Fort Totten's grassy Parade Grounds, ringed by 19th-century officers' buildings near a stone fort on Little Neck Bay, host an afternoon of family games, performers and a puppet show. It is one of the more scenic and least-known parks in Queens. If you have kids and want a free fall afternoon with room to run, this is a good excuse to explore the fort.
What to expect
Enter at the Fort Totten front gate at Totten Road and head to the Parade Grounds, where games and activity stations are set up. Expect a relaxed neighborhood crowd, a puppet show and performers, with time afterward to wander toward the old fort and the bay.
Good to know
- Enter through the Fort Totten front gate at Totten Road and the Cross Island Parkway.
- The LIRR to Bayside plus the Q13 or Q16 bus, or the 7 to Flushing plus a bus, gets you there.
- Leave time to walk to the historic fort and waterfront views.
- Best for families with young children.
- Wear sneakers for the lawn and park paths.
Going? Keep it.
More festivals this weekend
Common questions
Is the Fort Totten Fall Festival free?
Yes, NYC Parks lists it as free.
Where in the park is it?
On the Parade Grounds, entering at the Fort Totten front gate.