The largest of New York’s five Boroughs has plenty of entertainment options for you to enjoy without spending a penny. A selection of free activities that will stir your emotions and enhance you spiritually and culturally is further on at i-queens.
Explore the largest park in the Borough
Flushing Meadows Corona Park was specifically designed for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It is the largest park in Queens, filled with various cultural attractions dedicated to nature, art, science and sports. Both New Yorkers and tourists come here to enjoy festivals, museums and theaters, taste masterpieces of international cuisine, take leisurely walks around the lakes, play sports in numerous stadiums and much more.
Snap a few selfies in front of the ruins of the Tent of Tomorrow or in front of the observation towers featured in Men in Black. And before you head out of the park, make a quick stop at the Unisphere, a massive steel globe that stands 140 feet tall. The steel sections symbolize different countries, while the three rings represent the first artificial satellites revolving around the Earth. Don’t miss the fountains that surround it!
Explore the various hiking and biking trails, as well as the lakes for water sports. Have fun at the dinosaur-themed playgrounds, take a stroll around scenic Meadow Lake and join in on the free concerts and festivals. Plus, the park also has a playground that is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Take a step back in time at Fort Totten Park
On the northeastern edge of Borough lies a rare remnant of the past, an abandoned fort, although it is still home to an Army reserve. This place has been around since the Civil War and served as a federal military base until the 1980s. Nowadays, the fort welcomes visitors and is a popular tourist spot.
In Fort Totten Park, you will find castle-like structures. Its location by the water creates a distinct, mysterious ambiance. The historic fort provides access to Long Island Sound, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean’s tidal estuary. Step out onto the pier for some amazing views of Queens. And, don’t forget to bring binoculars to watch the waterfowl.
Some fascinating sights in Fort Totten Park include Cold War-era structures like a cinema, an old officer’s residence, a lab and a hospital. On the other hand, the Civil War-era structures mostly lie in ruins, giving off a haunting feeling of time standing still. If you are up for a bike ride or a leisurely walk, you can check out the Greenway that runs through the park. It’s designed for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Take a ranger-led tour to explore the fort’s ancient tunnels and batteries, or pack your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the park’s pool. As you walk around, keep an eye out for rifled artillery marks. You will even find two artillery pieces from test firings stuck in the walls, which prove the fort was obsolete.
The Fort’s tunnel, constructed in 1870, is actually New York City’s first vehicular tunnel. It was originally used to transport ammunition to storage facilities. Nowadays, it’s a popular spot for graffiti enthusiasts. Interestingly, some of the oldest graffiti in the city can be found here, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.
Get inspired by art
It’s hard to believe, but Socrates Sculpture Park was once an abandoned landfill. The green lawn, covered with roses and daffodils, is where artists showcase their take on modern public art. The park doesn’t have a permanent collection. All artworks are displayed temporarily.
If you come in late spring or fall, you can see the artwork in progress. It’s a great place to bring your kids—they can climb on the sculptures and get a hands-on experience with the creativity. The open-air museum also hosts public events like yoga classes or capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art with elements of dance, music and acrobatics).
Socrates Sculpture Park is an expanse where art and river breezes come together, offering a sanctuary of creativity and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The outdoor museum covers four acres of waterfront and provides stunning vistas of the Manhattan skyline. This blend of nature and art harmonizes into an interactive experience for lovers of creativity.
Discover the history of agribusiness
You might not have expected to find a farm in downtown Queens, but it’s there! The Queens County Farm Museum is a farm museum that represents the history of New York City’s agricultural life. This farm has been catering to the city’s needs for centuries.
The farmhouse and its surrounding historic grounds showcase the evolution of this unique piece of land. The museum offers insight into the journey of farm produce from field to table. The farm grows a vast array of vegetables seen in local supermarkets. Take a free tour of the farm and learn about the ancient process of churning butter or other farm chores. Don’t forget to visit the farm’s main residents —sheep, goats, cows, pigs and chickens.
The farm structures, an orchard and herb garden, fields, an apiary, a vineyard and domestic animals really make history come alive. It’s home to around 200 different types of crops, mostly annual vegetables. You will also find perennial fruit and vegetable plantings, flowers, herbs and pollinator plants. Speaking of which, the farm uses regenerative agricultural methods to ensure that the produce is cultivated in an eco-friendly manner.
Join in on outdoor activities with your local community
Sports have the power to bring people together, no matter what their cultural background. They also help us to understand some of the differences between different countries. On a local level, sports can improve understanding between people of diverse religions, genders, and more. Sports bring people together where politics, religion, and culture often divide.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to get active. On snowy days, head to Juniper Valley Park for some free sledding and to build snowmen. Plus, it’s a popular spot for locals to hang out with friends and family. There are also tennis, handball and basketball courts for some fun activities.
By the way, this park was created as a result of glaciers melting and forming Long Island. The climate post-glaciers played a part in forming peat bogs, which were later enriched by the distinctive flora of New York City. So, walking and being active in this area is a great way to learn about its history and geological features. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has overseen this area since the 1930s.
During the warmer months, the Long Island City Community Boathouse offers free 20-minute canoe or kayak paddles in Hallets Cove. Volunteers get first dibs on longer paddling adventures. The mission of the Long Island City Community Boathouse is to provide both locals and visitors to Queens with the opportunity to enjoy educational and fun paddling experiences. They also focus on raising awareness about the estuary’s ecology, aiming to bring back the natural beauty of New York Harbor.