Navigating the dynamic weather of New York City can be a challenge, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler. While we always wish for clear skies during your trip, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. When rain clouds roll in, the temperature drops, or the summer heat becomes too intense, a change of plans is in order. Fortunately, the city’s charm isn’t limited to its outdoor attractions. Our city experts have compiled a list of fantastic indoor destinations, offering a perfect escape from the elements. This guide will help you discover a variety of fun and engaging activities for the entire family, ensuring your trip remains magical no matter the weather.
Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities to Enjoy in New York City
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is an immersive experience that celebrates the universal appeal of ice cream. It is designed to inspire imagination and human connection through a series of colorful and interactive rooms. Visitors can enjoy unlimited ice cream treats and other exclusive desserts, and take a dip in the famous sprinkle pool. The museum’s mission is to bring joy to all ages through a playful and creative environment.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
This Upper West Side institution—with interactive activities and exhibits galore—caters to newborns all the way to 10-year-old tykes. The sprawling space contains corridors of games to teach logic and symmetry, and the ongoing exhibit “EatSleepPlay” includes large vibrant interactive displays of a human heart, intestines and brain.
Chelsea Piers
This 28-acre waterfront sports complex in Manhattan rests between W. 17th and W. 23rd streets along the Hudson River on Piers 59, 60 and 61 and in the headhouse that connects them. At the complex, little ones can take part in a slew of programs including ballet and tap classes for the 3- to 5-year-old set to ice hockey for all ages and abilities at the Sky Rink, and everything in between.
Frames Bowling Lounge NYC
For more indoor fun, parents traveling with the little ones in tow can enjoy a rousing game of bowling at this Hell’s Kitchen destination. To guarantee a strike or at least a spare, bumpers can be added to the lanes (or removed) depending on the player. Frames also gives a special shout-out to families in the form of a dedicated Family Package. Available for a minimum of four guests Monday through Saturday until 5 pm as well as all day on Sunday, this package includes two hours of bowling per guest, shoe rentals, one platter of chicken tenders and pizza per lane with soda or juice. Sunday evenings after 7 pm is family night. Families can also try their hand at ping-pong. The recently opened, Nantucket-inspired space is open year-round and includes four high-end Joola ping-pong tables, oversized beanbag chairs, nautical wall art, food and more.
Color Factory
Color Factory is a unique, multi-sensory art experience that celebrates the joy of color through a series of immersive installations. According to its official website, the New York City location features over a dozen interactive exhibits designed in collaboration with a diverse group of artists. Visitors can explore a confetti room, a disco room with a light-up floor, and a giant ball pit. The experience is designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages, with each visit including sweet treats, surprise giveaways, and complimentary digital photos.
Film Forum
The venerable theater is known for showing indie flicks and art house faves (normally attracting an older audience), but the popular venue also caters to the PG crowd in the form of its Junior Series. On Sundays at 11 a.m., families can sit back and enjoy a classic film for $7.50 a ticket. Past features have included Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and this fall families can take in a screening of Calamity Jane.
Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute is a multi-sensory, immersive experience centered on the joy of slime. The attraction features numerous vats of handcrafted slime with a variety of textures and fragrances, an expansive DIY Bar for creating your own slime to take home, and interactive stations like a “slime lake” for visitors to walk on. The institute’s mission is to deliver joy and promote mental wellness through hands-on, creative play.
