The Sunnyside of Life: The Best Playgrounds in Queens

Queens is known the world over for its rich diversity of people, food, cultures and more, and you might as well playgrounds to that list. We scouted this borough, one with 91 distinct neighborhoods, for the best places for kids to play the afternoon (or day) away. From playgrounds in giant waterside parks and ones on the beach, to neighborhood gems and groundbreaking play environments, Queens has got a playground or two for you. For even more places to play in NYC, try our favorite playgrounds in Manhattan, check out our favorite playgrounds in Brooklyn, and for the dog days of summer, check out these shady playgrounds in NYC.

Hunter’s Point South Park playground
Located in The Gantry Park in Long Island City, this playground features state-of-the-art equipment, with play structures that challenge kids with all levels of agility. It also offers a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline, and is especially nice when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Parking can be limited but it is conveniently located near the Vernon Boulevard subway station.

Hunter’s Point South Park playground
Center Blvd. between 50th Ave. & 2nd St.
Long Island City
Online: Hunter’s Point South Park

photo: NYC Parks Dept. 

Van Alst Playground
An investment of more than $3 million several years ago upgraded this Astoria playground and its facilities. Operated in cooperation with PS 171, the playground now features a new multipurpose space for sports, new play equipment, renovated handball courts, and an upgraded spray shower. Plus, green infrastructure improvements and lighting updates bring environmental and safety benefits to the outdoor space.

21st Street between 29 and 30th Aves.
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

photo: NYC Parks

Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan Playground
This playground named for a local hero of the Vietnam War was upgraded several years ago to create a separate play area and include accessible play equipment. In addition to play structures at all levels, there is a toddler area and a rainbow sprinkler. The park also has handball and basketball courts for older kids.

47 Ave., Greenpoint Ave. bet. 42 St. and 43 St.
Sunnyside
Online: nycgovparks.org

Jando S. via Yelp 

Torsney Playground
This is a nice Sunnyside spot to play with colorful structures for big and little kids. Located in Lou Lodati Park, there’s a popular dog park here as well, partially funded by the Sunnyside United Dog Society. You’ll also find handball courts, bathrooms and a spray shower for the summer months.

Skillman Ave. between 41st and 43rd St.
Sunnyside
Online: nycgovparks.org

Elmhurst Park playground
This is a high-energy place to play, complete with tiny “motorbikes” that entice little ones to hop on and pretend to take a ride. It’s surrounded by a six-acre green space where families picnic on the grass, and kids love rolling down the hills here. There is a small trail around the playground that locals use to jog or bike and a small splash pad is a good place for little tikes to cool off in the summer. This is another area where parking can be a challenge, but The Grand Avenue subway station, served by the E, M and R is on the same block.

Elmhurst Park
57th Ave. & Grand Ave.
Elmhurst
Online: Elmhurst Park

Moore Homestead Playground
Renovated in 2020 to be more accessible and welcoming,  the Moore Homestead Playground is another good spot in Elmhurst. The park redesign reduced fence heights, increased ADA accessibility and added native plant species to increase biodiversity. In addition to upgraded play equipment and spray showers, new ball courts and a new amphitheater were installed. Fun trivia: the park is named for Clement Clarke Moore, the author of the poem that became popularly known as “The Night Before Christmas.”

Moore Homestead Playground
Broadway & 45th Ave. & 82nd St.
Elmhurst
Online: Moore Homestead playground

Astoria Heights Playground
This modern playground filled with activity is somewhat hidden amongst a few apartment buildings. The area school’s population and local community offered significant input on its design, which is divided into two areas. Visit the upper level for tennis, volleyball, basketball and exercise equipment. Smaller kids will love the climbing and sliding apparatus here, and in the summer, there’s an enclosed splash pad. Picnic tables make this playground a solid choice to spend an afternoon or host a birthday party. The Astoria Boulevard subway station is a few blocks away.

Astoria Heights Playground
30 Rd. between 45th St. and 46th St.
Astoria
Online: Astoria Heights Playground

Juniper North playground
This playground is located in Juniper Valley Park, where locals come to play tennis, basketball and shuffleboard. (You can even play bocce here.) Kids explore two play zones at Juniper North. A newly-renovated splash pad comes complete with dunk bucket that pours on to people below when it’s full. A padded play surface makes this a spot where little ones can run around and you don’t have to worry. Benches are plentiful here, so parents can comfortably watch their children explore. Need more? Further South of Juniper Valley Park there is another playground with similar amenities.

