Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Flushing, NY

  • Published 2022/02/02

Situated in the bustling community of Queens, Flushing serves as a home to a diverse society that makes the neighborhood a special place.

The neighborhood of Flushing is home to numerous urban spaces, natural attractions, and historical destinations scattered throughout the community.

The variety in Flushing’s residents has resulted in a diverse community that gives a unique taste to the place.

You can visit notable attractions in Flushing and see the beauty of the city’s busy streets.

There are a lot of places to visit and activities to try in this bustling neighborhood.

If you want to have a glimpse of what awaits you, check out the 15 best things to do in Flushing, New York, below.

Try Outdoor Activities in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Green grass, and colourful flowers surrounding a statue at Meadows Corona Park

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One of the most popular attractions in Flushing is the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which also ranks as the fourth-largest public park in New York City.

What makes Flushing Meadows Corona Park famous is its abundance of activities you can try.

A huge uni-sphere with water fountains surrounding it, and people riding bikes.

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From its nature trails that offer a picturesque view of the park to its facilities that encourage physical activities and recreation, you’ll never get bored spending time in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

You can play sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, and other activities in the spacious fields of the park, or you can also stretch your muscles in the recreation area or in the pool.

Bright pink cherry blossom trees with a view of a tower.

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You can also try to explore the lakes and the trails around the park through hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, and more.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park will definitely make you come back for more because one day is not enough to try all the activities in this fun-filled park.

Participants rowing a colourful boat on a body of water.

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Meet the Animals at Queens Zoo

A sea lion swimming on a clear body of water.

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This 18-acre zoo has been a shelter to all the wonderful wildlife native in America ever since its establishment in 1968.

Queens Zoo is a great way to escape the busy life in Queens; it is an ideal location perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids.

Home to over 75 species, the zoo features a wide variety of native animals from America, like the American Bison of the Great Plains and the Andean bears, which are the only species of bears in South America.

A woman holding a child while feeding a goat.

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You can explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits in the zoo and feed the animals for an up-close and personal experience.

The farmyard in the zoo also showcases some rare breeds of domestic animals that you can meet, pet, and feed.

Queens Zoo serves as a place where you can connect with animals and nature and spend some time with these spectacular creatures.

A few alligators lying on the ground, with green trees around them.

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Wander around the New York Hall of Science

People checking out arts and crafts booths.

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If you’re a fan of science and technology, then you’re in for some treat here in the New York Hall of Science!

You can unleash the nerd within you and indulge yourself in the amazing stuff that you can find in this one-of-a-kind museum in Flushing.

Black-coloured Mercury capsule, with the name "United States", and flag printed on it.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

The New York Hall of Science is an interactive museum that features 450 exhibits, workshops, and activities that are related to science, technology, and engineering.

You can explore the halls of the New York Hall of Science and experience the wonders of science through demonstrations that explain the properties of science right in front of you.

Black-colored mercury capsule named "Friendship 7".

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, there’s definitely something for everyone in the museum that you can try and discover.

In the New York Hall of Science, all you need is your creativity and interest to experience the fun side of science and technology.

Enjoy an Afternoon Walk at Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden at Flushing

Queensbotanicalgarden, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located along the Main Street of Flushing, the Queens Botanical Garden is a sight to behold with its beautiful gardens and scenic views.

Queens Botanical Garden features its 28 separate themed gardens, like the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, the Bee Garden, the Children’s Garden, and the Unity Garden that nurtures different kinds of flowers and shrubs.

Colorful roses at Queens Botanical Garden

Raman Patel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can have a peaceful and relaxing walk in this 39-acre garden while gazing at the blooming beauties showcased in the little gardens of Queens Botanical Garden.

Aside from leisure walks around the gardens, you can also celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.

Beautiful flowers at Queens Botanical Garden

Raman Patel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether you want to relax or enjoy the scenic beauty of the fields filled with colorful flowers, Queens Botanical Garden is the place for you.

Watch Tournaments in USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Exterior view of the National Tennis Center, ladscaped with green bushes and grass.

