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Family-Friendly Things to Do in Long Island City with Kids

Planning a day out with the kids in Long Island City? Whether you’re a local parent or visiting for the weekend, this Queens neighborhood has plenty of exciting and educational options to keep little ones entertained. From interactive museums to scenic parks, there’s no shortage of family activities in Long Island City that everyone can enjoy.

Explore Interactive Museums and Educational Spaces

Long Island City is home to museums that are both kid-friendly and enriching. These spots make learning fun and hands-on:

  • MoMA PS1 – While it’s known for contemporary art, some seasonal exhibits are interactive and intriguing for older kids interested in creativity and design.
  • Socrates Sculpture Park – This outdoor museum and park lets kids experience art in an open space, perfect for combining culture and fresh air.

Outdoor Parks, Play Areas, and Family Adventures

When the weather is nice, there are several outdoor spots in Long Island City where kids can run, climb, and explore:

  • Gantry Plaza State Park – With playgrounds, picnic spaces, and an amazing view of Manhattan, this waterfront park is a local family favorite.
  • Hunter's Point South Park – Offers bike paths, open fields, and splash pads to help kids burn off energy while parents enjoy the skyline backdrop.
  • Queensbridge Park – Known for its wide-open spaces, this park also features sports courts that older kids might enjoy.

Indoor Fun for Rainy or Cold Days

Need something to do when it’s wet outside? Long Island City has indoor play spaces and creative zones suited for younger children:

  • Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter – A clean, well-designed indoor space with climbing structures, ball pits, and a café for parents to relax.
  • Local art studios – Some offer kid-friendly classes and drop-in art sessions that spark creativity while keeping kids busy indoors.

For families looking to expand their city adventure, consider a ferry ride from the East River Ferry terminal. It’s a fun, scenic way to get closer to Manhattan or explore nearby boroughs like Brooklyn.

Plan Your Day of Family Fun

There are so many enjoyable things to do in Long Island City with kids, whether you're into open-air parks, interactive exhibits, or indoor adventures. The area’s balance of urban energy and green space makes it a top choice for a family outing.

If you’re looking for memorable family activities in Long Island City, there’s always something new to discover. From seasonal festivals at Socrates Sculpture Park to playtime at Kanga’s, planning a day that suits everyone’s interests is easy.

Start exploring family things to do in Long Island City today and see why this neighborhood is becoming one of the most family-forward destinations in Queens.

What others are saying

Michael
24, Dec
Combination Experience Tickets including Skip-the-Line Entry and $5 Eat & Shop Voucher
We debated an observatory for one of our stops in NYC. I picked this one specifically because of the Groupon and I’m so glad I did. Amazing views and an overall great experience being able to see the trade center memorial as well. Highly recommend. Only thing I would’ve done different would have scheduled my timeframe so that I could see it during the day and then watch as it moves to night
Save up to 41% on One World Observatory Admissions
Inna
23, Dec
Weekend GA - For 1 Adult (Age 13 - 64) | Valid Fri-Sun + Holiday
Easy to use Groupon. Amazing experience. Loved every moment of it!
ARTE MUSEUM New York: Your All-Sensory Journey Begins
j
24, Dec
Two Yellow Tickets
Convenient, clean, easy to reserve seats, made everything stress free.
AMC Black Tickets & Snacks – Big-screen magic across All Locations!
Anne
16, Dec
For One: Three Hour Adventure Park Pass for All Ages; Valid Any Day
Love it
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Omari
22, Dec
One Hour of Ping Pong Table Rental with Paddles and Balls for Two
I had a lot of fun and the staff was cool
Fun-Filled 2 Games of Bowling with Shoe Rental for 2, 4, or 6 Players
Ingrid
20, Dec
For 2: Two-Hour Open Play Pass for All Ages; Valid Any Day
Lovely facility. Parking wasn’t awful. Food was great and the customer service was top tier.
Train Like a Ninja at the Open Trampoline Park