It’s true, New York City can be a steaming sauna in the summer, but the winter reveals a sense of wonder with the holidays.
You don’t have to be huddled indoors binge-watching Netflix all day. Step out of your comfort zone -- venture out and have unforgettable memories.
Between all the festivities and attractions in NYC, Queens offers plenty of winter activities to experience the magic and thrill that comes with this time of year.
Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor diversions, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
So if you are constantly on the lookout for the next dope adventure, read on, bundle up, and explore these 7 exciting winter activities in Queens.
1. World Ice Arena (13135 Avery Avenue)
chriscadalzotpt I took my very first ice skating lesson on Valentine's Day 1999. So I decided to return to the sport I love on Valentine's Day this year. Like all love, it's totally worth the pain :) #iceskating #imback #love #becausepftpt #skating #comeback #valentine #loveskating #worldicearena
Want to go ice skating in Queens?
If you want to stray away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then lace up your skates and go for a spin at the World Ice Arena.
Apart from being a huge indoor rink in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, they also have a lot to offer. For instance, if you are a beginner they provide skating lessons, and they even have a great hockey program for children and adults.
The admission here is pretty reasonable. It’s ranges from $5 to $8 to enter. Also, they have locker rentals for 75 cents and skate rentals for $5.
Plus, rumor has it that you can watch Santa skate every Saturday and Sunday. Now there’s a fall sight you certainly won’t want to miss.
They are also hosting their annual Winter Wonderland show on December 19th, so you won't want to miss that either!
2. Voelker Orth Museum (14919 38th Avenue)
If you didn’t know, Queens is filled with some rich history, and it is home to an abundance of unique house museums. The Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden is one of the many which is located in Murray Hill.
This NYC landmark was home to a German immigrant family from the 1890s. The museum engages visitors through temporary exhibitions, nature, arts, concerts, cultural festivals, workshops and education.
Each year the house is decorated from December 5th through January 11th for the holiday season, harkening back to the days when the Orth family celebrated the holidays along with their well-esteemed friends and family.
Have a classic celebration this season and enjoy a traditional home display for the holidays from the 1890s. Then learn more about this family’s history by taking a tour throughout their home. The house tours are available on a drop-in basis and the standard house tour runs 20-30 minutes.
3. New York Hall of Science (47- 01 111th Street)
Who said you have to be a kid in order to enjoy the New York Hall of Science?
Situated at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, New York Hall of Science is one of the top science museums in the country. Have a hands-on interactive experience looking at 450 cool exhibits that explain science and technology.
Currently, they have two awesome exhibits that you should really check out. The first one is "Connected Worlds," a 3,000 square foot interactive digital art installation where your actions, gestures, movements, and decisions impact how the world is kept in balance.
There are six different environments that are in exhibit at "Connected Worlds", and each display allows visitors to connect and experience how their actions dynamically reflect and impact each of their surroundings.
There's also "Gingerbread Lane" which currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread village from 2013 and 2014.
4. Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Boulevard)
Art gives people a break from reality and what better time than during the winter? Plus, you never know what interesting art installation you will find at Socrates Sculpture Park. This is a great place to visit and take a nice, blustery stroll.
This winter, they are presenting two exhibitions until March 13th, so grab a bike while the weather is still fairly decent and make the most out of your holiday season.
The first exhibition, Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF) Exhibition features the work of multiple artists, and the second exhibit showcases the latest “Broadway Billboard” by artist Duke Riley.
,5. Alley Pond Tennis Center (79-20 Winchester Boulevard)
Looking to get active? Well, if you’ve never tried tennis before, then perhaps this winter you should give it a go in Queens!
Registration is now open for the indoor tennis season at Alley Pond Tennis Center for both children and adults. Get trained by some of the best and certified professionals in tennis. The rates here are $350 per a 10 week session.
They also offer a free one-hour session at various times throughout the week, so you can practice before deciding to pay for lessons.
Ultimately, tennis can be the perfect solution to keeping yourself warm and in shape after the holidays.
6. Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue S)
evidencedance 2 more shows! Catch us at BRIC HOUSE this weekend performing Ronald K. Brown's WALKING OUT THE DARK and WHY YOU FOLLOW. Photo credit David Andrako
The beauty of art and culture will enrapture you this winter when you visit the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Queens Theatre is the leading performing arts venue in Queens dedicated to delivering quality and diverse productions. Helping to foster and reflect greater cultural awareness and appreciation, the theatre features international and local artists.
One of their upcoming shows this season for December 12th and the 13th, includes Ronald K. Brown’s, Evidence, A Dance Company, which highlights and focuses on the traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word.
Brown uses the art of rhythm and movement as a way to reinforce the importance of African American culture.
7. Louis Armstrong House (34-56 107 Street)
benjaminflood #christmas time at Louis Armstrong's house. #christmas #christmastree #lights #louisarmstrong #jazz #trumpet
Even the Louis Armstrong House dresses up for the grand festivities. Enjoy some holiday cheer with the museum’s annual tours.
Visit the house all decked out for Christmas while listening to holiday season recordings. You can listen to his seasonal favorites, “Zat You Santa Claus,” and, "Twas the Night Before Christmas (A Visit from St. Nicholas).''
Admission is $10 dollars for adults and free for children under 4. Free candy canes are included with the museum admission.
And finally, after the tour, head over to The Louis Armstrong House Museum Shop to jazz up the holiday season with unique gifts for your loved ones.
Check out 7 Best Ways to Actually Enjoy New Year's Eve in Times Square.