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In the heart of the busy community of Flushing, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center stands as a world-class tennis facility where famous tournaments are held.

Since 1978, the tennis center has provided a place for the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournaments that are held during the months of August and September.

In its sprawling 46.5-acre fields, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center boasts 22 tennis courts and 12 courts in the adjacent park.

Serena Williams holding a tennis racket, about to hit the ball.

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

The tennis facility also features its three huge tennis stadiums and the Arthur Ashe stadium, which makes it one of the world’s biggest tennis stadiums in the world.

You can do many things in USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

You can rent a venue for your special occasions or book a court so you can play in the same court that professional athletes use.

Or you can even join in one of the training programs and camps if you want to improve and learn the basics of tennis.

Open tennis court with tall light posts, and people sitting on the benches.

Frank Romeo / Shutterstock.com

Learn about the History of the Bowne House

Bowne House at Flushing

Bowne House, Anne Pal and Rosemary Vietor, President, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Originally built in 1661, the Bowne House is a historic residence in the borough of Queens and one of the oldest houses in Flushing.

The history of the house began when the patriarch of the Bowne family, John Bowne, was detained for letting the Quakers hold meetings in his house for worship.

In present times, the house still stands as a representation of the social, cultural, and political history of America.

The original furnishings of the house were preserved to show how the Bowne family lived their past lives.

You can pay a visit and have a tour around Bowne House and learn about the interesting history behind the four walls of the antiquated house in Flushing.

Dine at Ganesh Temple Canteen

After a tiring yet fulfilling day at the Hindu Temple Society of North America, you will definitely get tired and hungry.

You don’t have to browse on your phone to find where to eat because, in the basement of the temple, you can find the Ganesh Temple Canteen where you can satisfy your hunger.

Ganesh Temple Canteen is a hidden gem in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city that offers authentic South Indian food.

You can have a taste of the canteen’s menu that features traditional sweet and savory snacks such as the Onion Pakoda, Samosa, Alu Bonda, Chutney, Masala Dosa, and more.

Make sure to stop by the Ganesh Temple Canteen when you come and visit the Hindu Temple Society of North America.

See the Exhibits of Queens Museum

Front entrance of Queens Museum, with tall glass windows.

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

Situated in the Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, the Queens Museum where arts and education are found in one place.

You can view the museum’s most renowned permanent installation, the Panorama of the City of New York, which is a designed model of New York City’s boroughs.

Interior view of Queens Museum with art portraits hanging on the walls.

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

It also displays a huge collection of archived artifacts from the World’s Fair which you can view when you visit the Queens Museum.

You can view the public exhibitions in the museum and experience educational programs designed for the appreciation of arts and enjoyment.

By visiting Queens Museum, you are showing your appreciation and support for the creative artists showcased in the exhibits.

Catch a Performance in Flushing Town Hall

Exterior view of Flushing Town Hall

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The Flushing Town Hall is one of the many historical venues in Flushing that holds historical significance.

Constructed in 1862, the building once served as an assembly point for the Union recruits during World War II.

At present, the Flushing Town Hall is now an avenue for the arts and a home to many facilities.

The historic town hall is managed by the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) and facilitates the events and activities held in Flushing Town Hall.

You can catch outstanding performances in the town hall, such as theater, musicals, dance performances, and other forms of entertainment performed by the talented artists of Flushing.

The town hall also features its 308-seat theater, classroom, gift shop, gallery, and garden that caters to at least 200 guests for an outdoor event.

If you want to discover and be amazed by the talents of local artists in Flushing, the Flushing Town Hall is the place for you.

Visit the Free Synagogue of Flushing

Free Synagogue of Flushing

Jenny.Yu60, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Established in the year 1917, the Free Synagogue of Flushing is the oldest liberal Reform Jewish synagogue found in the borough of Queens and has been a part of the community for over a century.

The synagogue is open to everyone who wishes to attend the Shabbat services or who wants to join and take part in their religious studies, social actions, community and social services, and more.

Aside from the services that Free Synagogue of Flushing offers, you can also enjoy a relaxing time in the beautiful garden outside the building of the synagogue.

