Things to Do in Queens: A Local’s Guide

Queens is the largest and most ethnically diverse borough of New York City, with over 2.3 million residents. It is home to a variety of cultures, neighborhoods, and attractions that make it an exciting and vibrant destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a day out, a bite to eat, or a place to stay, Queens has it all.

This local’s guide to Queens will give you an insight into the best attractions, activities, and experiences the borough has to offer. From food and drink to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone.

Flushing Meadows Park

Flushing Meadows Park is one of the largest public parks in Queens. Spanning 897 acres, it is the site of the 1964 World’s Fair, and home to Citi Field, the US Open Tennis Center, and the Queens Zoo. The park also features playgrounds, walking trails, and a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

On a sunny day, Flushing Meadows Park is the perfect place to spend a few hours. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll or get involved in some sports and activities, there is something for everyone. The park also features a range of cultural events throughout the year, such as the annual Dragon Boat Festival and the World’s Fair Anniversary celebration.

Flushing Meadows Park is the perfect place for a day out in Queens. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect spot to explore and enjoy the borough’s natural beauty.

Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park is a waterfront park located on the East River in Long Island City, Queens. The park is home to a variety of activities, such as kayaking, biking, and walking trails. There is also a public pier with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

The park is full of interesting attractions, including the iconic Pepsi sign that overlooks the river, as well as a playground, basketball courts, and a variety of sculptures. The park also features a variety of events throughout the year, from outdoor movie screenings to art installations.

Gantry Plaza State Park is a great option for a day out in Queens. With plenty of activities and stunning views of Manhattan, it’s the perfect spot for locals and tourists alike.

MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 is an contemporary art museum located in Long Island City. It is the oldest and largest non-profit exhibition space in the United States, and is dedicated to exhibiting the most thought-provoking and challenging art in the world.

MoMA PS1 is home to a variety of events, such as lectures, screenings, performances, and workshops. It also hosts the annual Warm Up summer music series, which features a variety of international artists. The museum is also home to a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists.

MoMA PS1 is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art. With an ever-changing roster of exhibitions and events, there is always something new to explore.

Queens Museum

The Queens Museum is a great option for anyone looking to explore the borough’s history and culture. Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the museum features a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as events, workshops, and educational programs.

The museum is also home to the Panorama of the City of New York, an immense scale model of the five boroughs that was originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair. The museum also features a range of public programs, such as artist talks, performances, and family workshops.

The Queens Museum is a great option for exploring the borough’s history and culture. With a variety of exhibitions and events, there is something for everyone.

Queens Botanical Garden

The Queens Botanical Garden is a 39-acre public garden located in Flushing. The garden was founded in 1939 and is home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a variety of events and activities.

The garden is home to a range of attractions, such as a butterfly garden, a medicinal herb garden, and a Japanese garden. The garden also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as outdoor movie screenings, family workshops, and garden tours.

The Queens Botanical Garden is the perfect place to explore the borough’s natural beauty. With a variety of attractions and activities, it’s a great spot for a relaxing day out.

Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum is a 47-acre working farm located in Floral Park. The museum is home to a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, horses, and chickens, as well as a variety of crops and vegetables.

The museum offers a range of activities for visitors, such as hayrides, petting zoos, and seasonal festivals. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops, as well as a year-round farmer’s market.

The Queens County Farm Museum is a great option for a day out in Queens. With a variety of activities and attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in the countryside.

Queens Night Market

The Queens Night Market is a weekly outdoor market located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The market features a variety of vendors selling a range of food, drinks, and merchandise.

The market is open from April to October and features a variety of international cuisines, from Indian to Filipino. There is also a range of activities, such as live music, karaoke, and workshops. The market also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Lunar New Year celebration.

The Queens Night Market is a great option for an evening out in Queens. With a variety of food and activities, it’s the perfect spot for a unique and exciting night out.

Queens Zoo

The Queens Zoo is a great spot for a family day out. Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the zoo is home to a variety of animals, from red pandas to snow leopards. The zoo also offers a range of educational programs, such as animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and workshops.

The zoo also features a variety of attractions, such as a petting zoo and an aviary. The zoo also hosts a range of events throughout the year, such as the annual Zoo-to-Do fundraiser and the Boo at the Zoo Halloween celebration.

The Queens Zoo is a great option for a day out in Queens. With a variety of attractions and activities, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing.

Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is a great option for a day out in Queens. Located on the Rockaway Peninsula, the beach is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and enjoy the ocean breeze.

The beach is home to a variety of attractions, such as surfing, kayaking, and fishing. There is also a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a boardwalk, which is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll.

Rockaway Beach is a great option for a relaxing day out in Queens. With plenty of activities and stunning views of the ocean, it’s the perfect spot to soak up some sun and enjoy the borough’s natural beauty.

Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park is a great spot for anyone interested in art and sculpture. Located in Long Island City, the park is home to a variety of sculptures, as well as a variety of events and activities.

The park is home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a variety of public programs. It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as outdoor movie screenings, family workshops, and art installations.

Socrates Sculpture Park is a great option for a day out in Queens. With a variety of sculptures and events, it’s the perfect spot for exploring the borough’s art and culture.

Queens County Farm Museum

Queens County Farm Museum is a great spot for anyone looking to explore the borough’s history and culture. Located in Floral Park, the museum is home to a variety of animals and crops, as well as a variety of events and activities.

The museum offers a range of activities for visitors, such as hayrides, petting zoos, and seasonal festivals. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and workshops, as well as a year-round farmer’s market.

Queens County Farm Museum is a great option for a day out in Queens. With a variety of attractions and activities, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in the countryside.

Summary

Queens is a vibrant borough with a variety of attractions and activities for both locals and tourists. From parks and museums to beaches and outdoor markets, there is something for everyone. This local’s guide has given you an insight into the best attractions, activities, and experiences the borough has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a day out, a bite to eat, or a place to stay, Queens has it all.