The Unisphere is next to the Queens Museum of Art (in the NYC Building built for the 1939-40 World's Fair and once the home of the U.N.) and a couple of small parking lots, just off the Grand Central Parkway, and south of Arthur Ashe Stadium. It sits on a major pedestrian crossroads, from which it's easy to explore the lakes, watch soccer games and other sports, or get a bite to eat from vendors.
Continue east from the Unisphere on the path that leads away from the Queens Museum of Art, and you'll walk directly toward an Italian statue donated for the 1964-65 World's Fair. The metal statue of a man seems a bit out of place, but no more than the ancient Egyptian pillar that stands lonely in a nearby field.
Walk the tree-lined path leading east and along the way you will, no doubt, see soccer games afoot--some more competitive than others, but all played with spirit. One field with bleachers is home to more serious league play.
This is a good spot to get an ice cream cone from a Mister Softee truck or a BBQ treat from a vendor. Look for the Ecuadorian and Peruvian snack carts. Yes, no joke, some serve ceviche that's fresh and delicious. Nearby there are also picnic tables for family gatherings, but grilling isn't allowed in this section. On summer weekends this area tends to get noisy and crowded with folks enjoying themselves.
Turn south (or right) at the large fountain, and you will come to the underpass (under LIE) that connects to the southern, less developed part of the Park. (Or else continue on the trail that loops back toward the Queens Theatre and the dilapidated towers left over from the World's Fair.)
On the other side of the underpass you'll immediately come across cricket pitches that get pretty busy on weekend afternoons. Those playing fields are on the shores of Meadow Lake, the larger of the two lakes on the southern side of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Walk to your right toward the nearest structure, a lakeside pallion area with benches, and take a seat to admire the view. (The nearby parking lot is a shuttle bus pick-up spot for Mets fans.)
Continue to either side of the lake for open spaces, ample parking, and grills: prime lakeside real estate for summer BBQs. Join joggers, hikers, bikers, and roller-bladers on one of the paved trails that ring the two lakes. There's a boathouse on the east side where you can rent a boat or get a snack. And both sides sport playgrounds, swings, baseball/softball fields, and more.
The smaller, more southern lake is Willow Lake. It is secluded, across busy Jewel Avenue, and currently all but inaccessible to vehicles or pedestrians. The NYC Parks Department sometimes announces guided hikes along its wild shores.
One big complaint about Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the lack of clear signs and maps. If you plan to explore throughout, I recommend bringing a map.
