Parents are always looking for activities to do with their kids. Whether they’re looking to tire them out or give them memories that will last a lifetime, there’s plenty of things to do in Queens.
Here are ten places across the borough that are fun places to bring your children.
1. New York Hall of Science – 47-01 111th St., Corona
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With interactive science exhibits and attractions, this museum was made for kids. All of the exhibits will let your child unleash their inner Einstein as they discover the wonder and fun of science, technology, engineering and math, and they’ll even learn something in the process!
2. Bounce U – 132-25 14th Ave., College Point
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
BounceU isn’t just for birthday parties. This awesome indoor play place has open bounce hours and special events, including Family Bounce Nights, that are open to everyone! Bring your kids by and have them bounce to their heart’s content.
3. Astoria’s Secret Playground – 29th Street between 23rd Road and 24th Avenue, Astoria
Hours: Early morning, or after 3 p.m. on weekdays
You won’t find this park on any public park. It technically is on the grounds of Judge Charles Vallone School P.S. 85, so when school is out of session for the day and in the summertime, the park is open to the public. It’s small, secluded and a great place to play in Astoria. Just be sure to wait until the school kids are done with recess before you head over to the park.
4. Queens Zoo – 53-51 111th St., Corona
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Who doesn’t love to go to the zoo? Grab your kids and talk a walk down the animal trail, visit the aviary and more! Younger children will love the petting zoo and older kids will get a kick out of watching the sea lion feedings. Pack a lunch and spend the day seeing the animals!
5. Alley Pond Park – Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens
Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (unless posted otherwise)
Alley Pond Park is the second largest public park in Queens, and it’s a great place to take your children. With basketball courts, playgrounds, hiking trails,an adventure course and more available, you won’t be bored here. Be sure to check their events calendar to see what kinds of free activities they have going on!
6. City Ice Pavilion – 47-32 32nd Pl., Long Island City
Hours: See schedule here
Grab your ice skates! This hidden gem of an ice rink is in Long Island City’s warehouse district. Beginner and seasoned ice skaters alike will love this NHL-sized rink. It has a protective dome to shield you from the weather while you skate. Be sure to check their schedule for open public skating.
7. Kids Fun House – 62-73 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A longtime Queens favorite, Ridgewood’s Kids Fun House has attractions for children up to 12 years old. Younger children will enjoy the socks-only play area while older children can take on the mutlilevel maze and play some arcade games. Adults can grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe while the kids have fun.
8. Museum of the Moving Image – 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All year round, families are encouraged to bring their children to the Museum of the Moving Image and check out their “Behind the Screen” exhibit. This hands-on exhibit features more than 1,400 artifacts, such as a real prop Yoda from the hit franchise “Star Wars.” Families can also experience different interactive activities such as making your very own stop-motion animation or adding sound effects to your favorite movie scenes.
9. Artistic Stitch Sports Complex – 79-08 Cooper Ave., Glendale
Hours: Monday through Friday, 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday,
If you have older children, Artistic Stitch Sports Complex has something for everyone. They have a variety of activities to choose from such as soccer, wiffleball, dodgeball, kickball and rock-climbing (just to name a few). There’s also a kid-friendly bistro onsite for when you and the kids work up an appetite from playing.
10. Shastye Art Gallery and Play Place – 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria
Hours: See available times here
This art galley is great for kids of all ages. From fort-making sessions to drop-in art sessions and open play time, this is a fantastic place for your kids to burn off some energy. Older kids can enjoy creative classes at the gallery, so they won’t be left out of the fun!
At Mount Sinai Queens we recognize that your children are your most precious assets. That’s why our dedicated pediatricians are committed to caring for your infants, children, teenagers, and young adults up to age 21. We develop a relationship with you and your child based on trust. Parents know that they can look forward to seeing their child’s own doctor on every visit and we don’t rush your visits; we get to know you and we listen to your concerns. When it comes to your child’s health, we care.
