fans to history buffs to science enthusiasts, everyone can find something to
enjoy at
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is the largest park in Queens and the third
largest park in all of NYC (the first is Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, the second
is Greenbelt Park in Staten Island.) With tons of space and plenty of
amenities, Flushing Meadows is a haven for families of all ages and interests.
Once a
dumping ground described by F. Scott Fitzgerald as the “valley of ashes” in “The Great Gatsby,” Flushing Meadows-Corona Park has transformed over the
years to become a lush landscape, filled with tons of natural and architectural
beauty. Our first suggestion? Bring along your camera! Here are a few other tips to help you
plan your trip to this amazing and expansive park.
Start the
day by admiring the park’s most noticeable architectural marvel, the Unisphere.
This 140-foott high stainless steel globe stands as the centerpiece of the park,
and it’s one of
World Fair, one of two World Fair’s held at
Both
history buffs and art connoisseurs will love the park’s many monuments and
sculptures remaining from the World Fairs. Look for the 28-foot tall bronze
sculpture “Freedom of the Human Spirit” from the ’64 World Fair or the “George
Washington,” a cast of a Donald Dulue sculpture which originally appeared in
the ’39 World Fair. The park is also home to “The Rocket Thrower,” “Form,” “The
Excedra,” The Whispering Column of Jerash,” and “From in Transit,” all
remaining from the ’64 World Fair.
The “World’s Fair Flagpoles” stand as a
tribute to the ’39 World Fair, and a granite monument marks the burial spot of
two time capsules from 1938 and 1965 meant to survive 5,000 years. Make looking
for the monuments more exciting for the little ones by turning it into a family
scavenger hunt.
And in the
spirit of searching, try and find your neighborhood at the Queens Museum of
Art’s remarkable diorama of the city. The Museum also offers innovative
exhibits featuring many different art styles, so you’ll never know what you’ll find.
If the kids
get a little restless, check out the New York Hall of Science, a haven for kids
and moms alike. Filled with hands-on exhibits geared towards children, the Hall
of Science will have your kids learning while playing. Try out the “Shadow
Wall” that creates “frozen shadows” due to the absorption and emission of
light, but beware the exhibits are so entertaining you may find yourself
joining in on the fun.
Once your
little ones have learned all they can about the natural world, experience it
first hand with a trip to the Queens Zoo. Spanning almost 11 acres and featuring more
than 75 species, the zoo is a great destination for animal lovers of all ages; make sure to take a trip to the aviary and spend some time with the always
entertaining sea-lions before you go!
If your
kids rather watch a pro-athlete over an Andean Bear, don’t worry,
not one but two world-famous stadiums, Citi-Field and the
Wright and the Mets try to bat their way to the top of the National League
East, or head to the
such as Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams serve up a storm.
If your
kids want to get in on the athletic action,
from. With baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts,
cricket fields and handball courts, there’s a place to play just about any
sport. You can even learn to sail, as The American Small Craft Association
offers lessons at
Speaking of
which, did you know that
is also home to
natural area. In addition to the lakes, the Flushing Bay Promenade offers an
impressive waterfront view, the perfect addition to any stroll.
Another
natural sight worth a look is The Queens Botanical Garden, 39-acres of
beautiful plant-life, including exotic trees and radiant flowers.
And perhaps
the best way for any child to truly enjoy
playgrounds. The Playground for All Children is a wonderful facility created to
serve both able-bodied and disabled youngsters. The other playgrounds include three
dinosaur-themed spaces (including the Dinosaur, the Jurassic, and the Triassic
Playgrounds) as well as the Laurence Playground, the Mauro Playground and the
Saturn Playground. With so many playgrounds, there’s more than enough room for
your little ones to run, swing, and climb to their hearts’ desire.
Photo credit: Daniel Avila (NYC Parks & Recreation)
