Queens is a borough in New York City. It is the most extensive among the five boroughs of New York City and is located in the easternmost part of Long Island. It also shares a geographical border with Brooklyn to the western region.
This area is famous for its exceptional museums, restaurants, budget-friendly activities, and renowned attractions like the USTA National Tennis Center and the enormous World’s Fair globe in Flushing Meadows.
There are many fascinating things to do in Queens and several lovely attractions to explore, including different parks. The Parks offer diverse amenities and activities that will make your stay in Queens an unforgettable adventure.
Here are the best parks in Queens, NY.
Best Parks in Queens, NY
1. Astoria Park
Astoria is widely recognized as perhaps the safest neighborhood within the Queens region. Astoria Park provides a serene ambiance on its expansive 60 acres.
Inside the park is the most extensive outdoor pool in New York City, including a large playground and a skate park. Instead of focusing mainly on the large pool at Astoria Park, be sure to take some time to explore the trails along the East River within the Park.
Visiting this park lets you observe beautiful views of Manhattan, the overhead Hells Gate, and the Triborough Bridges.
There are also tennis courts, playgrounds, athletic fields, and the nearby Agnanti restaurant, where you can enjoy a delectable Greek dinner.
Address: 19 19th St, Astoria, NY 11105, United States
2. Forest Park
Forest Park, spanning roughly 538 acres, is the third most expansive park in Queens and the tenth largest in New York City. It was established in 1985 and was formerly called the Brooklyn Forest Park when the area was a part of that Borough.
Within the Forest Park are 165 acres of trees. It also features the most extensive continuous oak forest in Queens. Most of these trees have survived for over a century and a half.
The Park is nestled on the hills shaped by the leftovers of the Wisconsin glacier. It is a home for local fauna and flora amidst the expansive landscape of the city.
Many trails are available in the Park for day hikers and residents of this area. Other amenities within the park are playgrounds, a running track, tennis courts, two dog runs, a pond, a carousel, basketball courts, a golf course, a skate park, and a baseball field.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation manages and maintains the Forest Park. This Park is reputed to be one of the best parks in Queens, NY.
Address: Forest Park Dr, Queens, NY 11354, United States
3. Kissena Park
Kissena Park, spanning about 235 acres in size, is situated along the underground Kissena Creek, which merges with the Flushing River.
Kissena Park is an abode to the sole existing velodrome in the city, a lake that bears the name of the park, two war memorials, multiple playgrounds, and fields for sporting.
The Kissena Velodrome is located at the park’s center at a distance of 400 meters; it is a track cycling venue and is the only existing bicycle track in the city. The Velodrome also serves as a venue for numerous bicycling programs and Star Track.
The park is visited by many travelers and residents of the area who visit to enjoy the many attractions and fun amenities it offers, such as tennis courts, softball fields, cricket, bocce, and, most significantly, bike racing.
Address: Kissena Blvd and Booth Memorial Avenue, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365, United States
4. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park ranks as the borough’s most extensive and diverse park, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in New York City. It is undoubtedly among the top parks in Queens, NY.
This park covers more than 1,000 acres in size. It features plenty of attractions and fun activities that will make your stay a worthwhile experience.
The park features numerous museums, a zoo, a theater, fields for various sports like softball, soccer, cricket, baseball, and softball, and several playgrounds.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park also offers opportunities for boating on a lake or the Sound through its marina, fantastic artwork, ample space to explore beneath the shining Unisphere, and an ancient pillar from the World’s Fair.
Address: Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expy, Queens, NY 11354, United States
5. Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park, spanning 655.3 acres, is the second-most extensive park in Queen, New York City. It is a fantastic place to be if you want to spend quality time with family and friends.
This park consists mainly of wooded areas located on the southern side of the Long Island Expressway and meadowlands on the northern side.
Inside the Park is the Queen Giant, a tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) known for being the tallest accurately measured tree in New York City and perhaps the largest surviving entity in New York City.
The Alex House Pond Ebenezer Center team hosts a comprehensive program for both adults and children, which centers on environmental education and exploration of the swamps and woods in the Alley Pond area.
In addition, the park offers an excellent tennis bubble (used only in the winter season), the city’s most extensive ropes course, an expansive climbing wall, and fields for sports such as baseball and football.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is in charge of the management and operations of this park. Its features earned it a reputation as one of the most fun parks in Queens, NY.
Address: Union Tpke, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364, United States
6. Roy Wilkins Park
Throughout the year, Roy Wilkins Park remains a beloved neighborhood destination in St.
Albans and South Jamaica.
Roy Wilkins Park features basketball, handball, and tennis courts, including a pool and recreation center. Additionally, this park houses a renowned Black Spectrum Theater and an open-air African American Hall of Fame.
Each summer, there is a specific weekend that truly brings all of the excitement to this park. That weekend is the Irie Jamboree, a reggae festival hosted on Labor Day Weekend annually; it showcases prominent performers from Jamaica.
Address: Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
7. Gateway National Park – Jamaica Bay, Breezy Point, and Jacob Riis
The Gateway National Park is another fantastic place to check out during your vacation in Queens, New York City. This park spans the southern shores of Queens, covering areas from Jamie Bay and the Rockaways to Brooklyn and Staten Island.
It is such a vast area, which makes it quite difficult to describe. However, the natural beauty of this place is so captivating; it is an ideal place to visit if you want to connect with nature.
Whenever you want to take a break from the bustle and hustle of the city, make sure to visit Breezy and Rockaway Beach.
Do not forget to explore the birding opportunities at Jamaica Wildlife Refuge or the canoeing trips along the shore. This adventure will help you attain optimal relaxation and a street-free mindset.
