If you’re heading to New York City in August 2025 to catch the US Open at Flushing Meadows, you’re in for a treat. But before the tennis action kicks off, why not spend a day soaking up the vibrant culture of Queens? This borough is packed with diverse food, fascinating art, and unique attractions that set the perfect stage for your US Open excitement. This guide lays out a detailed one-day plan, focusing on Flushing’s street food scene, the Queens Museum, and other local gems. You’ll get practical tips on getting around, kid- and pet-friendly spots, and how to make the most of your time in Queens.
Morning: Start with Flushing’s Street Food Scene
Your day begins in Flushing, Queens, a hub for some of the city’s best street food, especially in its bustling Chinatown. From Manhattan, take the 7 train to Flushing-Main Street, a 30-minute ride from Times Square. Exit the station and head to the heart of Flushing at Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue, where you’ll find a vibrant mix of food stalls and small eateries. This area is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from steaming soup dumplings to spicy Sichuan noodles. It’s kid-friendly with plenty of open spaces for little ones to move around, and leashed pets are welcome at outdoor stalls, making it a great spot for families or travelers with dogs.
Start your morning at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, located at 38-12 Prince Street, just a 5-minute walk from the subway. This spot is famous for its soup dumplings, filled with savory pork and crab, perfect for a hearty breakfast. Each dumpling bursts with flavor, and the restaurant’s casual vibe makes it welcoming for kids, with high chairs available. However, it’s not pet-friendly indoors, so if you’re with a furry friend, grab your order to go and eat at a nearby bench. Expect to spend about an hour here, savoring dishes like scallion pancakes or rice noodle rolls. The menu is budget-friendly, with most items under $10, and the staff is happy to explain dishes if you’re new to Chinese cuisine. Bring cash, as some smaller vendors in Flushing prefer it.
After breakfast, stroll down Roosevelt Avenue to explore more street food stalls. Look for vendors selling lamb skewers or jianbing, a Chinese crepe filled with egg and crispy wontons. These stalls are scattered around the intersection of Main Street and 41st Avenue, and the open-air setup is perfect for kids to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Leashed pets can join you as you sample bites, but keep them close in the busy crowds. Spend about 45 minutes wandering and tasting, taking in the sights and sounds of Flushing’s morning buzz. If you’re traveling with kids, bring a small toy or book to keep them entertained while you queue for food.
Explore Chinatown’s vibrant street food scene during your day trip, packed with flavor and authentic cultural vibes.
Late Morning: Queens Museum and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Next, head to the Queens Museum, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at New York City Building, Flushing, NY. From Flushing-Main Street, take the 7 train one stop to Mets-Willets Point, a 5-minute ride, then walk 10 minutes through the park to the museum. This iconic museum is a must-visit, especially for its Panorama of the City of New York, a massive scale model of the city’s five boroughs, complete with tiny buildings and bridges. It’s a highlight for kids, who can spend time spotting landmarks like the Empire State Building, and the museum offers interactive exhibits that make learning fun. Pets aren’t allowed inside, but the surrounding park is pet-friendly, with plenty of grassy areas for leashed dogs to relax.
Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the Queens Museum. The Panorama alone is worth 30 minutes, as you can walk around the 9,335-square-foot model and marvel at its detail. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, and in August 2025, expect contemporary art displays that tie into the cultural energy of the US Open season (check the museum’s website for exact schedules). Kids will enjoy hands-on activities like art workshops, often available on weekends, while adults can appreciate the museum’s focus on Queens’ diverse history. The museum is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, making it easy for families to navigate. There’s a small café for snacks, but you’ll likely want to save your appetite for lunch.
After the museum, take a leisurely walk through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the site of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The park is a sprawling green space with landmarks like the Unisphere, a giant steel globe from the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It’s a great spot for kids to run around or for a picnic if you’ve brought snacks. Leashed pets are welcome, and there are shaded areas to rest. Spend about an hour here, soaking in the park’s open vibe and snapping photos of the Unisphere or the nearby Rocket Thrower sculpture. If you’re a tennis fan, you might catch a glimpse of early US Open preparations, as the tournament’s energy starts to build in late August.
