Queens families, here's a fun one: Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura have announced two brand-new overnight camping experiences at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, giving 200 New Yorkers the chance to pitch a tent beneath one of the city's most iconic landmarks, completely free of charge.
The special-edition campouts build on the Urban Park Rangers' long-running Family Camping series, and this fall they're bringing the experience to the heart of Queens. “S'mores just got even sweeter in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani in announcing the program. “There's no better way to cap off an incredible summer than by gathering around the campfire, looking up at the stars and making memories with our neighbors.”
What the Night Looks Like
Each overnight will welcome 100 participants, with camping set up right around the Unisphere, the 140-foot stainless steel globe built for the 1964-65 World's Fair. The evening kicks off with icebreaker activities before campers pitch their tents and settle in for dinner. From there, Urban Park Rangers lead the group through a full night of programming.
- A night hike and wildlife viewing
- Nature games
- Stories and s'mores around the campfire
- A restful night beneath the Unisphere, followed by breakfast in the morning
NYC Parks provides tents and sleeping bags for every participant, and campers get to keep their sleeping bags afterward. Dinner and breakfast will be available for purchase from a food truck on-site, and families are welcome to bring their own food and snacks as well.
Event Details
What: Special-edition Unisphere Overnight Family Camping
When: Friday, September 25, 2026 and Friday, October 9, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Where: The Unisphere, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
Cost: Free
Capacity: 100 campers per night (200 total spots)
How to Enter: Online lottery, open September 10 – September 13, through the NYC Parks Family Camping page at nycgovparks.org
Selected families will be notified after the lottery closes. Given that this is a brand-new, high-demand addition to the Family Camping series at one of Queens' most beloved landmarks, spots are expected to go quickly, so don't wait to apply if your family wants in.
