There’s nothing like winter in NYC, especially Forest Hills, so we’ve gathered some activities that are perfect for any winter day!
70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY
All year round.
Martha’s Country Bakery on Austin Street in Forest Hills is a cozy neighborhood spot where you can warm up beside a display case full of pastries and slices. They offer five indulgent hot-chocolate options: Dark, Nutella, Mexican, Red Velvet and Peanut-Butter, so whether you want something classic, spicy, or a little playful, there’s a cup to match the mood. Pair any of them with a slice or a warm pastry and it’s an easy, feel-good winter outing.
175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Broad Channel, NY
All year round.
Hiking at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a quiet, surprisingly wild winter escape right inside NYC. The West Pond loop and short East Pond trails take you past marshes, boardwalks and bird blinds with a visitor center where you can warm up and learn about the area. In winter, the refuge becomes prime birding territory, and ranger-led winter walks help point out seasonal highlights. The open air and quiet trails make it a perfect brisk, restorative outing.
80-28 Cooper Ave, Glendale, NY
All year round.
Laser Bounce is an all-indoors family fun center that packs laser tag, an arcade, inflatable bounce/trampoline zones, mini-bowling, VR experiences and a high-tech laser maze into one bright, hectic space, perfect for blowing off winter cabin fever. Laser Bounce is an easy, energetic winter outing where kids (and adults) can run, tag, bounce and warm up indoors.
71-28 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY
All year round.
Fuyu Ramen & Sake in Sunnyside is a snug, neighborhood ramen spot where bowls like Classic Tonkotsu, Black Garlic and Spicy Tonkotsu arrive steaming and rich, exactly the kind of comfort food you crave on a cold day. The menu’s ramen-forward focus (and a short list of small plates and sake) makes it easy to turn a quick dinner into a cozy outing: hot broth, springy noodles and a soft egg that warm you from the inside out.
40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst, NY
All year round.
Seeing a jazz show at Terraza 7 feels like finding a little musical secret in the city. The cozy, dimly lit room and the small, stage-centered upstairs seating put you inches from the band, so every song lands up close. The club programs live music most nights with a strong lean toward Latin-infused jazz, improvised sets and adventurous, genre-blending groups. Wrap up from the cold, order a drink, and settle into that warm, buzzing room. It’s a perfect winter outing when you want something lively, intimate, and unmistakably local.
81-63 Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY
All year round.
Kew & Willow Books is the kind of quiet, cozy neighborhood bookstore that feels especially inviting in the winter, when lingering indoors is part of the plan. Shelves are thoughtfully curated with a mix of new releases, backlist favorites, kids’ books, and local-interest picks, making it easy to wander and discover something you didn’t know you were looking for. The warm, intimate space encourages slow browsing, whether you’re flipping through a novel, picking up a gift, or just enjoying the calm away from the cold.
Written by Sabrina Rollings