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As a native New Yorker, I have always considered Flushing the hidden hybrid pocket of Queens and Brooklyn. Nestled atop the two boroughs, the neighborhood is the fourth-largest central business district in New York City, blending vivacious Asian culture and modern city living, with a sprinkle of suburbia. I could always rely on the area for my perfect bubble tea and dumpling fix, or a quick indulgence of greenery and sunbathing in parks.
So, like most New Yorkers, I dread when the US Open comes to town. Traffic times double and, while it becomes a great space for tourism and the economy, popular hot spots quickly become crowded and uncomfortable.
But it also becomes the perfect time to highlight all the neighborhood has to offer – from its hidden gems of archery and dazzling rooftop views to authentic Chinese dumplings and classic tea houses, Flushing is rich in entertainment.
So if you’re in town and want to kill time between matches or are simply looking to avoid the sea of polo shirts and chino shorts, here are 22 daily things to do in Flushing that don’t involve the racket-swinging sport.
Smell the dinner plate hibiscus flowers at the Queens Botanical Garden
Trade post-game adrenaline for soft tranquility at the educational garden. Whether you want to participate in one of their free composting courses, sniff one of their 29,000 residential plants, admire one of their ongoing “Art in the Garden” displays, or compare the August focal hibiscus flower to a real dinner plate (spoiler: yes, it's actually the size of one), the 39-acre site will leave you feeling refreshed and with a certified ‘Queens’ thumb. Admission is free for members and children aged three and under, and adult tickets start at just $6.
Catch a jazz show at Flushing Town Hall
Nothing beats the screeching sounds of whistles like some smooth jazz. Relax and unwind at the Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam, starting at just $5 for members. Let the evening soothe your soul from the outside in as professional jazz musicians, or jazz-studying graduate students, educators, and serious hobbyists blend the beats of baritone, saxophones, and more.
Blow a big bubble at the New York Hall of Science
Partake in your own competition of who can make the biggest soapy concoction. Visitors can unlock their inner child and blow, stretch, and pop bubble solution every which way at the museum’s featured exhibition. If bubbles aren’t your thing, transport yourself to a different world with one of their 3D movie offerings, or explore one of the 400+ exhibits the 100,000 square-foot space has to offer. Tickets start at $19 for children, students, and seniors and $22 for adults.
Have lunch with the sea lions at the Queens Zoo
Do some (food-motivated) cheering on of the non-human kind at the Queens Zoo. Watch the California native animals make a splash as zoo keepers highlight their speed and agility, or take the opportunity to watch a trumpeter swan gracefully cross the calm waters. The property spans 20 acres and includes all furry and scaled friends, making it the perfect day activity for all ages. Tickets start at $8 for children three to 12 and $11 for those above 13.
Browse and shop at the Queens Night Market
Swap overpriced souvenirs for authentic artisan trinkets and designs at the Queens Night Market. Guests can sample international foods from Trinidadian shark sandwiches to Panamanian hojaldre, and support local artists with a hand-stitched subway pillow or intricate drawn henna tattoos, or simply jam to performances held throughout the day by local DJs. The free-to-enter beloved outdoor event starts at 4pm, just in time for things to cool off, and runs until midnight.
Hitch A hay ride at the Queens County Farm
Replace tennis fields with farm-fresh views with a visit to Queens County Farm. For just six bucks, you can enjoy a tractor-pulled scenic route of the farm. If the hay leaves you itching for more, take a quick peek into their farmhouse, fresh from the 1700s, or enjoy farmhouse picks from the farmstand, including melons, cilantro, or farm-fresh eggs.
Shop K-Beauty at Teso Life
Get the Serena Williams glow right in the heart of Flushing. A staple in the community, the 38th Avenue shop carries every Asian-centric beauty item you can think of—from Korean blushes and lip stains to face masks and ampoules. Achieve the glass skin look, pick a wild card with one of the famed blind boxes, browse their variety of international snacks, bento-box home goods, and even pet supplies for your four-legged friend.
Flashback to the Victorian Era at Voelker Orth Museum
The Voelker Orth Museum offers a slice of tranquility and old-world charm in the bustling neighborhood of Flushing. Tour the quaint Victorian-style home, get inspired by the old-world charm of passages from their vintage play Macbeth, or transport yourself to the lush green garden, which doubles as a bird sanctuary. Guided museum tours start at a suggested donation of $5, while the garden is free to visit.
Score a hole-in-one at Pitch & Putt
Ditch the competitive atmosphere and play a low-stakes game of mini golf at this beloved course. Located inside the Flushing Meadows Golf Center, players can put their swing skills to the test across 18 holes, and test their night vision as the course remains open until 1am. Day rates start at just $7 for juniors under 17, and $23 for adults 18 and up.
