The 5 Best Family Fun Spots In Queens
The largest (in area) borough of New York City, Queens is home to a wide range of attractions and events. While Queens might be well-know for hosting the US Open or being home to Citi Field, there are still great options for family fun during the chilly months. Whether you're the outdoor type or want to stay inside to enhance your learning, there is something for everyone. By Linda Grant.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
West Pond
Cross Bay Blvd
Queens, NY 11693
(718) 318-4340
nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html
Regardless of the season, there is plenty offered to adults and children alike at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. One of the of the best places in New York City to observe birds, there are also a number of workshops offered throughout the year which combined the nature and outdoor teachings with things like origami and other forms of arts and crafts. Additionally, there is the Junior Ranger Program for kids age 7-12.
City Ice Pavilion
47-32 32nd Place
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 505-6230
cityicepavilion.com
Reviews & More Info
Beginners and experienced skaters alike will enjoy skating on the NHL–sized ice rink at City Ice Pavilion. This hidden gem is located in the Long Island City warehouse district. A sky-high air dome protects skaters from the winter elements while visitors enjoy open skate periods and ice hockey for both adults and kids. Parents especially enjoy taking their kids here for their beginner skating lessons and ice hockey training. The cost to skate is extremely affordable with admissions ranging from $5-8 and $5 skate rentals per person.
Queens County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park
New York 11004
(718) 347-3276
queensfarm.org
New York City's only historical farm, this 47-acre location provides visitors a tour of a traditional eighteenth century farmhouse among other treats. You can wander around the orchards or visit your typical farm animals like sheep, goat, cows and chickens. This is definitely a fun, educational place to plan a trip. As evidence, many local schools take class trips to this location. During the weekends, you can enjoy a hayride - weather permitting. Best of all, general admission is free except on special event days.
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 699-0301
nysci.org
Reviews & More Info
Queens is the home of one of the top science museums in the country, the New York Hall of Science. Every week the museum offers live, 15-minute interactive demonstrations that explain chemistry, physics and biology properties that are sure to engage your child's inner Einstein.
Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Avenue
Garden City, New York 11530
(516) 224 – 5800
licm.org
Reviews & More Info
This affordable museum will keep your child engaged with its twelve interactive exhibits - for infants to elementary school-age children. The current 'Dragon and Fairies' exhibit is an interactive experience aimed at teaching children about modern day and historical Vietnamese traditions.
