With its iconic parks, kid-friendly attractions, buzzing shopping centers, and one of Queens’ best food scenes, Flushing is a must-visit for families. Spend the morning exploring Flushing Meadows Corona Park, then refuel with dim sum, dumplings, noodles, Korean barbecue, bakeries, and colorful bubble tea before browsing shops or squeezing in one more kid-friendly adventure.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Flushing with kids, family-friendly restaurants, playgrounds, shopping, or fun indoor activities, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s our guide to exploring Flushing, Queens with kids.
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Insider Tips for Visiting Flushing with Kids
Getting to Flushing is easy, with the 7 subway train running to Flushing-Main Street and the Long Island Rail Road stopping at the same hub. Once you arrive, many of the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, and attractions are within easy reach, making it a convenient choice for a family day trip in Queens.
Citi Field beckons fans for 81 games a season when Mr. and Mrs. Met celebrate the home team.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Flushing with Kids?1. Citi Field
Make a day of it at Citi Field, where families can catch a Mets game, snap a photo of the iconic Home Run Apple, and let kids try their hand at baseball activities in its Fan Fest. Young fans can also join the Mets Kids Club and, on select Sundays, run the bases with Mr. and Mrs. Met after the game.
2. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Explore Flushing Meadows Corona Park, one of Queens’ best family-friendly destinations, and stop by the iconic Unisphere for photos. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, open green spaces, walking paths, and plenty of room to run and play.
Take a break from sightseeing at the Flushing Public Library, where families can browse a huge selection of books, discover children’s programs, and enjoy a quiet spot to read.
Take the family on a virtual adventure at Future Timeline VR, where immersive virtual reality experiences transport visitors into imaginative worlds.
Tangram is much more than a mall. It offers shopping and dining, but also acts as a center for cultural celebrations.
5. Tangram
Make it a fun family outing at Tangram, where you can browse stores, grab a family-friendly meal, and catch the latest movie at Regal Tangram—all in one place.
6. Happy Bees Indoor Playground
Keep little ones busy at Happy Bees Indoor Playground, an indoor play space where children can climb, explore, and burn off energy in a colorful, kid-friendly environment.
See what’s happening at neighborhood hot spot Flushing Town Hall, which hosts frequent performances and art workshops for kids.
For two weeks in the late summer, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is the focus of the tennis world.
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Flushing with Kids8. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Introduce kids to tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the US Open in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Families can watch top-level tennis during major events or explore year-round programs and public court opportunities for players of different ages and skill levels. Arthur Ashe Kids Day is one of our top annual events for families, and it’s completely FREE.
Search for your apartment on the Panorama of NYC or let the kids unleash their creativity at the Queens Museum, where families can explore exhibitions and dive into hands-on art activities, from drawing and collage to sculpture, crafts, and storytelling. With FREE drop-in family programs and FREE admission for children 12 and under, it’s an easy—and especially fun—addition to a family day in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
10. Queens Theatre
Enjoy a family-friendly performance at the Queens Theatre, a welcoming performing arts venue in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Check the schedule for children’s shows, dance, music, and special family events for an entertaining outing with kids.
Step back in time at the Voelker Orth Museum, a charming Victorian-era home tucked away in Flushing. Kids can explore the gardens and bird sanctuary, discover local history through exhibits and tours, and enjoy seasonal family events.
Treat the family to a fun shopping trip at The Shops at Skyview, where multiple levels are filled with favorite brands, making it easy to browse, discover something new, and find a little something for everyone.
Turn curiosity into play at the New York Hall of Science, where kids can experiment, build, and explore through hundreds of interactive exhibits. From hands-on science exhibits and the immersive Connected Worlds to the Science Playground and Rocket Park Mini Golf, there’s plenty to keep active kids engaged and learning along the way.
14. New World Mall
Enjoy a family-friendly food and shopping stop at New World Mall, a popular destination in Flushing with a wide selection of Asian restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
Eat your way around the world at this seasonal night market that runs on Saturday nights in the spring, summer, and fall. Vendors are known for keeping prices affordable, and dishes are capped at $5-6, so you can try several foods without spending a fortune.
