Long Island City is a New York City neighborhood that can be easy to overlook when you’re planning things to do with kids. But if you’re looking for a place where your little ones can read, play, run around, and enjoy some of the best views of Manhattan, LIC is a fun option!!
I live in New York City, and these are the best places to take kids in the Hunters Point area of Long Island City. I especially love that they are all close enough to combine into one easy day.
Map of Long Island City
Things To Do in Long Island City with Kids
Here are the places I actually take my daughter when I spend a morning in Long Island City, and the ones I recommend if you are looking for things to do with kids.
Hunter’s Point Library
Queens Public Library at Hunter’s Point is a wonderful place to include in an outing because it has a large children’s section, and it’s located near the ferry.
I like having this library in the itinerary in case the weather is not cooperating. You can take a break from the heat, cold, or rain, read some books, and head back outside.
Hunter’s Point South Park
Hunter’s Point South Park is one of my favorite places to take kids in Long Island City.
The park sits along the East River, with playgrounds, waterfront paths, and fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline. For kids, there is plenty of room to run and play.
Keep an eye out for cherry blossoms in the Spring: If you happen to be in Long Island City during cherry blossom season (March or April), you’re in for a treat! The park looks especially beautiful when the trees are in bloom, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photos!
Overflow Coffee
There is NOTHING more loved by moms than a coffee shop with a space for toddlers to play. You don’t have to beg them to stay in their seats, and moms can enjoy a coffee while it’s hot.
I learned about Overflow Coffee from a fellow mom, and I have gone half a dozen times. The coffee shop is located on Vernon Boulevard, and it’s an easy stop to add to your outing.
If only more coffee shops had a little space for toddlers like this one!
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is the most recognizable stop on this list, and for good reason.
The park stretches along the East River and is famous for the neon Pepsi-Cola sign that is visible from Manhattan. I love walking with my toddler along the water, especially during Spring and Fall.
This area is also filled with benches, so you can take a break, enjoy a bite, or admire the view!
Where To Eat With Kids in Long Island City
Osteria Brooklyn
We enjoyed a fun lunch with friends at Osteria Brooklyn, a restaurant near the water. Our friends joined us with their two kids, ages 4 and 6, along with our baby girl, who was just over a year old at the time. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, and it turned out to be a great spot for a relaxed family lunch.
This restaurant is a 7-minute walk from the Pepsi Cola sign.
Can you take the ferry to Long Island City?
Yes! We personally love NYC’s Ferry, and our baby girl thinks it’s half the fun. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to get around the city, especially when exploring with kids.
The NYC Ferry operates daily across all five New York City boroughs, with ferries running approximately every 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the season.
There are 2 ferry stops in Long Island City:
- Long Island City Landing (next to the Pepsi Cola sign)
- Hunter’s Point South Landing
Is Long Island City stroller-friendly?
Yes! Long Island City is generally very stroller-friendly, especially around the waterfront. The library mentioned above also has an elevator, and strollers are welcome on the NYC Ferry, making it easy to get around without having to leave the stroller behind. We also use a fairly large stroller, this stroller, and we’ve had no problem getting around the area with it.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN LONG ISLAND CITY
If you have more time, there are plenty of other things to explore in Long Island City and the surrounding waterfront. You can look into MoMA PS1, take a NYC Ferry ride, or visit Socrates Sculpture Park. These can easily turn into a full day in the area!
A final note!
I love that you can have an easy day in Long Island City with kids. You can read books, grab a coffee and a muffin, play at the park, walk along the waterfront, and enjoy the Manhattan skyline all in the same morning. In my opinion, that is what makes Long Island City such a great place to enjoy with kids!
