Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Queens
1. New York Hall of Science
Hands-on science comes alive through hundreds of interactive exhibits, maker spaces, and the towering outdoor Science Playground set amid Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can build, test, and tinker their way through STEM concepts, making it exciting for curious toddlers through tweens and stress-free for parents.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for lighter crowds; late spring to early fall to add the outdoor Science Playground to your visit.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start upstairs and work down to beat the crowds at popular exhibits, then picnic in the park by the Unisphere afterward.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the balance of play and learning and say staff are welcoming and patient with first-time scientists.
2. Queens Zoo
A manageable, stroller-friendly zoo focused on animals of the Americas, with a walk-through aviary and a charming domestic animal area for gentle encounters.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy half-day for little legs, packed with up-close views and calm paths—ideal for first zoo trips.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings in spring and fall for active animals and cooler temps; winter weekdays feel wonderfully quiet.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule near the barn for feeding times, and pair your visit with nearby playgrounds in the park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the relaxed pace and say it’s a stress-free alternative to larger zoos.
3. Queens Botanical Garden
A city oasis with themed gardens—from pollinator and herb beds to woodland and wetland—plus family programs in a peaceful, stroller-friendly setting.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can see where food and flowers come from, smell fragrant plantings, and spot butterflies in a calm, car-free environment.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April–June for blossoms and pollinators; September–October for colorful foliage and harvest displays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a sketchbook for the bee and rose gardens, and refill water bottles at the visitor center before wandering the paths.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush about the serenity and say even short visits feel like a deep breath for the whole family.
4. Queens County Farm Museum
New York City’s historic working farm invites kids to meet goats and sheep, wander fields, and enjoy seasonal hayrides and a fall corn maze.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a slice of countryside in Queens—perfect for animal-loving kids and hands-on learning about food and farming.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring for baby animals; fall weekends for harvest festivals and the corn maze; mild winter days for peaceful barnyard strolls.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early on weekends to secure hayride slots and grab farm stand treats before they sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it a wholesome, low-cost day out that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle.
5. Citi Field
Home of the New York Mets, with kid-friendly concourses, ballpark food galore, and skyline views—baseball memories start here.
✓ Why Go:
Whether it’s a first game or a return visit, the energy, music, and between-inning fun keep kids engaged beyond the action on the field.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend day games April–September for easier bedtimes; arrive when gates open to explore without crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
On select Sundays, kids can run the bases—check the Mets’ schedule in advance and line up early after the final out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents say staff are accommodating and the atmosphere is joyful even for casual fans.
6. Museum of the Moving Image
A dynamic museum devoted to film, television, and video games, featuring the beloved Jim Henson Gallery and hands-on sound and editing stations.
✓ Why Go:
Media-savvy kids can learn how movies and shows are made, then create their own sound effects or stop-motion clips.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for smaller crowds; summer for expanded family workshops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the Jim Henson Gallery first—it’s popular—and ask about drop-in animation activities for kids.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the interactive elements and say it captivates teens and younger siblings alike.
7. Gantry Plaza State Park
A waterfront playground with piers, lawns, splash features, and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign—plus unbeatable Midtown skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
There’s room to run, play, and scooter safely while parents soak up the scenery; sunsets are spectacular for family photos.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to sunset year-round; summer for splash pads and breezy riverfront picnics.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a picnic and a towel for splash play, then stroll to nearby Center Boulevard for ice cream.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the clean facilities and call it one of NYC’s best spots to unwind with kids.
8. Rockaway Beach Boardwalk
Miles of sandy shoreline, playgrounds, bike paths, and seasonal food stalls deliver a classic NYC beach day on Queens’ Atlantic edge.
✓ Why Go:
Lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas and wide beaches make it easy for families to splash, dig, and unwind.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer mornings for gentle waves and easier parking; spring and fall for breezy boardwalk rides without the heat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check lifeguard postings and consider the NYC Ferry to Rockaway for a scenic, car-free approach.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the relaxed vibe, tasty local food, and kid-friendly stretches of sand.
9. Alley Pond Environmental Center
A nature hub with live animals, hands-on exhibits, and guided family programs set beside tidal ponds and forested trails.
✓ Why Go:
Kids learn about NYC wildlife up close, then hit easy trails to spot birds, frogs, and wildflowers in real life.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for migration and mild hiking; winter weekends for indoor programs and crafts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan the calendar for family workshops and pre-register—popular sessions fill fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the welcoming staff and say even short visits spark big curiosity.
10. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, this Broad Channel refuge offers flat loops around ponds, bird-rich marshes, and a tranquil visitor center.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a gentle, stroller-friendly nature escape where kids can spot ospreys, egrets, and horseshoe crabs—without leaving Queens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for peak bird migration; early summer evenings for horseshoe crab spawning; clear winter days for waterfowl.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center and bring binoculars to share.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it serene, educational, and surprisingly accessible by car or transit.
