Have Wheel Fun in the Sun in Flushing Meadows
By Stephanie G. Meditz
Read the article online at qchron.com >>
Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the summer sun while it’s still here?
Flushing Meadows Corona Park has just the thing for you. With Wheel Fun Rentals, on the northern edge of Meadow Lake and at David Dinkins Circle, folks can rent bikes, kayaks, pedal boats and more to take in all that Queens’ largest park has to offer.
“We are honored to have the privilege to serve patrons to this wonderful park and we take pride in offering these services affordably and professionally,” Wheel Fun says on its website.
Families, duos and even solo visitors can enjoy one of many vehicles available for rent, including surreys, coupes and tandem bikes. Wheel Fun’s iconic surreys, or carriages with pedals, are covered by canopies.
The single surrey can hold three people – two of whom pedal – and two small children in a front basket. It’s perfect for an afternoon date, or to take youngsters for a ride through the park.
Up to six adults – four of them pedalers – and two small children can fit in a double surrey. It’s a good option for a double date or group outing between friends, according to Wheel Fun’s website.
One Yelp review of Wheel Fun by Alice K. of Flushing from last year said it was “lovely to see the cherry blossoms” just starting to bloom while riding a surrey.
Two adults and two small children can ride in a deuce coupe, and adjustable seating lets passengers of all sizes — from age 2 to 80 — pedal simultaneously.
Couples might enjoy riding a tandem bike, which Wheel Fun said also is a good option for younger or less experienced cyclists. But youngsters who can do it all on their own can take out a kid-sized bike.
You don’t need a plus-one to take a ride through the park, either. To go sightseeing solo, one might rent a chopper, described as “a laid-back cruisin’ machine,” a quad sport or cruiser bike.
Included with every bike rental is the selected vehicle, a bike lock, helmets and a basket or bike bag for belongings.
In Flushing Meadows, ride out the last of summer
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And if you want to make sure you see all the sights, Wheel Fun has you covered there, too. Self-guided bike tour maps are included with half- and full-day rentals.
Historic landmarks on the tour include Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and the USTA Tennis Center, where the US Open is now in town.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and to bring water, a camera and cash for lunch or a snack.
When you’ve pedaled your heart out and it’s time to refuel, you also can grab a bite or beverage at Ederle Terrace Cafe, on the north shore of Meadow Lake.
For those who want to test their sea legs, single and double kayaks are available for rent, as are pedal boats with room for four people and a child small enough to sit on someone’s lap. The latter watercraft lets you choose your adventure — you could take a leisurely trip around the lake in the back seat, but if you’re pedaling in the front, no one can ever say you skip leg day.
“Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy,” Wheel Fun’s website says. “Low-contact outdoor activities like bike riding and boating is a great way to get your body moving and relieve stress while getting fresh air.”
All boaters receive instructions and are required to wear life vests approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
As per Wheel Fun’s website, rentals are available every day from 9 a.m. to sunset – boat rentals from 10 a.m. to sunset – through Sept. 7. Hours will be adjusted after that, and again in October.
Boat rentals close for the season on Oct. 19. At that time, bike rentals will only be available from 10 a.m. to sunset on weekends and holidays.
Wheel Fun will close for the season on Nov. 9 and is set to return on March 13, 2027.
Wheel Fun also hosts field trips, corporate outings, and private events such as birthday parties. One may email info@wheelfunrentals.com or call (917) 231-5519 or (917) 231-6229 to learn more.
