Photo of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York1 / 2
Zoos & Wildlife

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

πŸ“ Queens, NY

β˜…4.6(29,888 Google reviews)πŸ’°FreeπŸ‘ΆAll ages

One of NYC's largest parks on former World's Fair grounds featuring the iconic Unisphere, Queens Zoo, ice skating, swimming pool, and extensive recreation paths. Free park entry; zoo and science museum charge separately.

βœ“ Free park entryβœ“ Unisphere landmarkβœ“ Queens Zooβœ“ Ice skatingβœ“ Spring to fall best

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families who want a full outdoor day across multiple activities without paying a single entry gate. The park is vast enough to fill a day with free recreation alone - the Unisphere, cycling paths, and open lawns are available to all. Add the Queens Zoo or New York Hall of Science for a structured experience.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point station on event days - parking gets constrained during Mets games and large events
⏰Visit early morning for unobstructed Unisphere photos before tour groups arrive
🎟️Check NYC Parks website for any construction closures before travelling - ongoing works affect some sections
πŸš—Zoo and science museum require separate tickets - budget and time accordingly

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
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29,888 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

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Lin Den

9 months ago

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β€œFree public park & size: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is free to enter and is one of NYC’s largest parks (~897 acres), created on former World’s Fair grounds. β€’ Iconic landmarks: The park’s signature sculpture is the Unisphere (1964 World’s Fair). Nearby fair relics include the New York State Pavilion (under restoration) and the Fountain of the Planets promenades. β€’ Major attractions on-site: Home to Citi Field (Mets), the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (US Open), Queens Museum, New York Hall of Science, Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens Zoo - many are ticketed attractions with separate hours. β€’ Recreation & facilities: Expect broad promenades, sports fields, playgrounds, bike paths, a seasonal ice rink / aquatics center, picnic lawns and boat/marina facilities around Flushing Bay. Organized rec programs run at the Al Oerter Recreation Center. β€’ Events & seasonal peaks: Big-ticket events (US Open weeks, concerts, Queens Night Market, festivals) change traffic, access and crowds - plan travel and parking accordingly and buy event/ticketed entries in advance. β€’ Getting there: Best public transit is 7 train β†’ Mets-Willets Point (or LIRR to Mets-Willets Point) and multiple bus routes; driving uses Grand Central Parkway / Whitestone Expy exits with park lots for big events. For USTA/US Open see the official visitor transport pages. β€’ Conservation & capital works: The park has active capital projects (marina pavilion, aquatic center repairs and other upgrades). The New York State Pavilion restoration is a major preservation program. β€’ Family & photo tips: Early morning or late afternoon gives quieter promenades and better light for Unisphere and skyline photos; the Queens Botanical Garden and Zoo are especially family-friendly. --- ⚠️ What to keep in mind β€’ Separate tickets for attractions: Garden, zoo, science museum, USTA grounds and stadium events require separate tickets-park entry β‰  access to every venue. β€’ Crowds & transport on event days: US Open and Mets game days bring heavy transit & road demand - prefer transit and arrive early. β€’ Restoration & closures: Parts of the park (pavilions, project sites) may be fenced or closed during repairs-check NYC Parks project pages before visiting.”

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Nestor Camarillo

11 months ago

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β€œFlushing Meadows-Corona Park is truly one of New York City’s greatest treasures. Every visit feels like a walk through history and beauty combined. The park is enormous - full of life, color, and iconic landmarks that make it unforgettable. The Unisphere, with its majestic fountains, is a breathtaking centerpiece that symbolizes global unity and the legacy of the 1964 World’s Fair. Around it, you’ll find open fields perfect for family picnics, biking, or simply relaxing under the trees. The Queens Zoo is a hidden gem inside the park - clean, well-maintained, and home to a wonderful variety of animals. It’s the perfect spot for families or anyone who enjoys spending time in nature. Nearby, the Queens Museum offers fascinating exhibitions and a panoramic model of New York City that never fails to impress. Don’t miss the Observation Towers, a symbol of the park’s World’s Fair history - they stand tall as a reminder of innovation and imagination. And if you love photography, you’ll find endless views worth capturing - from cherry blossoms in the spring to peaceful lakes and even airplanes soaring overhead.”

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Chelsea J

8 months ago

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β€œI like this park so much. Feel free to relax here anytime. And also has swimming pool 🏊 ice skating area , fitness room, and a super big park for biking and running ”

πŸ’¬ What parents mention

Unisphere and World's Fair history iconicFree large park with genuine recreationMultiple paid attractions add depthWinter visits significantly quieter

Overview

Flushing Meadows Corona Park covers 897 acres in Queens on the grounds of the 1964 World's Fair. The Unisphere - a 140-foot stainless steel globe - anchors the central plaza. Within the park: the Queens Zoo, New York Hall of Science, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, swimming facilities, an ice skating rink, fitness rooms, and extensive cycling and running paths. Park entry is free; major attractions charge separate admission.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday06:00-21:00
Tuesday06:00-21:00
Wednesday06:00-21:00
Thursday06:00-21:00
Friday06:00-21:00
Saturday06:00-21:00
Sunday06:00-21:00

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