565 kid-friendly places and programs in Queens, led by sports, playgrounds and libraries. Includes Alley Pond Environmental Center and Hunters Point Library.
An environmental education center in Queens with resident animal ambassadors, nature trails through Alley Pond Park's wetlands and woods, and a big menu of classes. Toddler classes start before age 2, with weekend, homeschool and free programs for older kids.
Little ones and school-age kids in Hunters Point can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Hunters Point Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included Toddler Time, Family Fun and Crafternoon. The striking waterfront building sits next to Gantry Plaza State Park and opens on Sundays.
Little ones and school-age kids in Jamaica can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Queens Central Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. The weekly lineup has recently included bilingual storytimes, STEM activities, crafts and video game hours. Its Children's Library Discovery Center mixes a kids' library with hands-on science and math exhibits, and the building opens on Sundays.
Briarwood Library is a neighborhood branch where Briarwood children can sit and read, check out books and media on a free card, and join regularly scheduled kids' programs. The weekly lineup has recently included Lego Club and Arts & Crafts.
Little ones and school-age kids in Elmhurst can browse the picture-book and early-reader shelves at Elmhurst Library, borrow games and use the computers after school. Recurring kids' programs lately have included Mother Goose Time infants, PreK & Kindergarten Storytime, Wacky Adventures STEAM for school-age and Tween Time.
At Flushing Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Flushing students. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included storytime & craft events and hands-on crafts. This is one of the busiest branches in the Queens system, with large collections in several languages, and it opens Sundays.
At Hillcrest Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Hillcrest students. The weekly lineup has recently included Toddler Time, Toddler Play Time, Family Storytime and Crafternoon.
Over 12,000 acres of water, salt marsh and upland habitat in Jamaica Bay that form one of the Northeast's largest bird habitats. Families walk the pond trails from the visitor center to spot egrets, ospreys and migrating shorebirds.
The children's area at Langston Hughes Library stocks board books, picture books and chapter books for Corona kids, with computers and table space for after-school reading and homework. Current calendar offerings for kids include Storytime in Spanish, After-School Storytime and Craft and STEM & crafts. The branch is home to a well-known Black heritage reference center.
A zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park focused on animals of the Americas, such as Andean bears, sea lions, pumas and bison, plus a domestic-animal area. It is small enough to see everything in a morning.
The Flushing YMCA in Flushing runs YMCA swim lessons in its indoor pool, from parent-and-child water play for babies and toddlers to preschool classes for ages 3–5 and stroke-building levels for school-age kids and teens. Families can also use scheduled family swim times.
The Jamaica YMCA in Jamaica runs YMCA swim lessons in its indoor pool, from parent-and-child water play for babies and toddlers to preschool classes for ages 3–5 and stroke-building levels for school-age kids and teens. Families can also use scheduled family swim times.
The Long Island City YMCA in Long Island City runs YMCA swim lessons in its indoor pool, from parent-and-child water play for babies and toddlers to preschool classes for ages 3–5 and stroke-building levels for school-age kids and teens. Families can also use scheduled family swim times.
McGoldrick Library gives Flushing families a free indoor stop with a kids' collection that runs from baby board books to middle-grade novels. The weekly lineup has recently included Toddler Storytime, Picture Book Time, Game Time and Toddler Fun Time.
At North Forest Park Library, the youth collection covers everything from lap-sized board books to graphic novels, and the space doubles as a quiet after-school spot for Forest Hills students. Programs for young children and school-age kids have included storytimes, baby programs, toddler playtime and LEGO club.
Located in the Far Rockaway library, this free STEM center lets kids 12 and up build robots, learn design software and try fabrication tools during after-school drop-in hours.
Inside Queens Public Library's central branch, middle and high schoolers take robotics and technical workshops and use design and fabrication equipment with guidance from STEM staff. Access is free with an NYC FIRST membership.
The Ridgewood YMCA in Ridgewood runs YMCA swim lessons in its indoor pool, from parent-and-child water play for babies and toddlers to preschool classes for ages 3–5 and stroke-building levels for school-age kids and teens. Families can also use scheduled family swim times.
Baisley Park South Playground is a NYC Parks play area inside Baisley Pond Park, with climbing structures and play equipment scaled for kids. Ground-level activities and transfer platforms make much of the play area reachable for children with mobility needs. A spray shower makes it a go-to summer stop when children need to splash and cool down.
Bowne Playground is a NYC Parks play area in Bowne Park near 29th Ave to 32nd Ave between 158th St and 159th St, with climbing structures and play equipment scaled for kids. Ground-level activities and transfer platforms make much of the play area reachable for children with mobility needs. A spray shower makes it a go-to summer stop when children need to splash and cool down.
Free co-ed youth soccer clinics where coaches teach passing, dribbling and shooting through drills and informal scrimmages. Standout players are invited to end-of-season tournaments.
Free co-ed youth soccer clinics where coaches teach passing, dribbling and shooting through drills and informal scrimmages. Standout players are invited to end-of-season tournaments.
Free youth tennis instruction on public park courts, with coaches teaching strokes, footwork and match play. Rackets are provided for beginners.
Free youth tennis instruction on public park courts, with coaches teaching strokes, footwork and match play. Rackets are provided for beginners.
LittleGotham lists 565 places and programs for kids in Queens. The largest groups are 144 sports programs, 78 playgrounds, 66 libraries.
Yes. 203 of 565 are free to attend, including Hunters Point Library, Queens Central Library, Baisley Park South Playground.
420 listings are indoors, such as Alley Pond Environmental Center, Hunters Point Library, Queens Central Library.
Long Island City (53), Flushing (48), Astoria (47).