20 Places to Visit in NYC Part 2 ( Queens + The Bronx)

The warm weather we have been experiencing this week is killing me. I know it’s supposed to be Spring and the weather is probably the only good thing happening right now but READ THE ROOM Mother Nature. I just want to sip daiquiris on a beach somewhere or picnic in a park with friends. Oh, how I miss my friends. Anyways, we’ve already established that free things are great and if you’re looking for Part 1 of this series you can find it here. Without further ado, here are some amazing free things to do in Queens and The Bronx.

Queens:

• M Tea : If you like bubble tea and you LOVE instagrammable places, M Tea is going to be your personal heaven. This super cute bubble tea shop opened late last year in Flushing, Queens and has gained so much attention. From the cute swings to the refreshing pink decor M Tea takes you on a trip to another world. Their menu is a little pricier than usual for Bubble Tea, but if you’re just there for pictures in the pink hot air balloon then it’s free.

• Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Often called Flushing Meadows this park gives you a different side of Queens. Considered the city’s most iconic park, Flushing park offers scenic trails, historic walks and a giant globe of the world… IN A FOUNTAIN. It is also the home of the Queens Museum, Queens Zoo and NY Hall of Science, so if you don’t feel like nature, there will be a ton of things to do.

• Socrates Sculpture Park: An illegal dumpsite turned art studio turned park has become one of the best attractions in Queens. Offering free yoga classes (which is basically the early morning version of brunch in NY) and art exhibitions, this is a great place for summer entertainment. Right next to Sunswick Creek, it also makes a great option for parents to take their kids for free science classes all summer long. Yoga and Science, this will make for a well-needed break for parents holed up with their children right now. Surprisingly enough it is currently open, they are suggesting that everyone practice social distancing but it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Far Rockaway Beach: Rockaway Beach is one of the best beaches in NYC for when you’re not feeling up for the trip to Long Island. It runs between Beach 3 and Beach 153 street which means even during those hot and crowded summers, you’ll be sure to find a spot to relax and catch some sun at. Surprisingly enough this beach catches the attention of many beachgoers, being the only legal surfing beach in NYC. Rockaway Beach really comes alive between Memorial Day and Labor Day but please stay away from the beach on those days. Everyone goes with the same idea and it gets so crowded that you can barely see the sand.

• NY Hall of Science: Speaking of Science: if you want to get your Frankenstein on for free, check out the New York Hall of Science. This famous science Museum is free from 2-5 pm on Fridays and 10-11 am on Sundays which makes for a great weekend trip for the family. Unfortunately, General admission does not include the Science Playground, Rocket Park Mini Golf, 3-D theater shows, and programs and workshops with a fee.

The Bronx:

• The Bronx Zoo: One of the largest Zoos in the United States, offers free entry every Wednesday. With 265 acres of wildlife, do not expect to see this zoo in its entirety one day. They do suggest seeing the zoo during the cooler months to avoid not only the crowds but to get a better glimpse of the animals as well. They even offer seasonal rides and a carousel that will have you super excited to spend a day at the Zoo. Whether you want to feed the animals or zip-line through some trees, this zoo is filled with endless possibilities for your next day of nature.

• Orchard Beach: “The Riviera of New York City” is the only beach you will find in The Bronx, and most Bronx natives will argue, the cleanest beach in NYC. The beach consists of 2 playgrounds, 2 picnic grounds, and 26 basketball parks. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also attached to Pelham Bay Park, the LARGEST park in NYC. One fascinating fact about it is that this is the only man-made beach in NYC, so swim at your own risk. Man-made or not this is a pretty big beach it can host up to 100,000 patrons at once, so enjoy your fake sand.

• South Bronx Cultural Trail: A traveling festival you will want to see. The South Bronx Cultural Trail showcases art and creativity throughout The Bronx. The whole purpose of the trail is to protect and honor the heritage of their community. They do this by hosting a free annual theme-based festival showcasing youth groups, up and coming artists and pioneers. If you want to learn a little more about the South Bronx or even The Bronx in general, this is the place for you.

• Bronx Night Market: This outdoor market gives me childhood Queens Flea Market Vibes, this is the kind of place you go with your parents, kids, friends, etc, and have a grand old-time. This market is seasonal (May-November), so it may be the best way to spend your Saturday evenings. Games, Food Trucks, and NYers, this is probably the closest thing you’ll get to a block party, and it’s magical. The food is not free, but it is pretty amazing.They offer diverse foods to represent how diverse NYC is. If you have a belly for tasting, this is where you want to be! RSVP for opening season here for a time you won’t forget.

• Hall of Fame for Great Americans: A tourist attraction hidden in the middle of a college campus does not seem like the kind of place you want to spend your evenings. However, that is exactly what The Hall of Fame for Great Americans is. In the center of Bronx Community College, this Museum has been around for 119 years and its last inductees were in 1976 honoring prominent Americans who had a significant impact on U.S. History. It is known for its neo-classical colonnade with a vaulted ceiling, and Bronze busts of the honorees line the low walls on either side. 

BONUS– Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island ferry isn’t exactly a tourist attraction on its own. It is the ferry that helps Staten islanders get to civilization. However, one of the best perks about this free ferry is that it is the cheapest way to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

 

 

Till April 30th,

 

Bri.