You can also admire the architectural design of the synagogue and its mesmerizing stained glass windows that are very appealing to the eyes.

You can join the fun and enjoyable events that are held in the synagogue all year round.

See the Statues of Hindu Temple Society of North America

Ganapathi temple at Hindu Temple Society of North America

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If you’re looking for a place where you can reflect, the Hindu Temple Society of North America is just conveniently located on Bowne Street in Flushing.

The Hindu Temple Society of North America is a temple in Flushing that houses the statues called “Murtis,” which represent the Hindu Gods.

A woman wearing sunglasses passing by the Hindu temple signage.

Anthony Correia / Shutterstock.com

In the middle of the temple, you will see a huge Ganesha statue or Murti enclosed in a black marble house that reaches the ceiling.

As you roam around the temple, you will also see four other houses that are just as big as the house in the center but feature different gods.

The Hindu Temple Society of North America also provides a venue for special occasions, like weddings in their community center, and a temple canteen where you can dine if you get hungry on your visit.

Appreciate Arts in Queens Crossing Art Gallery

The Queens Crossing Art Gallery is a place dedicated to providing and curating artworks from North America and Asia since its establishment in the year 2008.

The art gallery features a unique blend of culture that showcases both communities because Queens Crossing Art Gallery believes that art should not be limited to a certain audience.

You can wander around and see various exhibits at every corner of the art gallery that you can appreciate and have a deeper understanding of arts.

Queens Crossing art Gallery provides a space for local and recognized artists, where they can display their works.

Art enthusiasts and visitors can come and immerse themselves in the world of creativity and imagination.

You can bring a date and have a fun time at Queens Crossing Art Gallery, or you can go alone and still have an enjoyable experience.

Buy Some Tasty Snacks in Flushing Chinatown

Different Chinese store signs or advertisements.

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Flushing Chinatown is a reflection of the diverse community that flourished in the historic borough of Queens.

The streets of Flushing Chinatown are packed with different shops, like bakeries, dumpling shops, restaurants, beauty shops, and fish and vegetable stands.

A man and a woman standing in front of a store selling roasted ducks.

Mark Zhu / Shutterstock.com

You can choose among the many restaurants in Flushing Chinatown; from breakfast to dinner, there’s definitely something for everyone.

If you’re craving some sweet treats, you can also find the famous bubble tea—which is a milky and sweet tea with tapioca balls that are served hot or cold—in some of the stores along the streets of Flushing Chinatown.

Flushing Chinatown is a must-visit place to experience the original Asian flavors that you can only taste in “Mandarin Town.”

A view of a street in Chinatown with tall buildings.

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Roam around the New World Mall

Clothing shops inside the New world mall.

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The New World Mall is a popular shopping destination nestled in the heart of downtown Flushing.

This three-story building continues to charm visitors with its unique cross-hatched window wall made of clear glass that received compliments from local publications.

The New World Mall houses 108 establishments, including an Asian supermarket on the first and second floors, the largest Chinese Dim Sum restaurant and banquet halls on the third floor, food courts, a karaoke lounge, and an underground valet parking lot.

The exterior view of New world mall.

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

You can spend your time browsing through the stores for some gifts, grocery shopping, or even just window shopping.

Whether you need something to eat, wear, or use, you can find anything that you need here in New World Mall.

Shoot an Arrow at Queens Archery

If you’re looking for something new, the Queens Archery offers an enjoyable and unique experience for all the residents and visitors of Flushing.

You can start learning how to handle a bow and arrow with the experienced coaches of Queens Archery.

There are also competitive games that you can join in Queens Archery, such as the “Tuesday Night Tournament” where you can bring home some exciting prizes.

You are encouraged to bring your own archery equipment but you can also rent one on the site.

With a nice learning atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and exciting activities, you will love learning archery in Queens Archery.

Final Thoughts

The diverse community of Flushing has made the neighborhood famous for its great food and picturesque attractions.

From world-class stadiums to local restaurants, you can have a taste of everything here in Flushing.

Flushing will make you fall in love with all the exciting and fun activities to try and destinations waiting for you to discover and explore.

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