16. World Ice Arena
Hit the ice year-round at this ice skating rink, one of our favorite indoor rinks for families.
17. Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool
Sign up for a membership to this Olympic-sized, indoor pool so you can swim year-round. Recreation center memberships are FREE for kids.
What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Flushing for Families18. Queens Botanical Garden
Explore nature at Queens Botanical Garden, a peaceful, family-friendly attraction with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and seasonal activities. Kids can discover plants, learn about nature, and enjoy hands-on gardening programs.
19. Queens Zoo
Meet animals from around the world at the Queens Zoo, a kid-friendly attraction inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Families can see wildlife, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy educational activities that make learning about animals fun.
20. Kissena Park
Head outdoors at Kissena Park, where families can enjoy playgrounds, walking trails, open spaces, tennis courts, and scenic Kissena Lake.
21. Playground For All Children
Let kids climb, swing, slide, and play at Playground for All Children, an inclusive and welcoming playground designed for children of different abilities.
22. Flushing Meadows Pitch & Putt
You don’t need to be an expert to nab a tee time at this local 18-hole golf course, where holes range from 40-80 yards and can be played with just four clubs: 9-iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a putter. Too advanced for your brood? There’s a mini-golf course on-site, too.
23. Fantasy Forest Amusement Park
Nestled in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, this mini-amusement park is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids. A small collection of tame rides provides just-right thrills, and you won’t break the bank with the price of admission. It’s also home to a beautiful carousel dating to the 1964 World’s Fair.
24. Retired Animals Playground
Something of an oddity: This playground isn’t meant for wild romping; rather, it honors some well-worn playground animals transported here after decades of duty. It’s a fun little photo-op and diversion during your visit to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
25. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrate the fifth moon of the lunar calendar with this colorful festival that hosts dragon boat teams from across North America for contests on Meadow Lake. Expect entertainment and plenty of Chinese eats for spectators, too.
Choose your own adventure during dinner at GAN-HOO BBQ.
What Are the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Flushing, Queens?26. GAN-HOO BBQ
Make dinner interactive at GAN-HOO BBQ, where families can gather around the table and grill their meal together. It’s a fun way to turn dinner into an experience, with sizzling barbecue and plenty of dishes to share.
27. Woodam
Warm up with Korean comfort food at Woodam, where hearty soups, comforting stews, and rich broths make for a cozy family meal in Flushing.
28. Siam Thai
Bring the family to Siam Thai for fragrant curries, flavorful noodles, and classic Thai favorites. With plenty of dishes to share, it’s an easy choice when everyone wants something different.
Make mealtime fun at Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, where families can share juicy soup dumplings, noodles, and other Shanghainese favorites.
Let everyone pick their favorites at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, where tabletop grills make it easy and fun to mix and match meats, vegetables, and sides.
31. Lucia Pizza
Keep things easy with a family-friendly meal at Lucia Pizza, serving classic New York-style slices and pies that make an easy stop for hungry kids and parents alike.
32. Busy Bee Coffee
Take a family-friendly coffee and snack break at Busy Bee Coffee, a cozy spot for coffee, pastries, and sweet treats.
Treat the family to something sweet at Capy Tres Leches Cake, known for its indulgent tres leches cakes and colorful desserts.
Choose your custom brew from Teapulse.
34. Teapulse
Cool down with a refreshing drink from Teapulse, where families can choose from bubble tea, fruit teas, and other fun drinks.
35. Rocco’s Italian Sausages & Cheese Steaks
Grab a hearty bite at Rocco’s Italian Sausages & Cheese Steaks, where classic sausages and cheesesteaks make for a satisfying, casual family meal.
Stop by Beans & Blossom Co. for a relaxed coffee-and-treat break in Flushing. With its inviting atmosphere and pretty presentation, it’s a nice spot for parents to pause while kids enjoy a little something special.
A previous version of this article was published in 2018. Photos by the author