LIC for Brooklynites – 17 fun things to see and do

Parks and Recreation

Brick House Ceramic Art Center

Image source: Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center

Learn the potter’s craft at this art education center that offers ceramics classics throughout the year at levels from beginner to advanced. In their words, this place is “a sanctuary in NYC where adults can relax and create art.” Here, you can learn everything from the basics of handling clay, to wheel throwing (where you use a potter’s wheel to create bowls, vases, etc). There’s even a glazing technique class for advanced students. If you’re interested in having a party here, that can be arranged, too.

In December of each year they usually have a holiday sale, were they sell made by local ceramic artists, so keep an eye out for that.

Brick House Ceramic Art Center, 10-34 44th Dr., Long Island City, NY, 11101; 718-784-4907; brickhouseny.com (GMAP)

Circus Warehouse

Image source: Circus Warehouse

Billed as “the only training facility in the New York area where the circus stars come to train and teach,” Circus Warehouse is the place in LIC where even the non-professional, “athletically inclined public” can learn circus performer techniques recreationally. These workouts can be intense in the best way.

Take a class on the trapeze (flying and static), lyra (hoop), acrobatics, and ballet barre, among others. They also offer private lessons. You can pay for your time at Circus Warehouse by class, workout, or sessions, and these can be purchased as one-offs or as multiple workouts. More extensive information about their workout policies can be found here.

Circus Warehouse, 53-21 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101; 212-751-2174; circuswarehouse.com (GMAP)

City Ice Pavilion

Image source: City ice Pavilion

This is the city’s only rooftop ice rink; they do have sister skating rinks in both Flushing and the Bronx. The rink itself is NHL-size and is open all year – covered in weatherproof dome – for hockey, figure skating, and skating parties for all ages. They also have summer and winter skating camps for kids.

There are also public sessions scheduled, meaning anyone can come by and skate. Their overall programming schedule is on their calendar. Skate rental is $5 per person; helmets are $2 per person. Admission is $5 Monday through Friday, $8 Saturday and Sunday, and $8 Holidays, including all school vacation weeks.

City Ice Pavilion, 47-32 32nd Pl., Long Island City, NY 11101; (718) 706-6667; cityicepavilion.com (GMAP)

Gantry Plaza State Park

This park is on the LIC waterfront, starting from 50th Avenue at its southern edge and stretching approximately five blocks north; the northern part of the park is still closed (under construction) but when it opens, the park will be about 40 acres in size.

At the park there are walking paths, places to lounge on prefab furniture, grassy areas including manicured gardens, picnic tables, a fishing pier, handball and basketball courts, and a playground. In the summer time, the concert series “Live at the Gantries” takes place, offering free concerts right on the water.

Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-09 47th Rd., Long Island City, New York 11101; (718) 786-6385; nysparks.com/parks/149/details.aspx (GMAP)

LIC Community Boathouse

This organization encourages kayaking on the East River. It is an all-volunteer group who believes in the power of this educational and recreational paddling program. The boathouse was organized originally as a way to help revitalize LIC while raising awareness of the natural health and beauty, and the ecology of this NY waterway.

To further that mission, they organize weekday and weekend paddles on the East River – boats are provided. On Sundays they host “walk-up” paddles at Hallets Cove, just to the north of Socrates Sculpture Park (GMAP). They make an effort to “accommodate persons of different skill levels and physical capabilities” – beginners to advanced. Participating is free (though some “sweat equity” is welcome in exchange).

LIC Community Boathouse, 46-01 5th St., Long Island City, New York 11101; (718) 228-9214; licboathouse.org (GMAP)

Socrates Sculpture Park

This large open space used to be a dump – literally. In 1986, a group of neighbors and artists, led by sculptor Mark di Suvero, combined their efforts and transformed the run down and grossly littered space into a public park. Large scale art works are displayed here, many of them come with the encouragement to walk in, on, or through them.

Socrates also produces a international film festival in the summer, and is host to a greenmarket on the weekends from June to November, home to about a dozen vendors; cooking demonstrations are done on certain weekends at the market, too. The park also has beautiful waterfront views. The park is open every day from 10am to sunset and admission is free.

Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-05 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11106; (718) 956-1819; socratessculpturepark.org (GMAP)
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