Things to Do in Queens
Queens is a borough of New York City. Unlike the other boroughs, Queens truly feels like NYC to the core with its vibrant melting pot culture. As one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world, Queens is also a home for over 2 million people. Visitors come to this neighborhood to shop, dine and party from Manhattan on a budget or enjoy its many historically renowned museums.
These things to do in Queens are so enjoyable and convenient that tourists often overlook the beauty of its numerous attractions. So, if you’re planning to escape from office hustle into an escape full of excitement, then search no more and give yourself ample time in your travel plans to visit these top attractions.
Melting Pot
It’s easy to make a case for Queens as the coolest of New York’s boroughs. The melting pot of cultures and cuisines, from Irish to Indian, from Chinese to Colombian, from Jewish to Jamaican, makes this the place to come for the best in ethnic cuisine, while its beaches and gardens make it a great place to relax.
Explore the Queens Botanical Garden
The 39-acre Queens Botanical Garden is a picturesque public garden that displays more than hundreds types of variety. During the spring, visitors walk through rows of cherry blossom trees as they are in full bloom. The garden also has a rose garden, herb garden and an aromatic garden that features many flowering plants. Visitors can take an educational tour of the garden and learn about various plants, or attend one of the many workshops at the garden’s visitors center.
Visit Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is located in Astoria and is a popular attraction for movie buffs and film enthusiasts. The museum features more than thousands of items from movie history, including cameras, projectors and costumes from classic films. The museum also has many interactive exhibits where visitors can get hands-on experience editing audio and video, creating their own animation and special effects. There are also several theaters that show classic movies and independent films weekly.
Queens Museum of Art
The Queens Museum of Art is a museum that focuses on art from New York City artists. It has been around since 1972 and is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The museum has exhibits about the history of Queens and New York City, as well as artwork from many artists. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and family days.
Walk Along Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is a state park located along Newtown Creek on the Long Island City waterfront. The park was named after four gantries that were once used to load trains with rail cars full of cargo containers. Visiting it one of the most popular things to do in Queens – walk along the waterfront, relax in the park, and take in views of the city skyline. There are also a variety of shops and restaurants located nearby.
Visit the New York Hall of Science – Flushing Meadows Corona Park
What do you think science can be? A room full of beakers and test tubes? A lab coat and protective goggles? Or is it more than that? At the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) you’ll find a world of new experiences and discoveries. You can design your own robot, receive instructions for a secret mission, launch a model rocket and step inside a kaleidoscope, all in one visit. The New York Hall of Science is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park next door to Citi Field at 47-01 111th St., Queens, NY.
Forest Hills
In the heart of Queens, Forest Hills has been home to some of the most influential people in pop culture (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Woody Allen and Tony Randall, among others). The neighborhood sits right on the border of Queens and Brooklyn. It’s an area known for its beautiful 1920s Tudor-style homes and gardens, quiet streets and picturesque shopping area with a mix of stores from all over the world. But there’s so much more to do here:
See a Show at Forest Hills Stadium – Forest Hills Gardens
This historic music venue reopened after being closed for more than 20 years. In 2013, the city-owned stadium was restored by concert promoters Madison House Presents and the Bowery Presents. Since then, it’s hosted big acts like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Mumford & Sons, as well as sporting events like World Team Tennis matches and World Cup qualifiers.
Go to Socrates Sculpture Park & Noguchi Museum
The Socrates Sculpture Park is a 4.5-acre outdoor museum located in Long Island City, Queens. It opened in 1986 as a private park and was founded by Mark di Suvero, an artist and sculptor who was born in Shanghai and raised in San Francisco. The park is located on the site of an abandoned landfill along the East River and has since become one of New York’s premier location for large-scale outdoor art. The park is open 365 days a year between 9 AM and sunset. Admission is free, so if you’re looking for things to do in Queens on a budget, consider going there.
Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum is located next to the park and displays the work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) who created the garden at the museum in 1985. The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum focuses on his work in stone, metal, wood and clay. Together, these two unique attractions attract around 100,000 visitors annually.
Visit P.S. 1 MoMA in Long Island City
MoMA Ps1 is an art museum and contemporary art center in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. It is one of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art. P.S. 1 has been affiliated with New York’s Museum of Modern Art since January 2000 and, as a partner in MoMA’s multi-institution program, hosts MoMA’s first permanent space devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The two institutions also share management; a pool of top curatorial talent; and sponsorship of programs, exhibitions, and publications.
New York World’s Fair in Queens
The New York World’s Fair in Queens is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning about the past, present, and future of our world. This fair has something for everyone, with exhibits and attractions that cover everything from science to history to art. Plus, the fairgrounds are beautifully designed and provide a great opportunity to explore one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods.
The Past
1964-1965 New York World’s Fair was a world’s fair that featured over 140 pavilions and 110 restaurants, representing 80 countries, 24 U.S. states, and over 45 corporations, with the goal and end result of building exhibits or attractions in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York.
So, there you go! There are many exciting things to do in Queens, NY, whether you live around or you’re coming in just for a day! You will never get bored, we promise!
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