I’m looking into family-friendly places in New York City for a future trip, and Long Island City (LIC) in Queens seems like a great neighborhood to explore with kids. It used to be more industrial, but now it’s full of fun things for families. I’ve gathered some information to help you plan a visit, focusing on parks, activities, and places to eat.
Best Parks and Playgrounds
Hunter’s Point South Park Playground
This playground is right by the water, which I think kids would love. It has climbing structures, slides, and swings. There’s also a big grassy field called The Oval nearby where kids can run and play games. The views of the East River are really nice from here.
In warmer weather, you might want to bring a change of clothes because there are water play areas, including a splash pad. Mornings are usually quieter and better for younger children. Afternoons and weekends can get busy, especially in spring and summer. It might also get quite warm on sunny days because it’s not very shady.
Murray Playground
This playground is easy to get to, close to a subway station. It has swings for different ages, a sandbox, a small jungle gym, and a large turf field that’s good for soccer. They also have a water feature in the summer.
Just so you know, there are often soccer games happening on the field. So, if you were planning to have a picnic or let little ones run around freely there, you might need to find another spot if a game is on. This place is always lively, especially when the weather is nice. Younger children are often there with grownups during the day, and older kids come after school.
Andrews Playground
Locals sometimes call this “Shady Playground” because of all the trees that offer shade on hot days, or “Squirrel Playground” because of the fountains. It has a good mix of climbing equipment, swings, and open areas for kids to be active.
It’s a pretty straightforward playground, not fancy, which can make it a good, low-stress option for a quick break. It’s also a popular spot for birthday parties in warmer weather. Weekday mornings are generally quieter. After school, you’ll find more local families.
Rainbow Playground at Gantry Plaza State Park
This playground is very colorful and right on the waterfront. I think it’s especially good for toddlers and very young children who are just starting to walk, because the ground is soft. It has climbing areas and slides. There’s also a really nice splash pad here.
I’d suggest combining a visit to the playground with a walk through Gantry Plaza State Park. The views are beautiful, and there’s plenty of space nearby for a stroller break or a snack. It’s also right next to the library, which is handy for restrooms.
Mornings are best for younger kids here. Afternoons and weekends can get quite crowded.
Old Hickory Playground
Locals call this “Choo Choo Playground” because it has cute train-car-themed equipment at ground level, which is perfect for little ones. It also has small slides.
It might seem like it’s in an unusual spot, near the entrance to a tunnel, but the fences and trees make it feel safe. This playground usually has nice shade, so it’s a good choice for sunny days.
Free Activities Beyond Playgrounds
CultureLab
This is a community arts space that often has free events for families. They have performances and workshops that are creative and easy to join in, often without needing to sign up ahead of time.
It’s a good idea to check their schedule before you go, as the events change, and some might be better for older kids. Look for their family events or seasonal programs. They have a free summer concert series that lasts into the fall.
Queens Public Library at Hunters Point
This is a newer library right on the waterfront. It has a large and impressive children’s section with tables for drawing and reading. They also offer free kids’ programs like “Baby & Me” and “Toddler Time,” and “Crafternoon” for older children.
A lot of these programs require you to register online beforehand. “Toddler Time,” in particular, is very popular, so you’ll want to be ready to register as soon as spots open up. They recently added Sunday hours, so you can visit almost any day of the week.
MoMA PS1
This museum is an extension of the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. Starting in January 2026, it will be free for everyone, making it a large museum you can visit at no cost. It has indoor exhibits that might interest budding artists, plus a courtyard area for playing.
Keep in mind that the art is modern, so some pieces might be a bit mature for very young children. It’s smart to check their website to see what exhibitions are on before you visit. You might also want to bring snacks, as the cafe’s offerings are limited.
Visiting during one of their frequent events is a good idea. They often have music, art-making, and crafting activities. Following them on social media can help you find out about upcoming events.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
NY Preschool & Kids Club
This is an indoor playground that seems very clean and safe. It has soft play areas, gymnastics equipment, and a trampoline. The staff is usually good at keeping the kids entertained during open play sessions, perfect for burning energy on a wet day.
There are two locations in Long Island City. One is closer to the waterfront, and the other is in the Court Square area. Both offer drop-in play sessions. Make sure you know which location you are signing up for.
The times for drop-in play can change depending on the day and location, so it’s best to check their schedule.
Art Strong NYC
This place was started by two art teachers. It seems like a great spot for kids to get creative and messy with different art activities like drawing, painting, printmaking, and making sculptures.
Art Strong offers classes for babies as young as 6 months old, which I think could be a really fun and stimulating introduction to art for very young children. They also have open studio times for kids between 18 months and 8 years old, with interactive stations, and sometimes host family events.
You’ll need to check their schedule to find out when drop-in classes are available and to register.
Peek-A-Boo 21st Street
This indoor playground is quite spacious and has two different play areas with themes: “Vegetables & Fruits” and “Peek-A-Boo Monster.” This sounds like it would make things extra fun and imaginative for kids.
It has toys, play areas, slides, trampolines, and ball pits. You can pay to access one or both themed areas. The cost usually starts around $25 plus tax for one hour and includes one adult. Midweek mornings tend to be good for younger children, while weekends and school holidays are typically the busiest times.