Dive into history and art with this family-friendly stop, a must-see on any travel guide.
Early Afternoon: Lunch in Flushing’s Food Courts
For lunch, head back to Flushing’s food courts, a short 10-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride (Q48 from the park) to the New World Mall at 136-20 Roosevelt Avenue. This multi-level mall houses one of the best food courts in Queens, offering a range of Asian cuisines, from Korean BBQ to Malaysian laksa. It’s a lively, kid-friendly spot with plenty of seating, though it can get crowded around noon. Pets aren’t allowed inside the food court, so if you’re with a dog, opt for takeout and eat at a nearby park bench in Flushing Meadows.
Try a stall like Lao Jie Hotpot for a quick, flavorful meal of spicy Sichuan broth and fresh veggies, or head to Corner 28 for Peking duck buns. Most dishes are affordable, with generous portions, and the variety means everyone in your group can find something they love. Spend about an hour here, sampling a few dishes and enjoying the bustling atmosphere. If you’re with kids, the bright colors and quick service keep things engaging, but bring a small activity to keep younger ones occupied while you wait. For drinks, grab a bubble tea from Kung Fu Tea, located in the same mall, to sip as you head to your next stop.
Discover bold contemporary art at MoMA PS1, a hidden gem recommended in every visitors guide.
Mid-Afternoon: MoMA PS1 and Long Island City’s Art Scene
Now, head to Long Island City for a dose of contemporary art at MoMA PS1, located at 22-25 Jackson Avenue. From New World Mall, take the 7 train to Court Square, a 15-minute ride, then walk 5 minutes to the museum. MoMA PS1 is known for its cutting-edge exhibits, showcasing emerging artists and bold installations. In August 2025, expect summer exhibitions that align with the US Open’s vibrant energy (check the website for details). The museum is kid-friendly, with some interactive displays that engage younger visitors, but pets aren’t allowed inside. The outdoor courtyard is a nice spot to relax if you need a break, though it’s not pet-friendly either.
Spend about 1.5 hours at MoMA PS1, taking in the eclectic art, from video installations to large-scale sculptures. The museum’s raw, industrial vibe adds to the experience, and its smaller size makes it manageable for a quick visit. If you’re with older kids, they’ll enjoy the modern art, but younger ones might need a quick distraction like a sketchbook. The museum’s M. Wells Dinette offers creative dishes like foie gras poutine, but since you just ate, save it for a coffee or snack. After PS1, take a 10-minute walk to Gantry Plaza State Park at 4-09 47th Road. This waterfront park offers stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline, perfect for photos or a relaxing break. It’s kid- and pet-friendly, with open spaces for kids to play and leashed dogs to roam.
Long Island City’s streets burst with vibrant murals, perfect for art lovers chasing hidden gems.
Late Afternoon: Street Art and Coffee in Long Island City
Stay in Long Island City to check out its vibrant street art scene. From Gantry Plaza, walk 10 minutes to 5 Pointz (now redeveloped as 22-44 Jackson Avenue), a former graffiti mecca that still inspires local murals. The area around Jackson Avenue and 23rd Street is filled with colorful street art, showcasing Queens’ creative spirit. This outdoor activity is perfect for kids, who can marvel at the bold designs, and leashed pets are welcome to join you. Spend about 45 minutes wandering the streets, snapping photos of murals featuring everything from abstract patterns to local heroes. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the art, and comfortable shoes are a must for walking.
For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Woodbines Craft Kitchen at 47-10 Vernon Boulevard, a 5-minute walk from 5 Pointz. This cozy spot serves excellent coffee and pastries, with a kid-friendly menu that includes grilled cheese sandwiches. Outdoor seating is available for leashed pets, making it a great stop for everyone. Spend about 30 minutes here, recharging with a latte or a cold brew, especially since August can be warm. If you’re with kids, the casual vibe keeps them comfortable, and the staff is friendly if you need recommendations for nearby sights.
Don’t miss “MJ The Musical” tickets, a high-energy Broadway performance with dazzling choreography and timeless hits.
