Sports at Flushing Meadows
SoccerWhether it's a Saturday morning or a Monday afternoon, no doubt there will be a soccer game in progress at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The nearby Latino community in Corona often fields futbol teams. East of the Unisphere there are a number of soccer fields ready for pickup games or more serious affairs. Call for permits to play soccer (718-760-6889).
Tennis
The US Tennis Association (USTA) holds the US Open every August at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The tennis courts are open to the public throughout the year. There are indoor and outdoor courts, and programs for adults, youths, and seniors. Find out more from the USTA website.
Pitch-and-Putt Golf and Mini-Golf
Try your hand at miniature golf or on the par-3 pitch and putt course in the northwest part of Flushing Meadows Park. To get there, just turn left after coming down the ramp from the subway. Call 718-271-8182. (More on golfing in Queens)
Cricket
The cricket pitches or fields are at are at the north end of Meadow Lake, near the lakeside pavilion. They get real busy on weekend afternoons. Call for permits to play cricket (718-760-6889).
Sailing and Boating
Check the American Small Craft Associationwebsite for regular instruction in sailing on Meadow Lake (718-699-1951). You can also rent rowboats for outings on Meadow Lake at the boathouse on the lake's east side.
Other Sports
Players and spectators also enjoy baseball, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, handball, and other sports in the Park. Softball and baseball fields are on either side of Meadow Lake. Call for permits to play baseball (718-760-6889).
Spectator Sports at Flushing Meadows
Shea StadiumHome to the National League Mets, Shea Stadium is below the flight path of nearby LaGuardia Airport, but that doesn't distract many from the game. The stadium is north of the Unisphere. Check the Mets official website for schedules and tickets. US Open
Every August and September the US Open brings the world's best tennis to Flushing Meadows. Often lost in the hubbub are the free (and excellent) Qualifying Tournament, the Arthur Ashe Kids Day, and the juniors championship held at the same time.
Culture and Arts at Flushing Meadows
Queens Theatre in the ParkThe Queens Theatre in the Park (718-760-0064) stages drama, comedy, dance, children's entertainment, and a film series in its Main State Theatre--formerly a World's Fair pavilion--and its small cabaret Studio Theatre. The Theatre also hosts the annual Latino Cultural Festival. The Theatre is at the base of the two dilapidated towers and just south of the Unisphere.
The Queens Museum of Art
The Queens Museum of Art (718-592-9700) features work by contemporary and local artists, and houses a gorgeous, detailed scale model of New York City in its entirety called The Panorama of New York City. The building was once part of the 1939-40 World's Fair, and is next to the Unisphere, a highlight of the 1964-65 World's Fair. The museum's permanent exhibit on the World's Fair is interesting, and the souvenirs still available for sale at the gift shop should not be missed. The building was also the first home of the United Nations.
New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science is one of the country's top science museums. It is New York City's only "hands-on" science and technology museum, and a true treat for children. The museum is in the western side of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and easily accessible from Corona or the LIE. Kids love this place, a great spot for a rainy or wintery day.
47-01 111th St.
Flushing, NY 11368
718-699-0005
The Queens Zoo (the Queens Wildlife Center)
The Queens Zoo (on the western side of the Park) focuses on the wildlife of North and South America. It's a good afternoon visit for families with small kids.
53-51 111th St.
Corona, NY 11358
718-271-2500
Ice Skating
Call for information about ice skating at the indoor rink in the New York City Building (718-271-1996), which it shares with the Queens Museum of Art. The season runs from October to April, but a new indoor ice skating rink is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007.
Queens Botanical Garden
Located at the far eastern end of the Park, the Queens Botanical Garden is a 39-acre showcase of herbs, trees, and flowers. The Garden hosts educational programs, especially on gardening.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing, NY 11355
718-886-3800
Playground for All Children
Built for the World's Fair, the playground on the Corona side of the park is a well-used, well-loved neighborhood spot. Kids and their parents come for the playground, and teens for the basketball and handball courts.
111-01 Corona Ave.
Corona, NY 11368
718-699-8283
