Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Queens, New York, United States
1. Queens Zoo
A small but diverse zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, featuring a wildlife conservation center and exhibits of North American wildlife.
- Unique Wildlife: Home to red pandas, snow leopards, and river otters.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to the preservation of endangered species.
- Interactive Experience: Offers educational programs and opportunities for close encounters with animals.
2. Namaste Wildlife Sanctuary
A non-profit organization providing a safe haven for abandoned or injured wild animals in Bayside.
- Rehabilitation Center: Focuses on the rehabilitation and release of animals back into the wild.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about wildlife conservation.
- Hands-On Experience: Provides opportunities for volunteers to work closely with the animals.
3. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
A 9,000-acre wildlife refuge offering a variety of habitats and home to over 300 bird species.
- Wetland Habitat: Features marshes, ponds, and coastal uplands providing diverse wildlife habitat.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Popular destination for bird watching due to its rich avian diversity.
- Environmental Education: Offers educational programs about wetland ecology and wildlife conservation.
4. Alley Pond Park
A 608-acre park in Douglaston with forests, meadows, a pond, and an aviary.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Features a wildlife observation tower for viewing animals.
- Aviary: Home to a variety of birds, including owls and hawks.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.
5. Woodhaven Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary located within Woodhaven Park in Richmond Hill, known for its diverse bird population.
- Bird Watching: Features a bird watching platform and offers bird walks.
- Wildflower Meadow: Includes a wildflower meadow, providing habitat for pollinators.
- Community Involvement: Promotes community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.
6. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
A large urban park featuring sports facilities, gardens, and the Queens Zoo.
- Sports Facilities: Offers tennis courts, baseball fields, and a golf course.
- Botanical Garden: Home to the Queens Botanical Garden showcasing diverse plant life.
- Wildlife Conservation: Provides a habitat for various wildlife, including birds and squirrels.
7. Fresh Meadows Park
A large park in Fresh Meadows with sports facilities, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through its wooded areas for nature exploration.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a habitat for various wildlife, including squirrels and rabbits.
8. Forest Park
A large park in Woodhaven with forests, meadows, a lake, and sports facilities.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts.
- Lake: Has a large lake, popular for fishing and boating.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation in its wooded areas.
9. Cunningham Park
A large park in Fresh Meadows with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a greenhouse.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- Greenhouse: Houses a variety of plants in its greenhouse.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a habitat for various wildlife, including squirrels and rabbits.
10. Queens Botanical Garden
A botanical garden in Flushing Meadows Corona Park showcasing diverse plant life.
- Cultural Gardens: Features cultural gardens representing different parts of the world.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about plants, horticulture, and conservation.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a habitat for various wildlife, including birds and insects.
11. Ravenswood Park
A park in College Point with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a lake.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- Lake: Has a lake, popular for fishing and boating.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation around the park.
12. Astoria Park
A large park in Astoria with sports facilities, a pool, and a boat basin.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts.
- Swimming Pool: Has an Olympic-size swimming pool for public use.
- Boat Basin: Provides a boat basin and offers kayak rentals.
13. Oakland Lake Park
A park in Oakland Gardens with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a lake.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- Lake: Has a lake, popular for fishing and boating.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation around the park.
14. Idlewild Park
A park in Queens Village with sports facilities, playgrounds, and a lake.
- Sports Facilities: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- Lake: Has a lake, popular for fishing and boating.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation around the park.
15. Cross Bay Park-Twin Islands
A beach and park in Lawrence with a fishing pier, boat basin, and wildlife observation areas.
- Beach Access: Offers access to Long Island Sound for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
- Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for anglers.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation in the park's wetlands and meadows.