Gino’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tost, Main Street, and Austin Street are some of the most popular after-school hubs for Harrisites to socialize with one-another while enjoying a bite. However, there may be many other places that can be frequented by those in the THHS community for reasons other than food. Whether it be some extra time after school or a day off, here are 15 non-food related destinations for Harrisites to explore within an hour from the THHS campus via public transportation.
Parks and Nature
- Cunningham Park
Address – 196-10 Union Turnpike, Queens, NY 11366 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 6AM to 9PM (7 days a week)
Phone # – (212) 639-9675
Total time from THHS – approx. 40 minutes
At a size of 358 acres, Cunningham Park is regarded as one of the largest parks in Queens. It features barbecuing areas, baseball fields, basketball courts, bathrooms, fitness equipment, football fields, hiking trails, playgrounds, spray showers, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. Cunningham Park is also home to the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, an ideal tree-lined for those who want to jog, walk, or bike.
- Kissena Park
Address – Kissena Blvd and Booth Memorial Ave, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 6AM to 9PM (7 days a week)
Phone # – (718) 359-1297
Total time from THHS – approx. 20 minutes
Kissena Park has many facilities within its 235 acres, such as baseball fields, basketball courts, bathrooms, fitness equipment, football fields, playgrounds, spray showers, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. This park also has many pathways that are lined with shady trees and scenic greenery for Harrisites to appreciate. The park also contains the Kissena Lake, a lake lined with benches, ducks, and geese, providing an optimal waterfront setting for meetups.
- Flushing Bay Promenade
Address – Flushing Bay Promenade, East Elmhurst, NY 11369 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – N/A
Phone # – N/A
Total time from THHS – approx. 45 minutes
The Flushing Bay Promenade is a pedestrian and bicycle walkway situated in direct view of the Flushing Bay. Dotted with seating benches and access to waterfront views and beautiful trees, this site could serve as a truly relaxing place for Harrisites to de-stress and enjoy some nice views.
- Queens Botanical Garden
Address – 43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – April-October: 8AM to 6PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
November-March: 8AM to 4:30PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 886-3800
Total time from THHS – approx. 15 minutes
The Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is a 39 acre haven of rose, bee, and herb gardens, as well as wedding and perennial gardens. The QBG also contains an arboretum of flowers, an art gallery, and a Visitor Center to help those who seek to explore the site. The April-October admission cost at QBG is $6 for adults and $4 for students with a school ID card. For November through March, admission at QBG is free for everyone.
- Little Bay Bridge Pier
Address – Cross Island Pkwy, Queens, NY 11357 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 24 hours a day (7 days a week)
Phone # – (212) 639-9675
Total time from THHS – approx. 60 minutes
The Little Bay Bridge Pier is a scenic spot that offers a waterfront view of the East River and the Throgs Neck Bridge. The pier is sandwiched between Little Bay and Fort Totten Park (another popular THHS hangout spot), allowing Harrisites to relax, sit down, and experience the greenspace with their friends. Restrooms are also nearby.
Retailers
- Queens Center Mall
Address – 90-15 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY 11373 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 10AM to 9PM (Monday to Saturday)
11AM to 8PM (Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 592-3900
Total time from THHS – approx. 30 minutes
With 181 stores, Queens Center Mall is packed with shopping options for Harrisites to indulge in.
- The Shops at SkyView Center
Address – 40-24 College Point Blvd, Queens, NY 11354 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 10AM to 9PM (7 days a week)
Phone # – (718) 460-2000
Total time from THHS – approx. 25 minutes
Skyview Center (SVC) has plenty of shopping options for Harrisites, hosting 35 stores in total.
- The Shops at Atlas Park
Address – 8000 Cooper Ave, Queens, NY 11385 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 11AM to 8PM (Monday-Thursday)
11AM to 9PM (Friday-Saturday)
11AM to 6PM (Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 326-3300
Total time from THHS – approx. 55 minutes
Also with 35 stores, Atlas Park offers many shopping options for Harrisites, along with a movie theater.
