Looking for fun and free/low-cost things to do in Queens this May? We’ve rounded up the top family events, including the return of the Big Apple Circus and fun stuff to do for Mother’s Day.
May 5-6
When a sophisticated mouse named Roddy gets Flushed Away down the toilet by Syd, a roughhouse sewer rat, he finds himself in Ratropolis, where he meets a bunch of less-than-desirable characters and comedic madcap ensues. This computer-animated film, presented at the Museum of the Moving Image, will have you and your family laughing out loud as true-to-life parallels are drawn between the high-society mouse and the bumpkin rat.
May 12
A trio of acrobatic dancers creates a sensory feast of images ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime in Galumpha, showing at Flushing Town Hall. Watch for stunning acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, and inventive choreography in this show that tickles the imagination with its beauty, muscle, and merriment.
May 13
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Moms are special every day of the year, but Mother’s Day (May 13) gives us an excuse to show our appreciation. Bring your family’s leading lady to one of these fun events, where she can take a break and try something new:
Take her for a walk on the wild side—visit Queens Botanical Garden, especially its wildflower gardens, for some Mother’s Day Fun. Stroll together through 39 bucolic acres of natural beauty (just like Mom!), then make Mom a special treat for her special day.
Let mom know just how much you love and appreciate her by treating her to a delightful Mother’s Day Brunch at Bourbon Street, featuring mouth-watering Cajun food and a friendly ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
Here’s a wild idea: Take mom to see Spencers Theatre of Illusion: Making Mother’s Day Magical at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center. It’s much more than a magic show. It combines drama, comedy, romance, and suspense with elaborate stage illusions, making it a magical concert for Mom’s eyes.
May 19
Under the lens of educator and documentary photographer Audrey Gottlieb, this family, elegantly attired in matching green satin bridesmaids’ dresses, strikes a natural pose at an outdoor garden affair. This photo is one of Gottlieb’s Vignettes from the Queens Project, a stellar collection of photos taken around the borough. Join an Artist’s Talk with Gottlieb, who shot these as a documentary that highlights the diverse nature of Queens and its multicultural residents. She is a passionate photographer who has won numerous awards and has photos on display in several museums and galleries across the country.
May 20
Children create crafts inspired by creepy crawlers, brush up on bug anatomy, and taste a treat made with edible insects during Bug Bonanza at the Long Island Children’s Museum.
Open May 22
Can you go bigger…bigger? The Big Apple Circus comes to Cunningham Park this month with an all-new show, Dream Big, under the big top. Coming in with the clowns is a phenomenal cast—audacious acrobats who astound with athletic grace, aerial artists, joking jugglers, spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, and a capybara and porcupine to perk up the sawdust party. Whatever act you can dream of, it’s there. And of course there’s Grandma, a comical but beloved circus fixture, along with the singing ringmistress and the amazing Big Apple Circus Band.
Search for even more fun family activities in Queens and the NYC area in our full calendar of events.