Brighten up at the lamp exhibit at the Queens Museum
Trade harsh stadium lights for the soft glass glow of the Neustadt Collection. The exhibit highlights artist Louis C. Tiffany and their expertise in leaded glass, and includes a marvelous array of floral and geometric lamps as well as landscape and figural windows. After you’re done shining your eyes, indulge your inner theatre kid and view the featured Caroline Kent short play or visit one of their rotating exhibits. The museum operates on a pay-as-you-wish scale, ensuring it remains accessible to the community, and the suggested donation starts at $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults.
Offer your respects at a Hindu Temple
The serene sidewalks of Bowne Street are lined with temples, offering a tranquil and humbling environment. The temples offer multiple religious services throughout the week to offer your respects, or you can rejuvenate the body with one of their yoga lessons, or simply admire the architecture. Be sure to check the schedule for timing and fees.
Devour freshly made dumplings at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
If you’re craving post-game grub, grab your napkins and chopsticks and head to this local dumpling spot. A neighborhood staple since 2006, the Prince St. location has gained national praise for its delectable assortment of dumplings, including exotic flavors like truffle and luffa. Enjoy an ambiance set in luxe modern-day Chinese dining, with touches of gold and scents of sticky rice and ube red bean bao tickling your nose.
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Get glistening skyline views at Moon Rooftop
Leave the watch parties at home and soak up the New York City skyline without the crowds at this signature Flushing bar. Satiate your taste buds with a sip of their refreshing limoncello spritz or basil mule cocktails and devour classic American fare as you watch the glowing lights of the concrete jungle.
Sharpen your aim at Queens Archery
Practice your bullseye shot with some friendly arrow shooting at this neighborhood archery. Learn the basics of shooting, included with rental equipment for $35. If you find your skills sharp enough, join one of the weekly archery tournaments to win a prize.
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Get gliding at World Ice Arena Skate Rink
There’s no better way to cool off and avoid sweaty crowds than to get gliding on the ice. This trademark rink offers year-round service, the perfect time to lace up and practice your balance or live out your dreamed Olympic figure skating routine. Adults 18 and up can also join the Adult Coffee Club and enjoy warm sips and camaraderie as you practice beginner jumps, spins, or a simple skate with your friends. Public session admission starts at $8 per person.
Paint your own doll at the QM International Arts Center
If you prefer a more relaxed and intimate setting, this local arts center is just the place for you. Offering a variety of courses and classes from soap making to weaving, let your creativity pour onto a canvas and create something beautiful. Paint your own plaster doll to your heart's content, or soothe the senses with the creation of a custom candle. Classes start at $45 per person.
One-up the claw machine at Up One
Unlock your competitive side and challenge the claw at this thrilling claw arcade. Collect beloved nostalgic prizes from Kirby puffs to Squirtle plushies. $20 gets you 30 credits to put your coordination skills to the test, and you can trade your prizes up for a premium selection.
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Create your own coaster at Glass Wonderland
Prepare an accessory for when you raise your glass to the winning team. This local craft shop is designed to bring out your inner artisan. Create colorful coasters, nightlights, picture frames and more with fused or stained glass for everyday use or a memorable keepsake. Classes start at $68, depending on the item made and the type of glass used.
Get a laugh in with Mom’s Couch Comedy
There’s nothing like a good giggle to keep the evening going. The comedy club is a hidden gem of the neighborhood, offering humorous takes on culture, Gen Z, and everything in between. Shows take place at The Duo Coffee Bar, with a $10 cover plus a minimum purchase of one item.
Melt into a massage from Zhong Huang Spa
Thaw away the stress of slow sidewalk walkers and hellish commutes at this trademark spa. Dubbed “the best massage in Flushing,” the staff focuses on body and foot work, releasing tension and tight muscles in a serene and quiet setting. Massages start at $28 for 30 minutes for body work, and $20 for a 30-minute foot rub, and from all the walking you’ve done, you probably need it.
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Purr and play at Kokoro Cat Café
It’s a house paw-ty at this quaint cafe. The borough’s first of its kind, this cat cafe offers all the essentials: caffeine and a four-legged friend. Sip on authentic Japanese beverages as you snuggle and play with cat companions. For a more active experience, join kitten yoga or put your art skills to work with a paint-and-purr session. If you find one particular feline tugging at your heartstrings, the cafe partners with Anjellicle Cats Rescue to help adopt the furry friends to loving homes. Admission is $20 for 40 minutes, and drinks start at $3.50.
Raise your pinky at Prince Tea House
A trip to Flushing wouldn’t be complete without trying a traditional Asian tea or a classic boba infusion. This fan-favorite tea house offers a fairytale-like atmosphere – sit posh and pretty as you sip on their curated collection of teas from montagne bleue to lavender oolong and snack on their petite croissant sandwiches or airy macarons.