Queens County Farm Museum dates to 1697 and is the only working historical farm in New York City. Patrons here can enjoy marketing, hay rides and a petting zoo. Each year around Halloween it hosts the city's only corn maze. Kids can team up with their parents and try and find their way out the maze carved out of giant corn husks. Events catered to children throughout the year also include an annual carnival and Easter egg hunt. The farm is open year-round.
The New York Hall of Science is a hands-on science museum targeted to children that can go and touch things, play and learn about science. The museum features more than 450 hands-on exhibits at the New York Hall of Science. These exhibits are categorized into different science-based themes. Special events occur at the New York Hall of Science each year, many of which are catered to children from age 2 through 4, including the annual Big Apple Circus Day.
A free day out at the beach or one of Queens' 15 public swimming pools can help you spend some quality time with your little one. Play in the sand at Rockaway Beach in the southern most part of the borough. Rockaway Beach is the only oceanfront beach on the city. All other beaches in New York City lead to either a bay or inlet. The waters of Rockaway Beach are the cleanest in the city.
However, be careful and stay in shallow water because riptides occur most frequently at this beach than any other in New York City. Three of the 15 public pools are indoors and open year-round. These pools at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Roy Wilkens often have learn-to-swim programs for young children and special programs for toddlers.
Queens Zoo features many live animals from all over the world that your 2-year-old will enjoy seeing. Mammals such as bears, bison and puma inhabit the zoo along with many different amphibians, reptiles, fish and birds. Special exhibits occur year-round.
