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The 7 train’s highest-profile job may be shuttling Mets supporters to the ballpark, but even die-hard Yankees fans have been known to make a day of it in this dynamic Queens neighborhood. Corona and its sister town, Flushing, are home to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, a spacious, green area that was long ago a dump (or, in the more poetic words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, a “valley of ashes”) and is one and a half times larger than its closest rival in Manhattan. The site of two World’s Fairs, FMCP has the greatest concentration of sports and recreational facilities and cultural centers of any park in NYC. When in Corona, you’ll also want to sample the neighborhood’s chow—which includes some of the most authentic empanadas around. A 25-minute ride from Grand Central to 111th Street or Willets Point–Shea Stadium will plant you in the area’s epicenter. Because there’s some hoofing involved in taking in all the sights described below, make sure your brood have got their sneakers on.
Check it out
Shea Stadium is Corona’s top attraction, and with any luck, the Mets will be fighting for their postseason lives there this fall (mets.com or 718-507-8499 for tickets). Whether or not they’re home, take a walk to the Queens Museum of Art (New York City Building, park entrance on 111th St and 49th Ave, 718-592-9700). Here you’ll find the Panorama of the City of New York, a 9,335-square-foot architectural model that includes every building in the five boroughs constructed before 1992, when it was last updated (it was originally built for the 1964–65 World’s Fair). Kids love looking for their neighborhood; sometimes they’ll even point out their home or school. Over at the New York Hall of Science (47-01 111th St at 47th Ave, 718-699-0005), families can take a ride on the state-of-the-art motion simulator or learn about molecules, atoms and more at the 200-plus interactive exhibits. Looking to channel some youthful energy? Enroll children as young as age four in hour-long lessons at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s nine indoor courts—at a fraction of Manhattan prices (call 718-760-6200, ext 6213 to register).
Good eats
At the tiny Leo’s Latticini (46-02 104th St at 46th Ave, 718-898-6069), known as “Mama’s” by locals, treat your kids to the glories of fresh mozzarella with a “Mama’s Special” sub ($6.50) or to another of the scrumptious sandwiches Jose Reyes and teammates feast on after games. At the sprawling Brazilian churrascaria Green Field (108-01 Northern Blvd at 108th St, 718-672-5202), young carnivores will get a kick out of the tableside parade of grilled meats, from juicy skirt steak to bacon-wrapped turkey ($27 prix fixe, half-price for children). Also try the Empanadas Café (56-27 Van Doren St at 108th St, 718-592-7288), which sells addictive pastries in 28 varieties, including a rich, savory pork chicharrón ($1.25)—but it’s the Nutella and banana ($1.25) that will have little ones swooning.
What local families do
Neighborhood mom Christina Castillo appreciates what the area offers her sons, Christopher, 4, and Christian, 2?½, citing the Playground for All Children (111-01 Corona Ave at 111th St) as a favorite spot: “My kids love the mini basketball hoops and the pretend firehouse.” Afterward, the trio often gobble down slices at Corona Pizza (51-23 108 St at 52nd Sts, 718-271-3736), followed by fruity goodies from the legendary Lemon Ice King of Corona (52-02 108 St at 52nd Ave, 718-699-5133). We suggest you do the same—it may be your last frozen treat of the season.
Next: Corona day planner
