Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Queens
1. Flushing Meadows Corona Park Skatepark
A legacy park from the Maloof Money Cup era, this concrete plaza in Flushing Meadows packs ledges, stairs, banks, hips, and rails beside the Unisphere. Wide sightlines and long run-ups make it friendly for dialing in lines while still offering challenges for seasoned skaters.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Queens’ best-known skate plaza and a must-hit stop that blends iconic World’s Fair scenery with legit street-style features.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays for open lines; spring and fall afternoons for comfortable temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a little wax—some ledges can feel dry after rain and in colder months.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely praised for variety and flow; visitors love the setting and mellow vibe despite occasional crowds.
2. Astoria Park Skatepark
Set near the RFK Bridge with river breezes, this concrete spot mixes quarter pipes, banks, manual pads, and rails. The surrounding track and park lawns make it easy to hang with a crew between sessions.
✓ Why Go:
Great for warming up and filming with dramatic bridge backdrops and sunset light over the East River.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour on weekdays; weekend mornings before family park traffic picks up.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shade is limited—pack water in summer and consider a hat for mid‑day sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals say it’s welcoming and photogenic, with a steady mix of beginners and regulars.
3. Rockaway Beach Skate Park
Steps from the ocean, this updated seaside skate park delivers bowls, extensions, hips, and street features alongside the Rockaway Boardwalk. Sea air, sound of waves, and a post‑session dip define the vibe.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the rare spot where you can skate transition in the morning and hit the beach right after—pure Queens summer energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–September mornings for cooler temps; off‑season weekdays for emptier bowls.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wind can pick up—soft wheels help on breezy days and keep your board from sailing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Traveling skaters rave about the beachside setting and say locals keep the scene friendly.
4. London Planetree Playground Skate Park
A compact, well‑kept neighborhood skate park in Ozone Park with banks, ledges, a small stair set, and quarters that are approachable for newer skaters.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for low‑key sessions and learning new tricks without the pressure of big‑park crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After‑school hours can be lively; aim for mornings or late evening for quieter laps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Street across Atlantic Ave has delis for quick water and snack runs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the clean surfaces and friendly neighborhood vibe.
5. Bayswater Park Skate Park
Tucked in Far Rockaway, this skate area sits within a breezy waterfront park, offering banks and street obstacles with room to push around between features.
✓ Why Go:
A calm alternative to the busier boardwalk—good for filming lines without constant traffic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings and late afternoons; avoid peak midday winds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring bug spray in summer—waterfront sessions can draw mosquitos near dusk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters note its relaxed pace and open layout for practicing new lines.
6. Detective Keith L. Williams Park Skate Park
A Jamaica community skate spot with approachable quarters, banks, and grindable edges, set inside a larger recreation park with courts and shaded seating.
✓ Why Go:
Laid‑back local feel and forgiving features make it ideal for progressing without stress.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for space; evenings for a social scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a small tool—hardware loosens after a few hours on the banks and quarters.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and travelers alike praise the welcoming crowd and casual atmosphere.
7. City Ice Pavilion
Queens’ year‑round, NHL‑size rooftop ice rink under a climate‑controlled dome in Long Island City. Open sessions, rentals, and lessons make it easy for visiting figure skaters and hockey players to get ice time.
✓ Why Go:
When it’s raining or too cold for the park, this indoor sheet keeps your edges sharp and your routine on track.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday midday public sessions are the quietest; check schedules around school breaks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Layers are key—the rink runs cool even in summer; gloves help during falls.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters like the smooth ice and convenient LIC location near multiple subway lines.
8. World Ice Arena
Inside Flushing Meadows, this bright, Olympic‑size rink offers public skates, figure sessions, and hockey drop‑ins—ideal cross‑training for boarders or a primary destination for ice skaters.
✓ Why Go:
Big ice, rental gear, and frequent sessions mean you can fit in a skate day around park exploring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekend sessions fill up less; weekdays during the school year are calm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small lock for lockers and plan extra time for park entry and parking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the professional feel, friendly staff, and proximity to the Unisphere for post‑session photos.
9. Belief NYC
Astoria’s homegrown skate shop and community hub stocking decks, trucks, wheels, and local brand apparel. Staff are skaters who can steer you to the right setup and nearby spots.
✓ Why Go:
Support a Queens original, pick up hardware, and get intel on the day’s best sessions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for the most stock on display and a chance to chat with locals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about any local meetups or shop‑organized jams happening during your visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers appreciate the welcoming crew, quality curation, and true neighborhood feel.
10. Hunters Point South Park Skate Plaza
A photogenic LIC waterfront setting with smooth concrete and open flatground that’s perfect for manuals, flat‑trick practice, and mellow cruise sessions while the Midtown skyline glows across the river.
✓ Why Go:
Great for filming lines with skyline views, cooling off with river breezes, and linking a skate with nearby coffee spots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer strollers and joggers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring soft wheels for cruising the waterfront paths and a microfiber cloth for dusty decks on windy days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the scenery and smooth surfaces—more chill than technical, but unbeatable for a relaxed session.