Recreational Venues
- AMC Fresh Meadows 7
Address – 190-02 Horace Harding Expy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 11AM to 11PM (7 days a week)
Phone # – (718) 454-6767
Total time from THHS – approx. 20 minutes
Watching a new movie with a friend or two may be an enriching recreational experience for THHS students. AMC Fresh Meadows 7 is a viable destination for Harrisites to watch the latest blockbuster movies of different ratings. Since most Harrisites are above the age of 13, AMC tickets for IMAX movies will generally be $24.99 per person and Digital movies are usually priced at $19.99 per person.
- Bowl 360
Address – 98-18 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 10AM to 1AM (7 days a week, doors close at 12AM)
Phone # – (718) 843-5553
Total time from THHS – approx. 60 minutes
Bowling can also be an enjoyable pastime for THHS students. At Bowl 360, the prices per game of bowling vary based on the day and time one visits, so it is best to check out the prices. Bowling shoes can be rented.
- Funtopia USA
Address – Floor 1, Metro Mall, 6626 Metropolitan Ave, Queens, NY 11379 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 12AM to 8PM (Monday to Thursday)
12AM to 10PM (Friday)
10AM to 10PM (Saturday)
10AM to 9PM (Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 381-4300
Total time from THHS – approx. 60 minutes
Funtopia USA is an indoor entertainment center that offers bumper cars, laser tag, Time Freak, Balladium, over 100 arcade games, redemption center, kiddie coin rides, and a fun-disco. A Harrisite can use the credits that they have purchased in Funtopia USA to use the gaming facilities offered. Due to New York State’s capacity restrictions, all guests are required to purchase a $10 game card regardless of age. Each person will receive 40 credits with the purchase of a game card.
- Anime Claw
Address – 133-20 39th Ave, Queens, NY 11354 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 1PM to 9PM (Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday)
1PM to 10PM (Friday-Saturday)
Phone # – (347) 827-5341
Total time from THHS – approx. 30 minutes
Anime Claw contains many anime and cartoon-themed claw machine games for Harrisites to test out their luck and potentially win prizes. To play games, Harrisites must purchase credits. A minimum purchase of $20 in credits is required.
- World Ice Arena at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Address – 131-04 Meridian Rd, Queens, NY 11368 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 9AM to 7PM (7 days a week)
Phone # – (718) 760-9001
Total time from THHS – approx. 30 minutes
Know how to ice skate? Need a place to try it? The World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows Corona Park is an indoor ice skating rink open all year with $10 skating admission, $6 for skate rental, and $0.75 coin-operated lockers. Harrisites can bring friends or just enjoy the session on their own. Pricing is per session, but you are welcome to sign up for as many sessions as you would like. Pre-registration for admission is required through their website. Skates can be rented at the main office.
- Queens Museum
Address – New York City Building, Corona, NY 11368 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 12PM to 5PM (Wednesday to Friday)
11AM to 5PM (Saturday to Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 592-9700
Total time from THHS – approx. 35 minutes
Take a trip to Queens Museum to learn more about the history that underpins all the neighborhoods of Queens and New York City as a whole. Visitors can acquire free admission through their website.
- Noguchi Museum
Address – 9-01 33rd Rd, Queens, NY 11106 (Google Maps route link)
Hours – 11PM to 6PM (Wednesday to Sunday)
Phone # – (718) 204-7088
Total time from THHS – approx. 60 minutes
On May 11, 1985, the Noguchi Museum, founded and designed by American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-88), opened to display his life’s work. From minimalist galleries both indoors and outdoors to a sculpture garden, this museum is a must-see. Admission is free everyday for Harrisites who bring their ID cards. All guests must reserve tickets ahead of time, even if it’s free through October 31. COVID-19 vaccination proof is required to enter the museum.
