Prokofiev wrote Peter and the Wolf to teach children what each instrument sounds like, and Queens College artists bring the hour-long fable outdoors to the Playground for All Children, the fully accessible playground inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It's free, short enough for a four-year-old's attention span, and set up so kids can peel off to the swings the moment the wolf is caught. The gentlest first-theater on-ramp in the city.
What to expect
The performance sets up outdoors at the Playground for All Children, with families sitting on the grass or on nearby benches. Queens College performers run the Prokofiev story in about an hour, introducing the bird, the duck, the cat and the wolf as they appear. The playground itself stays open, so a younger sibling who loses interest has somewhere to go.
Good to know
- The 7 train to 111th Street is the closest subway, then a walk into the park.
- The Playground for All Children is designed to be fully accessible, including for wheelchair users.
- Free with no ticket; bring a blanket and claim a patch of grass.
- Best for roughly ages three to ten, since it's a short narrated piece.
- There's real shade nearby, which matters a lot in late-summer heat.
- Outdoor programming can be cancelled for weather, so check the Parks listing before you go.
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Common questions
Is Peter and the Wolf free?
Yes. It's a free NYC Parks family theater performance with no ticket or registration required.
How long is the performance?
About an hour, which is roughly the length of Prokofiev's original piece and short enough for preschoolers.
Is the site accessible?
Yes. The Playground for All Children in Flushing Meadows Corona Park was purpose-built as a fully accessible playground.
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