Top Places for Family Activities in Queens, New York
If you are coming to New York with children you will want to find family activities for them to visit. They need to have special memories also. Queens has some wonderful, entertaining l family activities that are educational at the same time. The family activities are so much fun, the children will not even know they are learning. Queens is just a short trip from Manhattan and you can make a day of it easily. Be sure to call and see if there are any special family activities going on.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park , Queens
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/about_the_park.html
(718) 760-6565
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the site of 2 worlds fairs, It is over 1,000 acres with lakes and athletic fields like the other parks, but it has many more family activities. There are many different family activities including ice skating, a zoo, a very special playground and the Queens Hall of Science.
Worlds Fair Ice Skating Rink
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/skating_rink_detail/worlds_fair_rink.html
The rink is open from October 8, 2005 to April 3, 2006 There is a schedule of sessions on the web site It is not open all the time. The building is from the World’s Fair of 1938-39. It was the New York City Pavilion. There are plans to build a new rink in the works. Parents must accompany any child under18 and sign a Risk of Ice Skating/Hockey Activity Agreement
New York Hall of Science, Queens
http://www.nyscience.org/index.php
Main phone: 718.699.0005
Group Reservations: 718.699.0301
Fax: 718.699.1341
There are 2 or 3 hours of Family Activities. . There are many hands on thinks to do. They even have a special place for pre schoolers and their families. They also have the Astro-Observatory (weather permitting) Ages 8 and older the Pfizer Foundation Biochemistry Discovery Lab, and much, much more. Call ahead to see what is available on the day you wish to come.
Queens Wildlife Center
http://nyzoosandaquarium.com/5719193
53-51 111th St.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park,
Queens, New York.
718-271-1500.
The zoo is handicapped accessible. The admission rate is $2 for children (ages 3-12), $6 for adults (ages 13 and up), and $2.25 for senior citizens The zoo is dedicated American animals. You can see a herd of buffalo, see a Puma named Felix, Simon And Garfunkel, not the originals. These are two goats born at the zoo. If you are here December 3, 10, and 17 you can participate in Gifts for the Animals. The Zoo is small enough to see in 1 day, but packed with fun and learning family activities
Playground for All Children, Queens
The Playground for all Children is right next to the Zoo. It is special because it is designed to be used by handicapped children as well as able bodied. It is constructed so that all children can play together. It is right next to the zoo and the two of them make a full days adventure. While you are here, try and take some time to stroll around the park itself. In summer, you can rent paddle boats to go around Meadow Lake. There is also a beautiful carousel and other kid friendly things to do.
Queens County Farm Museum
http://www.queensfarm.org/
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Floral Park, New York 11004-1129
(718) 347-3276
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (outdoor visiting only)
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Check with them first if you are planing on visiting on a holiday.
Queens County Farm Museum has been in operation from 1697 It is one of the best family activity places anywhere. It is a real, working 47 acre farm. It is open year round and has special events every month Se if you can negotiate the corn maize It looks easier than it is. The farm is owned by the New York City Department of Parks, operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, Inc. and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. Admission is free except for the special events. You can see what a farmers life was like 300 years ago, go on hay rides, hunt for pumpkins and feed the animals. You can buy the arms produce and flowers from their greenhouse and in 2007 they are going to start bottling their own wine from their vineyards
Museum of the Moving Image,Queens
http://www.movingimage.us/site/site.php
35 Avenue at 36 Street
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 784-4520 – Administrative Offices
(718) 784-0077 – Program Information and Travel Directions
ADMISSION
Adults: $10.00
Senior Citizens, College Students with I.D.: $7.50
Children (5-18): $5.00
Members, Children under 5: Free
Galleries
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Free after 4:00 p.m.)
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Admission to galleries is free on Fridays, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Film screenings not included.)
The Museum of the Moving Image has something for everyone. Check the site for the latest screenings of the oldies. They also have many family activities such as their permanent one Behind the Screen which explains all the processes in making a movie. Some of the other family activities are Digital Play Reloaded, which tell about the digital cartoon industry. The kids will love this one. You can see the Yoda Puppet from The Empire Strikes Back and other artifacts It is just down the block from Kaufman Astoria Studios, the home of Sesame Street.( No tours here but you never know who you will run into) There is plenty of on street parking.
So there you have it. These are family activity places I have enjoyed with my own family, and I hope yours will have as good a time as we did. Queens is a very family friendly place with many parks and these are just some of the family activities you will find. I hope your visit is all you wished it to be, and that you will come back again.