Early Evening: Dinner in Flushing and a Broadway Show
Head back to Flushing for an early dinner at Szechuan Mountain House, located at 39-16 Prince Street, a 15-minute subway ride on the 7 train to Flushing-Main Street. This restaurant is a local favorite for its spicy Sichuan dishes, like mapo tofu and cumin lamb. It’s kid-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere, though not pet-friendly indoors, so grab takeout if you’re with a dog. Spend about an hour here, enjoying dishes that pack a punch of flavor. The menu has options for all spice levels, so even picky eaters will find something to love. If you’re with kids, the quick service keeps things moving, and the vibrant decor adds to the experience.
After dinner, make your way to Manhattan for a Broadway show to cap off your day. Take the 7 train to Times Square-42nd Street, a 30-minute ride, and head to the Neil Simon Theatre at 250 West 52nd Street for MJ the Musical. This show, celebrating Michael Jackson’s life and music, is kid-friendly for older children, with catchy songs and dazzling choreography. Pets aren’t allowed in the theater, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with a dog. Book tickets in advance, as August shows sell out fast. The performance lasts about 2.5 hours, wrapping up around 10:30 PM, giving you a perfect end to your Queens adventure.
Evening: Check into a Queens-Accessible Hotel
After the show, check into the Moxy NYC Downtown at 26 Ann Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, a 15-minute subway ride on the 2 or 3 train to Fulton Street. This trendy hotel is kid-friendly with modern rooms and welcomes leashed pets in designated areas, making it a great base for your Queens-focused day. Its location offers easy access to Flushing via the 7 train for any US Open plans. The hotel’s Recreation bar is a fun spot for a nightcap, but it’s not kid- or pet-friendly, so head there after settling in. The sleek design and lively vibe make it a comfortable spot to unwind after a busy day.
CTA: Need a stylish stay? Check out this Moxy NYC Downtown for a vibrant base near Queens and the US Open!
Stay trendy and close to all the action at one of the city’s most budget-friendly hotels.
Night: Relax with a Nighttime Activity
If you’re still energized after the Broadway show, consider a low-key nighttime activity to wind down. Head to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, a 10-minute subway ride on the 1, 2, or 3 train to 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center. Open until 11 PM, this observation deck offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building. It’s kid-friendly, with plenty of space to move around, but pets aren’t allowed. Spend about 45 minutes here, taking in the city lights and snapping photos. The experience is a great way to reflect on your day in Queens and get excited for the US Open.
Extra Activities and Souvenirs
If you have extra time, consider a quick visit to the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (47-01 111th Street), a 10-minute walk from the Queens Museum. This interactive science museum is a hit with kids, offering exhibits like rocket-building workshops, but pets aren’t allowed inside. Spend about an hour here if you’re with family. For souvenirs, Flushing’s street markets sell unique items like handmade fans or small trinkets, perfect for US Open mementos. MoMA PS1’s gift shop also has art books and prints, though it’s not pet-friendly. Most shops are kid-friendly, but bring a bag to carry your finds.
End your adventure with panoramic views and reflections from one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions.
Your Queens Adventure Awaits
Your day in Queens, from Flushing’s street food to the Queens Museum’s Panorama, is the perfect warm-up for the US Open 2025. Pair it with a Broadway theater experience like MJ the Musical tickets, or check out other Queens tourist attractions for more fun. For a broader city experience, try a one day guided sightseeing tour or use a Queens travel guide to plan further. Get all the details at VisitNYC.com to make your city trip unforgettable! You could also explore the Roosevelt Island cable car, discover hidden gems in Manhattan and hidden places in New York, enjoy shopping in Manhattan, or check out the top 10 Manhattan attractions. Don’t miss Chinatown New York and the best places to visit in Chinatown NYC. Theater lovers might also enjoy The Play That Goes Wrong NYC theater or grab The Play That Goes Wrong New York tickets along with Water for Elephants tickets New York. For more inspiration, check the Manhattan visitors guide or browse budget friendly hotels in New York. Cap off your adventure with NYC City Cruises for a perfect view of the skyline.
