25 Great Indoor Activities For Kids in NYC ( … Best Kept Secret)

NYC is the king of cool places, and it doesn't slack when it comes to indoor activities for kids. NYC turns into a giant playground, with places that make you forget it's cold or rainy outside. I am talking about special spots packed with games, arts, and even secret ninja courses.

Indoor Activities For Kids In NYC

New York City is known for its bustling streets and endless outdoor adventures, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate or you simply want to stay warm, there are plenty of indoor activities that can keep your kids engaged and entertained.

Here’s a list of 25 exciting indoor activities to do with kids in NYC that guarantee fun and creativity!

1. Explore the American Museum of Natural History

Dive into the wonders of the universe and our planet by visiting the American Museum of Natural History. Kids can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, explore the Hall of Oceans, and even visit the IMAX theater for thrilling documentaries. This museum ignites curiosity about science and history.

2. Create at Color Factory

Unleash creativity at Color Factory, an interactive art museum that features vibrant installations and hands-on activities. From a ball pit to selfie spots, kids can express themselves through art while stimulating their senses in colorful environments.

3. Play at Brooklyn’s Play:ground

Engage in imaginative play at Play:ground, an open-ended playground that encourages exploration and creativity. With various structures made from recycled materials, kids can build forts, climb, and invent their own games, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

4. Discover at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, which has interactive exhibits designed for kids to learn about culture, art, and science through play. Its multisensory experiences engage children in creative thinking and make learning fun.

5. Participate in a Cooking Class at The Chopping Block

Sign up for a family cooking class at The Chopping Block to teach kids healthy cooking skills while having fun in the kitchen. They can learn to make their favorite dishes while developing a life skill and exploring new tastes.

6. Strike at Bowlmor Lanes

Head over to Bowlmor Lanes for a bowling outing that combines fun, friendly competition, and tasty food. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with flashy lights and arcade games, makes for an unforgettable experience.

7. Craft at Crayola Experience

Get creative at the Crayola Experience in their cheerful art studio. Kids can explore colorful crafting stations, create custom crayons, and even star in their own coloring pages, sparking their imaginations through art.

8. Watch a Broadway Show

Experience the magic of theater by taking your kids to a family-friendly Broadway show. The dazzling performances will captivate their attention while introducing them to stories told through music and dance, cultivating an appreciation for the performing arts.

9. Learn at the New York Hall of Science

Investigate science in a hands-on way at the New York Hall of Science. With over 450 interactive exhibits, kids can play with physics, explore biology, and even build robots, making science exciting and accessible.

10. Dance at a Kids' Disco

Join one of the many kids’ discos in NYC for an afternoon filled with dancing and music. These events encourage physical activity and social interaction, allowing children to express themselves and make new friends while grooving to their favorite tunes.

11. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Climb aboard the Intrepid, an aircraft carrier turned museum, to explore fascinating exhibits about space, aviation, and naval history. Kids can learn while experiencing what life is like on a ship, fueling their imaginations and interests in exploration.

12. Have Fun at Jumping Jack’s

Bounce away at Jumping Jack’s indoor trampoline park. Kids can jump, flip, and play in a safe environment, providing a fun way to burn off energy while improving their physical fitness and coordination.

13. Build at Brick Fest Live

Join the excitement at Brick Fest Live, a LEGO Fan Festival where kids can construct amazing creations with thousands of LEGOs. This engaging event promotes creativity and innovation while allowing children to showcase their building skills.

14. Climb Wall Street’s Indoor Climbing Gym

Challenge your kids’ physical abilities at a local indoor climbing gym. Rock climbing not only strengthens muscles but also boosts confidence as kids learn to trust their abilities while navigating climbing walls of varying difficulties.

15. Experience the New York Aquarium's5D Immersion

Visit the New York Aquarium for a mesmerizing 5D experience where kids can explore marine life in an immersive way. With thrilling educational shows and exhibits, children can learn about ocean conservation while being entertained.

16. Visit the Museum of Illusions

Step into a world of puzzling perceptions at the Museum of Illusions where kids can enjoy over 70 exhibits of optical illusions. This fun and interactive environment encourages critical thinking and sparks curiosity about how we perceive the world.

17. Take a Family Art Class at the Art Studio NY

Enroll in a family art class at the Art Studio NY, where you can create together as a family. Engaging in art fosters creativity and bonding, allowing families to express their emotions and ideas in a fun atmosphere.

18. Enjoy Indoor Mini Golf at Shipwrecked

Navigate through pirate-themed challenges at Shipwrecked, an indoor mini-golf course. Kids can enjoy a friendly round of golf while enjoying an imaginative environment, making it an exciting outing for the whole family.

19. Explore the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center

Delve into a world of literature by visiting the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center. With a vast collection of books and storytelling sessions, it helps instill a love for reading and fuels imagination through stories.

20. Play Laser Tag at Hudson Escape

Get competitive at Hudson Escape, where kids can challenge each other in a high-energy laser tag game. This fun activity promotes teamwork and strategy while providing loads of laughs as kids run around.

21. Visit the Bronx Zoo’s Madagascar Exhibit

Experience wildlife at the Bronx Zoo, where kids can learn about various animals, particularly those in the Madagascar exhibit. Educational and fun, it introduces children to biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

22. Make Memories at Madame Tussauds

Meet life-like wax figures of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds. Kids can take entertaining photos and even interact with various themed areas, making the visit both fun and memorable.

23. Engage in a Science Show at Liberty Science Center

Attend a captivating science show at the Liberty Science Center, where kids can see experiments come to life. This interactive experience makes learning about science enjoyable and exciting.

24. Attend a Puppet Show in Central Park

Catch a classic puppet show in Central Park for a charming and whimsical experience. Children love the visual storytelling and imaginative characters, promoting creativity and cultural appreciation through performance.

25. Navigate an Escape Room

Step into an escape room for a thrilling adventure that challenges kids to solve puzzles and think critically. This engaging experience fosters teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while creating lasting memories.

These 25 activities not only nurture creativity, curiosity, and skill development but also provide a fantastic indoor escape for families exploring the vibrant atmosphere of New York City. Whether your kids love art, science, or adventure, there's something for every family to enjoy indoors!