A local's guide to the 22 best things to do in Flushing (besides the US Open)

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I've always seen Flushing as the hidden hybrid pocket straddling Queens and Brooklyn. Sitting at the top of the two boroughs, it's the fourth-largest central business district in New York City, mixing lively Asian culture and modern city living with a touch of suburbia. 

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I could always count on the neighborhood for my perfect bubble tea and dumpling fix, or a quick dose of greenery and sunbathing in its parks.

So, like most New Yorkers, I dread when the US Open rolls into town. Commute times double, and while it's great for tourism and the local economy, popular spots quickly turn crowded and uncomfortable.

But it's also the perfect moment to spotlight everything this neighborhood has to offer - from hidden gems like archery and dazzling rooftop views to authentic Chinese dumplings and classic tea houses, Flushing is packed with entertainment.

So whether you're in town looking to kill time between matches or just hoping to dodge the sea of polo shirts and chino shorts, here are 22 everyday things to do in Flushing that have nothing to do with the racket-swinging sport.

Smell the dinner-plate-sized hibiscus at the Queens Botanical Garden

Swap post-game adrenaline for gentle calm at this educational garden. Take a free composting class, sniff one of the 29,000 plants on site, admire an ongoing "Art in the Garden" display, or compare August's star hibiscus bloom to a real dinner plate (spoiler: it genuinely is that big). Across 39 acres, you'll leave refreshed - with an honorary green thumb to show for it. Members and kids three and under enter free, and adult tickets start at just $6.

Catch a jazz show at Flushing Town Hall

Nothing drowns out the whistle of the court like some smooth jazz. Unwind at the Town Hall's monthly Jazz Jam, which starts at just $5 for members. Professional players, jazz graduate students, educators, and serious hobbyists blend baritone and saxophone tones to soothe you from the inside out.

Blow a big bubble at the New York Hall of Science

Stage your own contest for the biggest soapy creation. Visitors can tap into their inner child and blow, stretch, and pop bubbles in the museum's featured exhibition. If bubbles aren't your thing, step into another world with a 3D movie or explore 400+ exhibits across 100,000 square feet. Tickets start at $19 for children, students, and seniors, and $22 for adults.

Have lunch with the sea lions at the Queens Zoo

Cheer on the non-human (and very food-motivated) athletes at the Queens Zoo. Watch California natives make a splash as keepers show off their speed and agility, or catch a trumpeter swan gliding across calm water. The 20-acre property is home to all manner of furry and scaled friends, making it a perfect all-ages day out. Tickets start at $8 for kids 3-12 and $11 for ages 13 and up.

Browse and shop at the Queens Night Market

Trade overpriced souvenirs for authentic artisan goods at the Queens Night Market. Sample international eats from Trinidadian shark sandwiches to Panamanian hojaldre, support local makers with a hand-stitched subway pillow or henna art, or simply vibe to local DJs spinning all day. The beloved outdoor market is free to enter, kicks off at 4pm as things cool down, and runs until midnight.

Hitch a hay ride at the Queens County Farm

Swap tennis courts for farm-fresh scenery at Queens County Farm. For just six bucks, hop a tractor-pulled ride around the grounds. If the hay leaves you wanting more, peek inside the farmhouse dating back to the 1700s or grab melons, cilantro, or farm-fresh eggs from the farmstand.

Shop K-Beauty at Teso Life

Get that Serena Williams glow right in the heart of Flushing. A community staple on 38th Avenue, the shop stocks every Asian-centric beauty item imaginable - Korean blushes, lip stains, face masks, and ampoules. Chase the glass-skin look, try your luck with a famous blind box, or browse international snacks, bento-box home goods, and even supplies for your four-legged friend.

Flashback to the Victorian era at the Voelker Orth Museum

The Voelker Orth Museum serves up calm and old-world charm amid Flushing's bustle. Tour the quaint Victorian home, soak in passages from their vintage staging of Macbeth, or wander into a lush garden that doubles as a bird sanctuary. Guided tours start at a suggested $5 donation, while the garden is free to visit.

