 exhibits to explore, as well as a planetarium and a butterfly garden. The New York Hall of Science is open every day from 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. It is located at 47-01 111th Street in Corona.

3. The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum is a great place to learn about the life and work of Japanese-American artist, Isamu Noguchi. The museum has a collection of over 12,000 works of art, as well as a sculpture garden. The Noguchi Museum is open every day from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. It is located at 32-37 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City.

4. Queens Botanical Garden

The Queens Botanical Garden is a great place to learn about plants and nature. There are over 50,000 plants and flowers to see, as well as a butterfly garden. The Queens Botanical Garden is open every day from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm. It is located at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing.

5. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of the largest parks in Queens and has something for everyone. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, a zoo, an aquarium, a museum, and much more. The park is open every day from dawn to dusk. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is located at 111th Street and Grand Central Parkway.

Did You Know This About Queens

Queens is the most ethnically diverse county in the United States, and it’s also one of the most populous. Queens is home to over 2.3 million people from more than 170 countries speaking over 140 languages. It’s also the most linguistically diverse county in America.

Here are some other interesting facts about Queens: 

• Queens is home to the real Chinatown. Everyone knows about Chinatown in lower Manhattan. But not everyone knows about Chinatown in Queens. In fact, this Chinatown is much bigger and better due to its vast array of Asian shops and restaurants offering not just Chinese deliciousness, but specialties from Korea and Japan too.
• Queens is home to the US Tennis Open. The US tennis open is held every year in none other than the spectacular Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, Queens.
• Queens is the birthplace of Scrabble 
• Queens is the burial place of Harry Houdini
• Queens uses hyphenated addresses. The local addresses always come with two sets of numbers separated by a dash.
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the fourth largest park in New York City and was the site of the 1964 World’s Fair and in 1939. The Unisphere, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is the world’s largest globe.
• Queens is home to Citi Field, where the Mets play

This borough is a really unique place and there are plenty of things you’ll want to know about when it comes to living in Queens. If you’re looking for things to do in Queens with kids, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of options.

Best Things to Do in Queens if You Have Children

There are plenty of things to do in Queens with your kids, no matter what their age or interests. Check out our list of best things to do in Queens if you have children.

1. Take a walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the perfect place to spend a day with your kids. With over 1000 acres of parkland, there’s plenty of space to explore. There are also playgrounds, a zoo, a museum, and an amphitheater in the park. In the summer, you can cool off in the Queens Zoo’s splash pad or take a ride on the park’s carousel.
2. Check out all the local sports. If your kids are into sports, you can watch a Mets game at Citi Field or catch a tennis match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. There are also several golf courses in Queens if your kids are interested in playing.
3. Visit the Queens Zoo. While you’re there, catch a sea lion show, play at the playground, and even visit the children’s museum where you can feed sheep and goats. The zoo also hosts the city’s only aviary- a huge metal cage left over from the World’s Fair that’s home to a variety of birds.
4. Check out the exhibits at the Museum of the Moving Image. This is a great place for kids to learn about the history of the cinema. Inside, you will find props from old movies, a media lab, and retro video games. This is a great museum for both you and the kids.
5. Watch a performance at the Queens Theater.  The theater offers a variety of kid-friendly shows throughout the year, including musicals, ballets and educational performances.
6. Take the kids to a Mets game at Citi Field. Catch a game on Family Sundays where the kids can run the bases with Mr.Met after every home game. Also, you can also go ice skating at Citi Field during the winter months.
7. Ride on the carousel at Forest Park or Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Queens is home to not one but two vintage carousels. Forest Park’s carousel is located in the heart of the park near a playground, BBQ pits, and picnic tables. You can also find a vintage carousel at Flushing Meadows Corona Park near the Unisphere.
8. Visit the Queens County Farm Museum where your kids get up close and personal with farm animals like sheep, pigs and chickens. Don’t forget to check out seasonal events like the Children’s Carnival in the spring and Maize Maze in the fall.
9. Head to Adventureland amusement park for some fun rides and games. This is a great place to take the kids on a hot summer day. You can find Adventureland in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
10. Explore more than 450 hands-on STEAM exhibits at the New York Hall of Science. Don’t miss the museum’s science playground and mini golf course. The New York Hall of Science is a great option if you have kids who are interested in science. The museum has hundreds of exhibits as well as a planetarium and rocket park.

Local Parks in Queens

If you’d 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 you’re looking for things to do in Queens with kids.

1. Alley Pond Park is a great place for nature walks and picnics. The park also has a playground, a fishing pier, and a nature center.
2. Astoria Park is a large green space with plenty of room to run around. The park also has a playground, tennis courts, and a pool.
3. Bayside Park is a waterfront park with a playground, spray park, and picnic tables. The park also has a pier that goes out into the bay.
4. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the largest park in Queens and offers plenty of activities for families and kids. The park has the world’s largest globe, zoo, carousel, Queens Theater, and more.
5. Forest Park is another large green space in Queens with plenty of room to run around and play games. The park also has several playgrounds, a pool, and barbecue pits.

Play Centers in Queens

During the winter months or when the weather isn’t cooperating, it’s 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.

• Jungle Gym is an indoor play center with climbing equipment, slides and a ball pit. The center also offers classes for kids of all ages.

• 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.  

Attractions in Queens

If you’ve run out of things to do in Brooklyn with kids, Queens should be your next stop. With so many things to see and do, your family will never be bored. Here are some of the best attractions in Queens.

MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 is one of the largest art museums in the world and is located in Queens. The museum has over 150,000 square feet of space and features artwork from some of the most famous artists in history.

Queens Botanical Garden

The Queens Botanical Garden is a 38-acre urban oasis that features a variety of gardens, a greenhouse, and an apiary. The garden also offers educational programs for kids.

The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum is another great option for art lovers. The museum is dedicated to the work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi and features over 11,000 of his works.

USTA National Tennis Center

The USTA National Tennis Center is the largest public tennis facility in the world and is located in Queens. The center has over 100 courts and hosts the US Open every year.

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, you’ll never be bored. 

Final Takeaways

There’s so much to do in Queens with kids! We hope this list has given you some family-friendly ideas of things to do while you’re here. And remember, have fun and enjoy your time together as a family!

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