Address: Cross Bay Boulevard Broad Channel, Far Rockaway, NY 11693-1336, United States
8. Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre waterfront area that offers breathtaking views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline with the Empire State Building and the United Nations.
Visitors can conveniently stroll on the four piers in the park or explore its well-maintained gardens and distinctive mist fountain. You can also take time to appreciate the park’s main attractions- the renovated gantries.
These gantries, which were once utilized for loading and unloading barges and rail car floats, now serve as significant reminders of the history of this waterfront.
The park’s plaza is an ideal place to indulge in a summer or spring concert, with the city’s skyline serving as a backdrop while the gantries are on the stage.
Recreational amenities in the park include playgrounds, handball courts, a fishing pier featuring a personal cleaning table, and handball courts. The park does not allow cooking or cooking grills.
Address: 4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY 11101, United States
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9. Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park
For several decades, the Socrates Sculpture Park remained a discarded waterfront landfill and illegal dumpsite not until 1986 when a group of artists and community members, under the guidance of artist Mark di Suvero, converted it into an exhibition space and open studio for artists.
Presently, the Socrates Sculpture Park is known as a globally recognized outdoor museum and has been formally designated as a public park in New York City.
The Park is renowned for supporting ambitious and creative artworks. It has showcased the works of over 1,000 artists on its five-acre waterfront space, offering them monetary assistance, instruments, materials, and space needed to produce large-scale pieces for the public.
Socrates Sculpture Park is available for visitations throughout the year between 9 am and sunset, and no fee is required to access the park’s exhibitions, programs, and gardens.
Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11106, United States
10. Baisley Pond Park
Baisley Pond Park is situated in the southeastern area of Queens, NYC. This public park shares its borders with the neighborhoods of St. Albans, South Jamaica, and Rochdale.
Baisley Pond Park spans 109.61 acres, with the central attraction being the 30-acre Baisley Pond. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation oversees the park’s maintenance.
The Park is a hotspot for sports and several other outdoor recreational activities. There are numerous amenities available in the park for your enjoyment and pleasure.
These amenities include baseball fields, barbecue spots, cricket fields, basketball courts, handball courts, five kiddies playgrounds, fitness equipment, bicycle paths, a soccer field, a running track, tennis courts, and spread showers. Free WiFi is available in many areas of the park.
Address: Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434, United States
11. Cunningham Park
Cunningham Park stands out as one of the most extensive parks in Queens. It was developed from 1928 to 1944 and provides a blend of culture, sports amenities, and nature activities for everyone to enjoy.
This park spans approximately 358 acres. It is located between the Grand Central Parkway to the south and the Long Island Expressway, with the Clearview Expressway dividing it.
The park is an excellent spot to enjoy hiking and picnicking. It is frequently in use because of its sports field. The park welcomes the Big Apple Circus and the New York Philharmonic each summer.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation is in charge of maintaining Cunningham Park.
Address: 196-10 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11366, United States
12. Hunter’s Point South Park
A little history about Hunter’s Point South Park is that it received its name in recognition of the Hunter family, who operated the land as a 210-acre farm.
After the demise of the Hunters in 1833, the property was sold and eventually cleared for commercial and residential development.
Hunter’s Point South Park is a lively and eco-friendly multi-purpose waterfront park in Long Island City. If you seek relaxation and fun, this park is a must-visit.
The park features playground areas, a central green, a waterfront promenade, the adult finest equipment, a basketball court, picnic terraces, a 13,000 square foot pavilion that houses convenient stations, a cafe plaza and concessions, and a 30-foot lofty cantilevered platform that offers waterfront and skyline views.
Address: Center Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States
13. Queensbridge Park
Queensbridge Park
Queensbridge Park takes after the name of a nearby Queensboro Bridge. It is a 20-acre city park located along the East River within Long Island City in New York City.
The Park is a central recreational hub for residents of Queensbridge Houses. It features a waterfront promenade, running tracks, picnicking areas, land, and baseball diamonds.
Other facilities available in the park include courts for basketball, handball, and volleyball, multi-purpose fields, sitting areas, walkways, a playground with swings, sea-sawa and jungle gyms, greenery areas, walkways, trees, and a comfort station.
Queensbridge Park is a lovely spot to spend quality time with family and friends.
Address: Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States
14. Juniper Valley Park
Juniper Valley is a 55-acre public park in Middle Village in Queens, New York City. The Park stands out amongst the city’s most well-maintained large neighborhood parks.
This park is cherished amongst the residents of the area and travelers. Thanks to its various sports facilities, sports enthusiasts will enjoy every bit of their stay in this park.
These facilities include handball, basketball, bocce, handball, and paddleball courts, with seven baseball fields and a quarter-mile running track encircling a turf soccer/football field.
Other amenities include a playground with different play structures and a roller hockey rink. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has operated and maintained the park since 1930.
Address: Juniper Blvd., Lutheran Ave., 71 St, Dry Harbor Rd, Queens, NY 11379, United States
15. Travers Park
Travers Park is among the most fun parks in Queens, NY. It is a 2-acre community park and playground spanning 2 acres in Jackson Heights.
The asphalt play area and basketball and tennis courts comprise a significant portion of this park. Over half of the park has an asphalt play area with basketball and tennis courts.
Approximately one-third of the park contains a kiddie’s playground featuring a spray shower designed in leaf and vine shapes. Other amenities within this park include handball courts, a bicycle rack, picnic tables, benches, a dog run, and a lawn.
The Park is well-maintained and clean and is an excellent spot to hang out with the kids, family, and friends.
Address: 76-9 34th Ave, Queens, NY 11372, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Queens
One exciting thing about visiting Queens is that it will provide plenty of opportunities to help you stay active and busy.
The Parks in Queens has an excellent operating and maintenance system, allowing visitors to unwind, have fun, and bond with their families and friends.