15 Amazing Things to Do with Kids in Long Island City & Queens

Long Island City and Queens offer families countless opportunities for fun, learning, and adventure. Whether you’re a local parent looking for weekend activities or visiting the area with children, this comprehensive guide covers the best family-friendly destinations and activities in one of NYC’s most vibrant boroughs.

Why Long Island City is Perfect for Families

Long Island City has transformed into a family-friendly destination with stunning waterfront views, world-class museums, and unique attractions. Located just minutes from Manhattan, LIC provides the perfect blend of urban excitement and community charm that kids love.

Top Indoor Activities for Kids in Long Island City

1. Cozy Artland – Creative Art Studio

Start your family adventure at Cozy Artland, Long Island City’s premier art studio designed specifically for families. This creative haven offers:

• Family art activities perfect for kids aged 3-15
• Paint and sip classes adapted for children (with juice instead of wine!)
• Birthday party packages that take the stress out of party planning
• Slime making workshops that kids absolutely love
• Creative workshops for different skill levels

What makes Cozy Artland special is their beginner-friendly approach and welcoming atmosphere. Even the messiest little artists feel comfortable here, and parents can relax knowing the space is designed for creativity and fun.

2. Museum of the Moving Image

Located in Astoria

This interactive museum brings the magic of film, television, and digital media to life. Kids can:

• Create their own stop-motion animations
• Explore behind-the-scenes movie magic
• Play vintage video games
• Participate in hands-on workshops

Pro Tip: Check their family programming schedule for special events and workshops.

3. New York Hall of Science

Address: 47-01 111th St, Corona

One of Queens’ crown jewels, this science museum features:

• 450+ hands-on exhibits
• The largest science playground in the Western Hemisphere
• Special exhibitions that change regularly
• Science demonstrations and workshops

4. Queens Museum

Address: Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Home to the famous Panorama of the City of New York, this museum offers:

• Family-friendly exhibitions
• Art-making workshops for children
• Cultural programs celebrating Queens’ diversity
• The iconic Unisphere nearby for photos

Outdoor Adventures in Queens

5. Gantry Plaza State Park

Address: 4-09 47th Rd, Long Island City

This waterfront park offers:

• Stunning Manhattan skyline views
• Large playground areas
• Open green spaces for running and games
• Perfect spot for family picnics

6. Socrates Sculpture Park

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City

An outdoor museum where art and nature meet:

• Large-scale sculptures kids can explore
• Free admission year-round
• Regular family programs and festivals
• Beautiful East River views

7. Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Address: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

Queens’ largest park features:

• The iconic Unisphere (perfect for photos)
• Queens Zoo with farm animals and exotic species
• Playgrounds and sports facilities
• Citi Field (home of the New York Mets)

8. Astoria Park

Address: 19th St & 23rd Dr, Astoria

The largest park in Queens offers:

• Olympic-sized swimming pool (summer)
• Massive playground areas
• Sports courts and fields
• Track for running and biking

Unique Learning Experiences

9. Queens Botanical Garden

Address: 43-50 Main St, Flushing

A green oasis featuring:

• Children’s garden area
• Seasonal workshops and programs
• Beautiful walking paths
• Educational exhibits about plants and sustainability

10. King Manor Museum

Address: 150-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica

Historical learning made fun:

• Interactive exhibits about colonial life
• Family programs and workshops
• Beautiful historic grounds
• Educational programs for different age groups

Entertainment and Fun

11. Bowlmor Lanes Queens

Address: 110-00 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst

Family bowling fun featuring:

• Kid-friendly lanes with bumpers
• Arcade games
• Party packages available
• Food and snacks

12. Showcase Cinema

Address: 61-35 188th St, Fresh Meadows

Perfect for family movie days:

• Latest family films
• Comfortable seating
• Concessions kids love
• Special family pricing options

Seasonal Activities

13. Queens Night Market (Spring-Fall)

Address: New York Hall of Science parking lot

A cultural food adventure:

• Over 100 vendors from around the world
• Live music and performances
• Kid-friendly atmosphere
• Affordable pricing for families

14. Citi Field (Baseball Season)

Address: 41 Seaver Way, Queens

Catch a Mets game with the family:

• Kids Run the Bases events
• Family-friendly concourse activities
• Mr. Met appearances
• Special kids’ promotions throughout season

15. Local Farmers Markets

Multiple locations throughout Queens

Perfect for weekend family outings:

• Fresh produce and local goods
• Often feature live music and activities
• Great way to explore different neighborhoods
• Educational about healthy eating

Planning Your Queens Family Adventure

Getting Around

• Subway: Multiple lines serve Long Island City and Queens
• Bus: Extensive bus network connects all neighborhoods
• Car: Parking available at most attractions (check ahead)
• Walking: Many LIC attractions are within walking distance

Best Times to Visit

• Weekdays: Less crowded at popular attractions
• Weekends: More family programming and special events
• Spring/Fall: Perfect weather for outdoor activities
• Summer: Great for waterfront parks and outdoor fun

Money-Saving Tips

• Many museums offer discounted or free admission days
• Parks and outdoor attractions are typically free
• Look for family packages and group discounts
• Check websites for special family days and promotions

Making the Most of Your Visit

Combining Activities

Create the perfect day by combining nearby attractions:

• Art + Nature: Start at Cozy Artland, then visit Socrates Sculpture Park
• Culture + Fun: Museum of Moving Image followed by Astoria Park
• Learning + Play: New York Hall of Science plus Queens Museum

Age-Appropriate Planning

• Toddlers (2-4): Focus on parks, simple art activities, and shorter visits
• School Age (5-10): Museums, interactive exhibits, and creative workshops
• Tweens/Teens (11+): More complex art projects, sports activities, and cultural experiences

Local Dining for Families

After all that activity, you’ll need to refuel! Queens offers incredible family dining:

• Astoria: Greek tavernas with kid-friendly options
• Flushing: Amazing Asian cuisine with mild options for kids
• Long Island City: Trendy restaurants with children’s menus
• Jackson Heights: Diverse international food scene

Special Events Throughout the Year

Queens hosts numerous family-friendly events:

• Summer: Outdoor concerts and festivals
• Fall: Halloween events and harvest festivals
• Winter: Holiday celebrations and indoor activities
• Spring: Cultural festivals celebrating Queens’ diversity

Conclusion

Long Island City and Queens provide endless opportunities for family fun, learning, and adventure. From hands-on art experiences at Cozy Artland to world-class museums and beautiful parks, there’s something for every child’s interests and energy level.

The key to a successful family outing in Queens is planning ahead, allowing plenty of time for exploration, and being open to discovering new favorites. Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, creative outlets, or just plain fun, Long Island City and Queens deliver unforgettable family memories.

Ready to start your creative adventure? Book a family art session at Cozy Artland and discover why it’s becoming Long Island City’s favorite destination for family fun. With beginner-friendly classes, mess-free environments, and activities designed specifically for children, it’s the perfect starting point for your Queens family adventure.

For more information about family art activities and to book your visit, contact Cozy Artland today!