Queens is a vibrant borough in New York City, famous for its multicultural society and you can have fun visiting this borough because it has so much to offer to visitors and locals alike. The borough is located in over 100 square miles and people over there are so diverse that speak more than 138 languages. From Flushing Meadows-Corona Park with its World's Fair remainders to the diverse culinary scene of neighborhoods like Flushing and Astoria, there's always something fun things to do in Queens.
The borough also offers cultural gems such as the Museum of the Moving Image and the Queens Botanical Garden, along with outdoor adventures in its expansive parks like Forest Park and Cunningham Park. Queens is a hidden gem that offers unique and exciting activities for both locals and tourists. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find plenty of queen attractions and things to do here that will make your visit a memorable one.
We have compiled a list of 22 fun and unique things to do in Queens that you won't want to miss. So, let’s explore this amazing borough and discover all that it has to offer.
22 Fun and Unique Things To Do in Queens
1. Visit the Queens Museum
The Queen’s Museum is in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. It's a great place for people who like art and culture because it shows many different kinds of art, from old to new. It often talks about important topics like fairness, immigration, and what makes us who we are. One cool thing they have is a tiny model of New York City that you can look at and see how the city is set up. They also do events and classes to teach people about art and bring the community together. Whether you love art, and history, or just want to learn something new, going to the Queens Museum is always a fun thing to do.
2. Wander through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Walking around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park feels like entering a big playground with lots of nature and interesting things to see. The park has many different things to do for people of all ages. You can start by checking out the huge Unisphere, a big globe made of steel that stands for people around the world coming together. Right nearby is the Queens Museum, where you can see a cool model of New York City and lots of art. While you walk, you can enjoy the calm and pretty parts of the park like the lakes, grassy areas, and forests, great for picnics or just relaxing outside.
3. Indulge in Flushing's Food Scene
Exploring Flushing's food scene is the best thing to do in New York. It is like going on a big food adventure with lots of different flavors and cultures. This lively neighborhood in Queens is famous for its tasty Asian food, making it perfect for people who love trying new foods. You can visit busy food courts with yummy dishes from China, Korea, Taiwan, and other places, or find hidden spots with tasty dumplings, noodles, and barbecue. There are also lively markets selling fresh fruits and special ingredients.
4. Discover the Queens Botanical Garden
If you want a place full of calmness and serenity then visiting the Queens Botanical Garden is like entering a calm and pretty place in busy Queens. This lovely garden in Flushing is perfect for people who enjoy nature and quiet places. You can walk around and see different gardens with lots of plants and flowers. The garden also has classes and events where you can learn about gardening and how to be more eco-friendly. Whether you're walking on the paths, looking at flowers that change with the seasons, or joining activities, the Queens Botanical Garden is a great place for everyone to have fun.
5. Explore Astoria's Art and Culture
Visiting Astoria's art and culture is like jumping into a lively and creative area in Queens. This neighborhood has lots of different kinds of art, music, and things to do. You can see paintings and sculptures at art galleries, watch live shows at theaters and music spots, and check out unique stores selling cool stuff. Astoria also has places like the Museum of the Moving Image, where you can learn about movies and TV.
6. Attend a Performance at Queens Theatre
Watching a show at Queens Theatre is fun and if you are looking for some unique things to do in nyc with different types of performances like plays, musicals, and dances, then visit this theatre now. It is in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. They have talented performers who do all sorts of acts, whether you enjoy old-fashioned plays, modern dances, or lively music shows, going to Queens Theatre means you'll have a great time and make lasting memories.
7. Take a Food Tour of Jackson Heights
Taking a food tour of Jackson Heights is like going on a tasty adventure through many different kinds of food. This busy area in Queens has lots of restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. You can try yummy Indian chaat, spicy Mexican tacos, tasty Tibetan momos, and more. The food tour lets you visit lively markets, find cool places to eat, and taste foods that show the diverse cultures in the neighborhood. Whether you love food or just want to try new things, Jackson Heights is a fun place to explore and enjoy delicious meals.
8. Experience History at the Louis Armstrong House Museum
If you are a true jazz music lover then this place is waiting for you get it explore. Going to the Louis Armstrong House Museum feels like going back in time to learn about a famous jazz musician. This museum has Louis Armstrong's old home and things, like his music and personal stuff. You can walk through the rooms where Armstrong lived, including his music room and garden, and see what his life was like. The museum also has tours, classes, and events that talk about Armstrong's music and how he influenced culture.
9. Enjoy a Day at Rockaway Beach
Spending a day at Rockaway Beach is like having a relaxing vacation near the ocean in New York City. This place is so famous among locals and tourists because it has sandy beaches, nice views of the ocean, and lots of things to do. You can lay in the sun, swim in the water, or walk along the wooden walkway. There are also places to play volleyball, learn to surf, and rent bikes if you want more active fun. And you can buy food, snacks, and drinks right on the beach to enjoy while you relax.