Juniper North Playground
80th St., Juniper Blvd. S, 77th Place
Juniper Blvd. S., 78th St.
Online: Juniper North playground

Ella Fitzgerald Playground
This playground named for one of jazz’s leading ladies is located between three of Queens’ largest parks: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Kissena Park and Cunningham Park. (Pro-tip: There is a bike lane that connects the three green spaces.) The jungle gym is not brand new but it offers everything that little ones love about a playground. The splash pad is compact and but well used during the hot months. Fun Fact: As part of the NYC Parks Initiative to expand African American representation in 2020, this playground was renamed to honor Ella Fitzgerald, former Queens resident, for her incredible contributions to jazz and music.

Ella Fitzgerald playground
Kissena Corridor Park
187-98 Peck Ave.
Fresh Meadows
Online: Ella Fitzgerald playground 

Springfield playground
This playground located in Alley Pond Park features a treehouse theme, and kids can climb, walk on and slide down a giant sylvan structure. What makes this a special spot perfect for a day of outdoor fun is the easy walking trails (paved and unpaved) that connect this playground to two others within Alley Pond Park. Don’t miss the Alley Pond Environmental Center, which is right next door and offers nature-inspired programs for children.

Springfield Playground
Springfield Blvd. & 76th Ave.
Bayside
Online: Springfield Playground

Bowne Park
This playground is located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Murray Hill, Flushing. It’s a well-maintained park with access to a pond that has been under construction recently, normally plenty of ducks and even turtles can be spotted here. A short walk through a paved pathway leads to the playground on the opposite end. There is a fun splash pad, “kid’s only” hide-out and climbing structures safe for tots to explore. The hilly paths are also great for children learning to bike, scoot or rollerblade. The park also has basketball courts and a bocce court.

Bowne Park
159th St. & 29th Ave.
Flushing
Online: Bowne Park

Marie Curie Playground
This playground honoring the first female scientist to win Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics offers an extensive group of play structures for kids to explore, and numerous slides of varying heights. It’s a great playground for imaginative play, where the structures can become spaceships, castles or anything your kids can think up. Parents take note: this playground has three entry/exit points so keep an eye out. Pro-tip: There is a small free city public pool on-site for when kids need to cool off during the summer months.

Marie Curie playground
211th St. & 46th Ave.
Bayside
Online: Marie Curie playground

Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Covering a whopping 898 acres of space, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the largest park in Queens. (It is, in fact, larger than Central Park.) Known for hosting two 20-century World’s Fairs, the remnants of which include the iconic Unisphere, it is also home to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Citi Field, home to the New York Mets. You have your pick of playgrounds here—there are eight! One of the older, but still very popular playgrounds here is Jurassic Playground (above), which is a must-visit for any family with a dino-crazed tot. Hop on a giant dinosaur statue, and play among the silhouettes of dinos of all kinds. Plus, there’s a nice lake view and picnic tables. Find Jurassic Playground on the western shore of Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Meadow Lake Dr. & Meadow Lake Trail
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Corona
Online: nycgovparks.org

Playground For All Children
Also located in Flushing Meadows Park, this special playground was built in 1984. It was the first playground in the country to offer an accessible play environment for children of all abilities. This model playground paved the way for future sites near and far and it is designed for kids ages three to 12 to exercise their social, cognitive and motor skills. A recreation area invites kids to cross a 12-foot suspension bridge, and they can make music and cool off in the Water Wheel zone. Another reason to visit this park, especially in the summer? It’s got shade. Pro-tip: It is right next door to Queens Zoo, Queens Museum and the Hall of Science. Plan ahead and make it a full day of activities. It is a healthy 20-minute walk from the Mets-Willets subway station.

Playground for All Children
Flushing Meadows Park
111-16 Corona Ave.
Online: Playground For All Children

Lawrence playground
Another recently renovated playground, this one is located on the border of Flushing Meadows Park. Young sprouts love sitting on top of the two dolphin-shaped sculptures, and there are several modern overhead climbing structures to choose from. This is the go-to destination for ninjas-in-training—there’s even an elevated track to hang on tight to and glide across. Pro-tip: Extend the day and visit Queens Botanical Garden, which is right across the street.

Lawrence Playground
Flushing Meadows Park
55-2 College Point Blvd.
Online: Lawrence Playground

30th Street Playground
Viitors to this Far Rockaway beach playground enjoy lovely views of the Atlantic ocean. Kids enjoy a variety of play structures, as well as the opportunity to dig in a giant sandbox. You can get here by train; it’s a short walk from the Beach 36th St. subway station.

Beach 30th St.
Rockaway Boardwalk between B. 32nd Street & B. 28th Street
Far Rockaway
Online: Beach 30th Street Playground

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Sweet Re-Leaf: NYC Shady Playgrounds for Cool Summer Fun