• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Learn through interactive exhibits at the New York Hall of Science ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© New York Hall of Science

2. Step back in time at Queens County Farm Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Queens County Farm Museum

What you are reading: Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY This Weekend


3. Admire beautiful flowers at Queens Botanical Garden

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of ROSS - Fotolia.com

4. Explore the world of filmmaking at The Museum of the Moving Image

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Museum of the Moving Image

5. Take photos of unique outdoor sculptures at the Socrates Sculpture Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Socrates Sculpture Park

6. Learn about local art and history at The Queens Museum

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© The Queens Museum

Best Attractions & Fun Stuff:


7. Visit The Queens Library on a rainy day

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© The Queens Library

8. Enjoy special events and shop for amazing books at Astoria Bookshop

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Astoria Bookshop

You are reading: Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY Near Me Today


9. Visit the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Stuart Monk - Fotolia.com

10. Have picnic at Forest Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Stefan Ekernas - Fotolia.com

11. Admire sculptures at The Noguchi Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Noguchi Museum

12. Enjoy waterfront views at Astoria Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Spinel - Fotolia.com

More for Adults, Couples and Families:


13. Explore the natural wonders at Gateway National Recreation Area

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of wjbruzek - Fotolia.com

14. Admire breathtaking views of Manhattan from Gantry Plaza State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

Keep reading: Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY Near My Location


15. Have a date at Transmitter Brewery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Courtesy of David Prahl - Fotolia.com

16. Shop for local and fresh food at Queens Farmers' Markets

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of EwaStudio - Fotolia.com

More Vacation Ideas:


17. Stroll along Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of paulbriden - Fotolia.com

18. Visit Calvary Cemetery

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of Oleksandr Dibrova - Fotolia.com

19. Discover beautiful street art with The Welling Court Mural Project

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of blende11.photo - Fotolia.com

20. Explore the farms of Brooklyn Grange

© Courtesy of Charlotte - Fotolia.com

More: Free & Affordable Ideas in Queens, NY & How to Book Your Weekend Getaway


21. Visit the Lewis Howard Latimer House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Historic House Trust of New York City

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Queens is the largest borough in New York City by area size, spanning 178 square miles throughout the northern portion of Long Island.
  • For visitors looking to explore New York City on a budget, the borough is a veritable gold mine of free visitor attractions.
  • For lower-cost transportation, visitors can ride throughout the borough on New York's iconic subway system, the largest subway system in the world.
  • Some attractions in Queens are free only on certain days – please check before you go.

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