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Take a spin in the magical teacups at Kanga's Indoor Playcenter. Photo by the author

Best Things To Do in Astoria, Queens

1. Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter

Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter is a great option for kids to get their energy out indoors. Kanga’s is also an ideal place for toddlers with a dedicated play area just for little ones.

2. Astoria Sports Complex

A perfect place to spend the afternoon with kids, the Astoria Sports Complex is home to a large indoor pool and soccer field—the only FIFA-certified indoor soccer field in NYC—which can both be used for lessons and daily drop-ins.

3. Peek-A-Booo

My kiddos love it at Peekaboo, one of our favorite indoor play spaces in Queens. Peekaboo offers a plethora of indoor play equipment, including a castle, at a reasonable price.

4. Say Cheese the Fun Place

Claw machines are back and better than ever at Say Cheese the Fun Place. Say Cheese also has lots of indoor play equipment and table games for parents and kids alike.

5. Gym-Azing

The last on our list of fun indoor playgrounds for kids is Gym-Azing. This is the place to go if your kids like to get down and dance. It offers an eclectic selection of classes, including hip-hop dance, ballet, Flamenco, and Capoeira, a Brazilian martial arts and dance hybrid.

6. Bowl 360 Astoria

In our opinion, Bowl 360 is one of the best places in NYC to bowl for families. In addition to bowling, find an array of video games and table games to play when you want to mix up the routine.

RELATED: Long Island City Waterfront with Kids: 20 Fun Things To Do

The Museum of the Moving Image offers exhibits to appeal to all-ages, plus hands-on workshops and kid-friendly screenings. Photo by Thanassi Kanageorgiou

7. Museum of the Moving Image

MoMI is a museum the whole family can enjoy. In addition to excellent exhibits on cinema history for adults, it also frequently hosts affordable, family-friendly film-related workshops and screenings for kids. Be sure to meet the Muppets in the Jim Henson exhibit while you're there!

8. The Yoga Room

The Yoga Room offers some peace and serenity with the little ones. It offers exceptional prenatal and parent-and-child classes at reasonable price points.

9. YMCA

Though technically the Long Island City branch, this local YMCA is on the cusp of both neighborhoods. This YMCA location is one of the best in the city if you want to drop in with the little ones for a swim, shoot some hoops, or just run around the gym and play with some classic equipment.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Astoria, Queens

10. NYC Bagel and Coffee House

Arguably one of the best bagel places in the city, NYC Bagel and Coffee House made our list of the best breakfast spots in NYC. Take the kids to this Astoria staple and blow their minds with a giant rainbow bagel made fresh every morning.

11. Comfortland

Comfortland lives up to its name with comfort food galore. Enjoy its play on the Big Mac, biscuits and gravy, or fried green tomatoes. I recommend the vegan Midnight Mass Burger with onion rings, barbecue sauce, and smoked gouda.

12. Bel Aire Diner

No New York neighborhood is complete without a classic diner. In Astoria, Bel Aire Diner fits the bill. A staple since 1965, the Bel Aire and its beautiful chrome exterior offers more than 500 dishes 24/7.

13. Slice Astoria

If you're looking for a slice, look no further than Slice Astoria. Serving fresh pies on the regular, you can’t go wrong stopping in for a quick classic plain slice done right for you and the kids.

14. Marvel Frozen Dairy

Astoria eats are incomplete without a stop at one of NYC's best ice cream shops. Marvel Frozen Dairy offers a classic cone and excellent people-watching. Plant-based options are available.

RELATED: The Best Playgrounds in Queens

Socrates Sculpture Park blooms with nature and family-friendly activities. Photo by Jody Mercier

Best Free Things To Do in Astoria, Queens with Kids

15. Socrates Sculpture Park

A great place to get some fresh air and exercise, Socrates Sculpture Park is a must-visit. It is also a perfect place to see visionary outdoor artwork and the iconic Queens waterfront.

16. Queens Library

We're anxiously awaiting the renovations to the Queens Library's Astoria Broadway location, which should open this spring. Until then, the bookmobile shows up outside on Mondays, and there are also two other Queens Library locations in Astoria—one on Astoria Boulevard and another on Steinway Street.

RELATED: Enjoy a Queens Art Crawl with Kids

Slides, climbing structures, and knight-themed features galore make Ravenswood Playground a crowd-pleaser. Photo by the author

17. Ravenswood Playground

The newly renovated Ravenswood Playground is an expansive romping spot for big and little kids. It also has a dragon water feature for those hot NYC summers.

18. Astoria Heights Playground

Astoria Heights Park has a little bit of everything. From tennis courts to an outdoor track (perfect for bike riding) and two play areas and a splash pad, it's a perfect place for a fun-filled (and FREE) afternoon.

19. Astoria Park

You shouldn’t visit Astoria without visiting the most iconic park in Queens. One might describe it as the Central Park of Queens. Astoria Park is the perfect place to pack a picnic and take in the beautiful views of the East River between the RFK Triborough Bridge and the classic Hell Gate Bridge. Play in the newly renovated Charybdis Playground, or explore the indoor and outdoor pools.

Best Hotels in Astoria, Queens for Families

20. Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria

With newly renovated rooms, the Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria is the perfect place to stay while remaining close to all of the attractions on this list. A bonus: Kids stay FREE and on-site breakfast is available.

21. Astoria Inn LaGuardia Hotel

For affordability, the Astoria Inn LaGuardia Hotel is your spot. Located right on iconic Steinway Street, the Astoria Inn also keeps you close to all of the action.

Originally published in 2017.

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