The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Queens County
4.7
(619)
20,673
hikers
37
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Queens County, New York, offer diverse natural escapes within an urban setting. The borough features varied landscapes, including dense oak forests, freshwater and saltwater wetlands, and waterfront parks. These areas provide accessible paths through glacial moraines, kettle ponds, and along waterfronts, offering a range of easy walking experiences.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Queens County
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Forest Park Orange Trail, a 3.3 miles (5.2 km) trail…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
5.0
(4)
12
hikers
5.24km
01:22
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
6.98km
01:51
70m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
hikers
4.55km
01:11
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
10.4km
02:38
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
11.7km
02:57
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Flushing Meadows Park is a gem that people of all ages can thoroughly enjoy.
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Don't ride through this park without visiting the Unisphere! The sculpture is very large and impressive. Seeing it in real life will be an enjoyable experience for everyone. The park surrounding the Unisphere is very big. There is another impressive sculpture located close to the sphere.
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The Unisphere, a stainless steel globe designed by Gilmore D. Clarke, stands in Flushing Meadows. It was built for the 1964 New York World's Fair, and it represents the Earth with continents in relief and three orbital rings symbolizing early satellites. Built by the American Bridge Company, this 120-foot-diameter, 350-ton structure became an iconic symbol of Queens and celebrated the space age and the fair's theme, "Peace Through Understanding." It was designated a New York City landmark in 1995.
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For New York city it is a nice beach. Emphasis on New York considering how bad other beaches are. Don’t go into the forest area at the end of peninsula. You’ll be eaten alive by mosquitoes. Over all one of the best rides New York offers especially if you are staying or living in Brooklyn. I recommend to start as early as possible.
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Beautiful place to witness and experience all four seasons. Roads for bicycles and paths for hiking.
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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Is still used for various authorities. But has partly beautiful old buildings and partly the charm of decay. In any case, you also have a nice view towards northern Manhattan
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Queens County?
Queens County offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking opportunities, with over 35 routes specifically curated for families. The majority of these, around 28, are rated as easy, making them perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Are there many easy trails suitable for families and beginners?
Yes, Queens County is ideal for families and beginners, with a large number of easy trails. Parks like Forest Park and Cunningham Park are known for their gentle paths through hardwood forests and past kettle ponds, providing accessible and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Queens County that are good for families?
Absolutely. Many trails in Queens County are designed as loops, which are perfect for families as you end up back where you started. For example, the Forest Park Orange Trail offers a pleasant loop through varied forest scenery, and the Alley Pond Park Loop explores diverse wetlands and forests.
Where can families go for wildlife spotting on their hikes?
For wildlife spotting, the Alley Pond Park Loop is an excellent choice, where you might see frogs, chipmunks, and various birds around the kettle ponds. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is also a renowned haven for birdwatchers, with over 330 bird species sighted there, offering unique wetland trails.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can we see near the family-friendly trails?
Queens County trails often lead to or pass by interesting landmarks. In Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, you can hike around Meadow Lake and see iconic structures like the Unisphere. For waterfront views, trails near Astoria Park offer stunning vistas of the Manhattan skyline and bridges. You can also explore the historic Fort Totten near the Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop.
Are there any trails suitable for toddlers or very young children?
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for toddlers, especially those with flat, well-maintained paths. Cunningham Park's trails, including the Orange Trail, are generally short and gentle, perfect for little legs. Alley Pond Park also features playgrounds and an adventure course, adding extra fun for younger children.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Queens County?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Queens County, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the surprising natural beauty within an urban setting, the well-maintained paths, and the diversity of landscapes, from dense forests to tranquil wetlands, making it a refreshing escape for families.
Are there any family-friendly trails accessible by public transport?
Many of Queens County's major parks, including Forest Park, Alley Pond Park, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, are well-served by public transportation, making them easily accessible for families without a car. We recommend checking local MTA schedules for the most convenient routes to your chosen trailhead.
Are there specific trails that offer playgrounds or other kid-friendly facilities?
Alley Pond Park is a fantastic option for families looking for more than just a hike, as it features an adventure course and playgrounds. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park also offers expansive fields and activities like paddleboating on Meadow Lake, providing plenty of entertainment for children alongside walking paths.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Queens County?
Queens County offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage, especially in parks like Forest Park and Cunningham Park. Summer is great for enjoying the parks' amenities and waterfront views, and even winter walks can be beautiful, particularly after a fresh snowfall, though some paths might be muddy or icy.
Are there any trails that offer views of the city skyline?
While not primarily hiking trails, Astoria Park offers pleasant waterfront walks with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Triborough and Hell Gate Bridges. Some paths within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park also provide glimpses of the city's iconic structures, blending nature with urban vistas.
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