{"id":23194,"date":"2011-09-27T07:35:55","date_gmt":"2011-09-27T11:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=23194"},"modified":"2025-08-21T09:58:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T13:58:21","slug":"free-things-to-do-queens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/23194\/free-things-to-do-queens\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Things to Do in Queens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recently, offMetro and The Skint<\/a> created a list of some of the best free and cheap things to do in Brooklyn<\/a>. This month, we rode the rails to Queens, seeking Greek food<\/a>, free fitness classes<\/a>, and any other affordable fun we could find.<\/p>\n

From a mecca for street artists to museums and outdoor sculpture gardens, here are oM’s five favorite free things to do in Queens.<\/strong><\/p>\n

5Pointz<\/a> | Free<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Where: <\/strong>Long Island City
\nWhen:<\/strong> Daily
\nWhy:<\/strong> The 200,000-square-foot factory building is known as one of the premier centers of the world\u2019s graffiti scene, but visitors can expect to find musicians, break dancers, filmmakers and all other types of artists within its walls.
\nHow to get there:<\/strong> Take the 7 to 45 Rd \u2013 Court House Square and walk north on 23rd Street.<\/em><\/p>\n

Queens Botanical Garden<\/strong><\/a> | Free<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Where: <\/strong>Flushing
\nWhen: <\/strong>Free on Wednesdays, 3-6pm and Sundays, 4-6pm
\nWhy: <\/strong>You’ve likely never met a greener garden. Set on 39 acres, QBG has grown from an exhibit at the 1939 New York World’s Fair to a premier cultural institution that’s helping further the fight for a more sustainable future for NYC. This urban sanctuary has a stunning new LEED Platinum visitors center, peaceful, flower-lined trails, and various education programs\u2014from composting and tree care workshops to a popular farmers market\u2014<\/strong>making the Queens Botanical Garden a great idea for a quick romantic getaway within the city.
\nHow to get there: <\/strong>No. 7 subway or Long Island Rail Road (Port Washington line) to Main Street\/Flushing. Q44 or Q20 bus, or walk 8 blocks south to QBG.<\/em><\/p>\n

Museum of the Moving Image | Free
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Where:<\/strong> Astoria
\nWhen: <\/strong>Fridays, free admission, 4pm-8pm
\nWhy:<\/strong> From optical toys to digital art, Museum of the Moving Image appeals to artists and TV lovers alike. Check the site for frequently updated events and exhibits like the New York City Greek Film Festival and Jim Henson’s Fantastic World.
\nHow to get there: <\/strong>Take the R train to Steinway Street. Walk south on Steinway Street and take a right on 35th Avenue.<\/em><\/p>\n

Socrates Sculpture Park<\/strong><\/a> | Free<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Where: <\/strong>Long Island City
\nWhen: <\/strong>Whenever
\nWhy: <\/strong>The story of this park has all the elements of a New York City success story. Up until 1986, the site was an illegal dumping ground and riverside landfill when a group of artists and local community members decided to transform it into an outdoor exhibition space and garden. This verdant gem of NYC also hosts a free craft bazaar, movie night, theatrical performances, farmers markets, and much more.
\nHow to get there: <\/strong>Monday through Friday take the N or W train to the Broadway stop in Queens and walk eight blocks west on Broadway (toward the East River) to the intersection of Vernon Boulevard. On Saturday and Sunday, take the N train to the Broadway stop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Flushing