Free Summer Activities for Children in Queens, New York
Summer in the city can be a trying time for a parent. It's difficult to find safe, fun and educational activities to occupy the the kids' hours normally spent on school and homework. Fortunately, New York City offers several free programs for residents in the summer months. From sports to reading, parents can find something for their kids to do in Queens over the summer break.
Other People Are Reading
-
Community Tennis Program
-
Tennis is a healty and safe activity for kids. The New York Junior Tennis League offers free community tennis programs in the summer in all five boroughs for kids ages 6 to 18. This program is open to any skill level, and rackets are provided. The program includes tennis lessons, match play and special events for participants. You must register your child in person at the Queens location. Players should bring their own water and wear sneakers. Some locations prohibit black-soled shoes. The program continues year round.
New York City Parks Programs
-
Playgrounds in Queens provide hours of summer fun. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation provides several free programs for children during the summer months. Summer Learn to Swim offers free swimming lessons for kids ages 18 months to 14 years at NYC's public pools. Swim Team for ages 6 to 18 hosts training and swim competitions between the five boroughs. The Imagination Playground program provides supervised free play for kids at the Bayswater and Lower Highland Playgrounds in Queens.
-
Alley Pond Environmental Center
-
The Alley Pond Environmental Center provides a natural learning experience inside New York City. APEC is located near Northern Boulevard in north eastern Queens and comprises over 635 acres of natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, and view wetland birds and other wildlife. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. Parking and admission are free. The park is closed on major holidays.
Queens Libraries
-
Libraries provide a safe air-conditioned environment on a hot summer day. The libraries in Queens offer a number of programs year-round for children and teenagers. Parents of young children can take advantage of various storytimes, sing-a-longs and craft programs. Older kids will enjoy game days for tweens and teens, as well as chess and computer lessons. Special music and reading events take place often, so check with your local library for a full schedule of summer events.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
