Fun and Free Things to Do in Queens

When you’re looking for ways to supplement your NYC vacation without exceeding your vacation budget, you’ll find an admirable selection of free things to do in Queens.

Hitch a Ride to Rockaway Beach

If you're looking for an East Coast surf place, head to NYC's only official surfing spot, Rockaway Beach. If you prefer to take a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, make sure there's a lifeguard present to avoid a fine. Park for free along the street or at beach-side lots. Bring a picnic and have a cookout at barbecue areas along the boardwalk. You'll also find spray parks, sports facilities and restrooms there.

Explore Flushing Meadows Corona Park

At 897 acres, Flushing Meadows Corona Park rolls out plenty of room to roam among its free features. Home to two World's Fairs in the past century, the park has photo-worthy leftover architecture to explore.

Snap a selfie in front of the remains of the Tent of Tomorrow or the observation towers that you might recognize from the 1997 movie, Men in Black. You can't miss the 140-foot globe known as the Unisphere. Romp at dinosaur-themed playgrounds, meander through trails leading around a scenic lake or attend the park's many free concerts and festivals.

Step Back in Time at Fort Totten Park

You’ll find castle-like structures perched on the edge of the water at Fort Totten. The old Civil War fortress looks out across the Long Island Sound, offering views of the city and Throgs Neck Bridge. Walk out on the jetty for the best views in Queens. Bring your binoculars to bird-watch for raptors, songbirds and migrating waterfowl. Explore the fort’s ancient tunnels and batteries on a ranger-led tour or bring your bathing suit to swim in the park’s pool at no charge.

Get Artsy at Socrates Sculpture Park

You’d hardly guess that Socrates Sculpture Park was once an abandoned landfill. The lush five-acre park blooms with roses and daffodils beneath towering birch and willows that shade the canvas of its green lawn.

The internationally renowned outdoor museum hosts ever-changing displays where art and ecology mesh. Stop by in the late spring or fall for your best chance to see artwork in the process of creation. Bring the kids—they're encouraged to climb on and touch the artwork. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the park’s main entrance or time your visit to coincide with one of the park’s free festivals, performances or film showings.

Have Fun on the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum

You might not expect to see a working farm in the heart of the city, but you'll discover the city's largest tract of unbroken farmland at the Queens County Farm Museum. Leave the hectic city behind as you settle into farm life the way it was in the 1700s.

The farm produces just about every type of veggie you'll see in the local supermarkets. In fact, much of the farm's produce supplies grocery stores and restaurants within a 15-mile radius. Take a free farmhouse tour and watch demonstrations of old fashioned butter churning or other farm tasks. Don't forget to visit cute heritage farm animals that include sheep, goats, miniature cows, pigs and chickens.

Opt Outdoors with Free Sports

Don't be discouraged by snow—instead, head over to Juniper Valley Park on a snowy day for free sledding, hot chocolate and snowman-building contests. You can borrow a free sled on the Snow Days sponsored by NYC Parks, but the wide-open slopes are suitable for sledding anytime there's enough snow—pick up a plastic saucer from a local store.

When weather warms up, the Long Island City Community Boathouse sponsors free 20-minute kayak or canoe paddles in Hallets Cove on select weekends during the summer. Stay to volunteer and get priority access for longer trips sponsored by the boathouse.

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