Xanh
This creative studio is a newer place in the neighborhood that has become popular. It combines art and nature. They have classes designed for younger children (1-4 years old) and older kids (4 and up), as well as open studio time and family activities. Many of their programs are held outdoors in Gantry Plaza State Park.
They often have a free trial offer for one of their classes, which sounds like a great way to try it out. You should book ahead online because these spots tend to fill up quickly. It’s best to check their schedule to know when drop-in classes and open studio times are available.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Tacombi
This is a Mexican restaurant that serves good food in a relaxed setting. The service is usually quick, making it a good choice for families. They even provide crayons for coloring and cute paper hats for the kids. The dining area is quite large, so it doesn’t feel cramped.
The guacamole with chips is a tasty starter and a good way to keep kids happy while they wait for their main meals. Their kids’ menu offers good value, including a plain cheese quesadilla, which is great for less adventurous eaters.
If you want to go on Taco Tuesday for their special deal, it can be more crowded. Friday and Saturday evenings are also usually busy. Visiting earlier in the week or before 6 PM for dinner is generally quieter.
Court Square Diner
This diner has friendly servers who are very used to families with young children. The food comes out fast, which is always a plus when you have kids who might get hungry quickly. My daughter, Emma, and Sofia really enjoy their chicken fingers and fries.
It’s conveniently located near MoMA PS1, so it’s a good place to stop after visiting the museum. You might want to avoid bringing a stroller if possible, as there are a few steps to get in and no ramp. If you can, try to get a booth by the window. It’s right across from a busy subway station, which can be entertaining for kids who like watching people.
The diner is busiest on weekends, but it’s open 24/7, so it’s a good option for any time, even early in the morning.
Vernon Grille
This is a popular spot on Vernon Boulevard. It has comfortable booths and serves classic Greek dishes. There’s also a happy hour for parents. They have kid-friendly favorites like burgers and chicken tenders.
The portions here are quite large, so it might be worthwhile to share a few dishes. Their lemon potatoes and avgolemono soup are highly recommended. It’s enjoyable to eat here any time, but especially nice in warmer months when you can sit outside.
Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
It’s pizza! This place makes classic New York-style pizza, and their cheese pie is consistently good. They have other options too, for those who like to try different toppings.
In warmer weather, you can get a table on their large outdoor patio in the back. For takeout, the wait is usually longest between 5-6 PM as people stop on their way home from work. If you plan to dine in, it’s generally easy to find a seat, though Friday evenings can be the busiest.
Hidden Gems for Families
Socrates Sculpture Park
This unique park is right by the water and offers a lot of space for kids to run around while looking at large outdoor sculptures and art installations.
It’s a good idea to check their events calendar. The park often has free family programs, performances, and workshops. Visiting on a mild day when you have time to explore the grounds is nice. You could also stop by during one of their seasonal family events.
Two The Moon
This is a sweet neighborhood store for children, owned by a local mom. It feels cozy and imaginative, with toys, books, and play areas that appeal most to younger kids. They also have a busy calendar of events, including parent meet-ups and music classes.
This store is better suited for toddlers and preschoolers than older children and is a good choice for a calm indoor outing, especially on a rainy day. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming events.
NYC Ferry
Taking a ride on the NYC Ferry along the East River can be a more scenic and entertaining way to travel than the subway or a car. You can go to places like Roosevelt Island or Dumbo, but for many kids, the boat ride itself is the best part.
There are two ferry landings in Long Island City: one near Gantry Plaza State Park and another further south. They are within walking distance of each other but are served by different routes, so make sure you know which route you need. Most routes run year-round.
A special one is the Rockaway Rocket, which goes directly from LIC to Rockaway Beach.
Planning Your Visit
Are there free things to do with kids in Long Island City?
Yes, Long Island City has several free options for families. You can visit the Queens Public Library at Hunters Point, enjoy free family programs at CultureLab, get free admission to MoMA PS1, and attend free events at Socrates Sculpture Park.
These places offer great value and fun experiences without costing anything, making it easier to plan a budget-friendly trip.
What are the best playgrounds in LIC for toddlers?
For toddlers, Rainbow Playground at Gantry Plaza State Park and Old Hickory Playground are recommended. Rainbow Playground is good for very young children and early walkers because of its soft ground. Old Hickory Playground has equipment at ground level and small slides that are suitable for little ones.
These playgrounds are designed with younger children in mind, offering safer and more accessible play options.
When is the best time of year to visit Long Island City with kids?
Generally, spring through early fall is a wonderful time to visit Long Island City with kids. During these months, the waterfront areas, playgrounds, splash pads, outdoor dining, and free outdoor programs are at their best. Summer is especially lively, though some playgrounds can get hot and crowded.
Planning your visit during these seasons will allow you to take full advantage of the outdoor attractions and pleasant weather.
Are there indoor activities in LIC for rainy days?
Yes, Long Island City offers many indoor activities for days when the weather isn’t cooperating. These include Art Strong NYC, Peek-A-Boo 21st Street, NY Preschool and Kids Club, Xanh, MoMA PS1, the Hunters Point Library, and Two The Moon.
Having these indoor options readily available means you can enjoy your trip no matter the weather forecast, ensuring that your children stay entertained and engaged.
I’m putting together this guide to help you get a good sense of what Long Island City has to offer families. I’ve found that focusing on places where kids can play safely and creatively, combined with easy dining options, makes for a much more relaxed trip. I’m looking into all these activities to make sure our next family adventure is fun for everyone.