Score a hole-in-one at Pitch & Putt

Drop the competitive pressure with a low-stakes round of mini golf at this beloved course. Inside the Flushing Meadows Golf Center, test your swing over 18 holes - and your night vision, since the course stays open until 1am. Day rates start at just $7 for juniors under 17 and $23 for adults 18 and up.

Brighten up at the lamp exhibit at the Queens Museum

Trade harsh stadium lights for the soft glass glow of the Neustadt Collection. The exhibit highlights artist Louis C. Tiffany and his leaded-glass mastery, with a stunning array of floral and geometric lamps plus landscape and figural windows. Then channel your inner theatre kid with a featured Caroline Kent short play or one of the rotating exhibits. The museum runs on a pay-what-you-wish model - suggested donation starts at $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults.

Offer your respects at a Hindu temple

The serene sidewalks of Bowne Street are lined with temples, offering a tranquil, humbling atmosphere. Attend one of the week's religious services, rejuvenate with a yoga class, or simply admire the architecture. Just check the schedule for times and fees.

Devour freshly made dumplings at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Craving post-game grub? Grab your napkins and chopsticks and head to this local dumpling spot. A neighborhood staple since 2006, the Prince Street location has earned national praise for its dumplings, including exotic flavors like truffle and luffa. The gold-accented, modern Chinese dining room fills the air with sticky rice and ube red bean bao.

Get glistening skyline views at Moon Rooftop

Skip the watch party and soak up the New York City skyline crowd-free at this signature Flushing bar. Sip a refreshing limoncello spritz or basil mule, devour classic American fare, and watch the concrete jungle light up.

Sharpen your aim at Queens Archery

Take your best bullseye shot with friendly arrow practice at this neighborhood range. Learn the basics, equipment rental included, for $35. If your aim is sharp enough, join a weekly tournament to win a prize.

Get gliding at World Ice Arena Skate Rink

There's no better way to cool off and dodge sweaty crowds than gliding on the ice. This trademark rink runs year-round, so lace up, work on your balance, or live out your Olympic figure-skating dreams. Adults 18 and up can join the Adult Coffee Club for warm sips and camaraderie while practicing jumps and spins. Public sessions start at $8 per person.

Paint your own doll at the QM International Arts Center

Prefer a relaxed, intimate setting? This local arts center is for you. From soap making to weaving, let your creativity flow onto a canvas. Paint your own plaster doll or craft a custom candle to soothe the senses. Classes start at $45 per person.

One-up the claw machine at Up One

Unleash your competitive streak and take on the claw at this thrilling arcade. Collect nostalgic prizes from Kirby puffs to Squirtle plushies. $20 buys 30 credits to test your coordination, and you can trade your haul up for premium picks.

Create your own coaster at Glass Wonderland

Craft the perfect accessory for raising a glass to the winning team. This local shop is designed to unlock your inner artisan - make colorful coasters, nightlights, and picture frames with fused or stained glass. Classes start at $68 depending on the project and glass type.

Get a laugh in with Mom's Couch Comedy

Nothing keeps an evening rolling like a good giggle. This neighborhood hidden gem serves up takes on culture, Gen Z, and everything between. Shows run at The Duo Coffee Bar with a $10 cover plus a one-item minimum.

Melt into a massage at Zhong Huang Spa

Thaw out the stress of slow walkers and brutal commutes at this signature spa. Hailed as "the best massage in Flushing," the team focuses on body and foot work to release tight muscles in a serene setting. Body massages start at $28 for 30 minutes, and foot rubs at $20 for 30 minutes - after all that walking, you've earned it.

Purr and play at Kokoro Cat Cafe

It's a house paw-ty at this quaint cafe, the borough's first of its kind. It delivers the essentials: caffeine and a four-legged friend. Sip authentic Japanese drinks while you snuggle the resident cats, try kitten yoga, or get artsy at a paint-and-purr session. If a feline tugs your heartstrings, the cafe partners with Anjellicle Cats Rescue to help adopt them into loving homes. Admission is $20 for 40 minutes, with drinks from $3.50.

Raise your pinky at Prince Tea House

No Flushing trip is complete without a traditional Asian tea or classic boba. This fan-favorite tea house feels like a fairytale - sit pretty as you sip a curated range from montagne bleue to lavender oolong, and snack on petite croissant sandwiches or airy macarons.

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