10. Discover Socrates Sculpture Park
If you are seeking ideas about what to do in Queens, then Visiting Socrates Sculpture Park is the best thing you can do. It is like going to an art museum outside where art and nature are beautifully combined. It's in Long Island City, Queens, by the East River. The park has modern sculptures made by artists from around the world. You can walk around and see interesting artworks that fit with the surroundings. Plus, you can enjoy the nice view of the Manhattan skyline and see many different sculptures, making Socrates Sculpture Park a cool place to visit and appreciate art and nature together.
11. Attend the annual Queens International Night Market
Visit the annual Queens Night Market in New York City to experience the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Asian food. This festival offers a fusion of tastes, scents, and cultures that are sure to delight your taste buds. You can enjoy a variety of foods, including hot street food and decadent desserts while being close to the beautiful Central Park.
12. Discover Forest Park
Exploring Forest Park is like exploring the best parks queens. This place has a cool and calm vibe, a natural spot in Queens, New York. The park is big and has lots of trees, paths to walk on, and quiet places by the water. People can do things like walk, ride bikes, have picnics, and watch birds in the park's different areas. There are also playgrounds, fields for sports, and old things to see like the Forest Park Carousel.
13. Take a Ferry Ride to Roosevelt Island
If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in nyc, then taking a ferry to Roosevelt Island is like going on a relaxing boat trip across the East River. You can see amazing views of Manhattan and Queens from the boat. When you get to Roosevelt Island, you can check out cool places like the Four Freedoms Park or the old Blackwell House. The island is also nice for walking along the water and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.]
14. Visit Queens County Farm Museum
Going to Queens County Farm Museum is like entering a quiet farm in the middle of busy Queens. This old farm, in Floral Park, shows how farming used to be in the area. You can walk around and see the farmhouse, barns, gardens, and fields where they grow crops. The museum also has events all year, like festivals, markets where farmers sell things, and classes about farming and taking care of the environment. Families can have fun petting animals, picking fruits and veggies, and learning about farm life.
15. Attend a Mets Game at Citi Field
Going to a Mets game at Citi Field is like having a fun day watching baseball in Queens. So, if you are a visitor and looking for things to do in New York for first-timers. Then must watch this amazing game where the New York Mets play their games, and it's a cool stadium with lots of excitement. You can cheer for the Mets, eat yummy ballpark food like hot dogs and popcorn, and enjoy the energy with other fans.
16. Take a Cultural Tour of Corona
Exploring Corona on a cultural tour is like visiting a lively and diverse part of Queens. Corona is a multicultural place where you can see things like the food, markets, and art. You can go to special places like the Louis Armstrong House Museum to learn about important people from the area. There are also fun events like festivals and music shows that celebrate the different cultures in Corona. Whether you like history, art, and food, or just want to see new things, a cultural tour of Corona is a great way to have a fun and interesting experience.
17. Attend a Performance at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Watching a show at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts is like going to a fun event in Queens. It's a place where you can watch concerts, plays, and dances. The center has a good vibe and the performers are very talented. You can go with your friends or family and have a great time enjoying the show. Whether you like music, plays, or dancing, the Kupferberg Center for the Arts has something cool for everyone to like.
18. Explore the Noguchi Museum
If you want to explore a world of special art and design then visiting the Noguchi Museum is a must to do activity in Queens. It's in Long Island City, Queens, and shows the works of Isamu Noguchi, who was a famous artist and sculptor. You can see Noguchi's sculptures, furniture designs, and drawings in a calm and simple place. The museum also has a nice garden with outdoor artwork, where you can relax and enjoy nature.
19. Escape from an Escape Room
If you are looking for some amazing places to go in Queens, then try playing escape rooms. Escape rooms are becoming popular because it’s a great way to have a good time with friends. When you play in an escape room, you and your friends will work together to solve puzzles and find clues that will help you escape from the room. If you and your friends can solve all the puzzles and find the secret information, you'll be able to break the code and escape from the room. Escape rooms are a unique and exciting way to have fun in the heart of NYC.
20. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image
A world full of movies and TV stuff is known as the Museum of the Moving Image. It's in Astoria, Queens, and it's all about the history and art of movies and shows. You can see old cameras, and things used in famous movies, and learn how they make movies and TV. They also have fun things to do, like trying out cool effects and making your animations.
21. Enjoy a Sunset at Gantry Plaza State Park
Seeing the sunset at Gantry Plaza State Park is one of the most romantic things to do in NYC. The park is in Long Island City by the East River, so you can see the Manhattan skyline and the sun going down behind it. You can sit by the water, watch boats, and see the sky change its color. The park also has gardens, places to play, and benches where you can relax outside. So, if you are looking for things to do in nyc with kids then must visit this beautiful park where you can enjoy the evening doing lots of outdoor activities.
22. Head to Brooklyn
If you are looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Brooklyn offers beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a picnic among the colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, and stunning rose blooms. This can be an ideal summer evening activity, where you can relax and unwind amid nature. Queens also has a lot to offer, with a range of attractions catering to different interests, such as history, food, nature, and culture. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you'll surely find something unique and fun things to do in brooklyn.