Activities In New York City may be famous for its vibrant streets and bustling outdoor attractions, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. When a downpour hits, it’s easy to assume your plans are ruined, but in the Big Apple, the fun never stops—rain or shine. Whether you’re a tourist on vacation or a local looking for something new, the city offers a wealth of indoor experiences that are sure to keep your spirits high and your clothes dry.
From culture-rich museums to offbeat, interactive adventures, Activities In New York turns a rainy day into an exciting opportunity to explore a different side of the city. Get ready to dive into ten indoor activities that’ll make you forget about the weather outside.
1. Swing Into Action at Swingers: The Golf Club
Location: 35 W 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
For an indoor activity that combines fun, competition, and cocktails, look no further than Swingers. Originating from London, this mini-golf experience brings together whimsical course designs, street food stalls, and a full cocktail bar, creating an environment that’s more party than putt-putt. Whether you’re new to mini-golf or a seasoned pro, Swingers has something for everyone.
Each of the two nine-hole courses presents quirky challenges, making it a fun and lighthearted way to spend your afternoon. Expect to encounter looping bridges, towering windmills, and creatively designed obstacles as you make your way through the course.
Highlights:
- Food Vendors: Indulge in bites from some Activities In New York best food stalls, including Tacombi for tacos and Pizza Loves Emily for New York-style pizza.
- Signature Cocktails: Grab a drink from one of the two full-service bars, offering cocktails like the Swingers Sling or a refreshing gin fizz.
- Event Space: With themed parties and seasonal decorations, Swingers often turns into an all-out party. The energetic atmosphere is sure to lift your mood, even on the dreariest day.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to book your game in advance, especially on weekends. Swingers can fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss the fun.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
With mini-golf courses, street food, and cocktails all under one roof, Swingers is the perfect way to escape the rain while enjoying some friendly competition with friends. The venue’s upbeat atmosphere will keep your spirits high even when it’s pouring outside.
2. Have a Ball at SPIN Ping Pong Club
Location: 48 E 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
If you’re looking for a way to burn off energy while avoiding the rain, SPIN is the place to be. This quirky ping pong venue in Flatiron District offers an unusual blend of table tennis, craft cocktails, and a lively social scene. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a fun time, SPIN’s welcoming environment makes it an ideal spot to challenge friends to a few matches.
Highlights:
- Ping Pong Tournaments: SPIN hosts weekly tournaments where you can test your skills against other players.
- Food and Drinks: Enjoy craft cocktails and comfort food while you play.
- Communal Atmosphere: The venue has an open seating arrangement, creating a fun, interactive atmosphere where it’s easy to meet new people.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss Naked Ping Pong, one of SPIN’s signature events. It’s an unconventional twist on the traditional game, with an electric atmosphere.
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Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
Indoor ping pong is a fantastic way to stay active while avoiding the rain. With upbeat music, great food, and a buzzing atmosphere, SPIN turns ping pong into a social experience that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon.
3. Soak in Art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
For art lovers, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to spend hours wandering the galleries of MoMA, one of the world’s most renowned art museums. The museum’s vast collection spans from classic works to contemporary pieces, showcasing everything from Van Gogh’s Starry Night to modern-day multimedia installations.
With six floors of art, including rotating special exhibitions, there’s always something new to see at MoMA. Whether you’re a casual admirer of art or a serious connoisseur, the museum provides a captivating escape from the storm.
Highlights:
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Marvel at works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Salvador Dalí.
- Film Screenings: MoMA regularly hosts screenings of classic and contemporary films in its two theaters.
- Dining: Grab a bite at one of the museum’s dining options, including the Modern, a fine dining restaurant, or the Café 2 for more casual fare.
Pro Tip:
Admission is free on the first Friday of every month from 4 PM to 8 PM. However, expect larger crowds on free days, so arrive early to get the best view of the exhibits.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
The museum’s spacious, airy galleries offer the perfect refuge from the rain. Take your time soaking in masterpieces from some of the greatest artists in history, and lose yourself in the world of modern art.
4. Feast at Chelsea Market
Location: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Rain may put a damper on outdoor food markets, but Chelsea Market is a culinary oasis that’s fully indoors. Located in the Meatpacking District, this bustling market is home to a diverse selection of food stalls, artisanal shops, and fresh produce vendors. From sushi to tacos to handmade chocolates, the market offers something for every palate.
In addition to food, Chelsea Market also features unique art installations and retail shops, making it a one-stop destination for shopping and dining.
Highlights:
- Fresh Seafood at Lobster Place: Don’t miss the market’s famed lobster rolls and fresh seafood dishes.
- Tacos at Los Tacos No. 1: Indulge in some of the best tacos in the city, with freshly made tortillas and authentic ingredients.
- The Doughnuttery: Satisfy your sweet tooth with mini doughnuts dusted in creative toppings like lavender sugar or matcha powder.
Pro Tip:
Visit during lunchtime for the full experience, as this is when most food vendors are open and serving up their best dishes.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
With plenty of indoor seating and endless options for food and shopping, Chelsea Market is the perfect spot to escape the rain while indulging in some of the city’s best eats.
5. Experience the Grandeur of Radio City Music Hall
Location: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020
When the weather turns stormy, one of the most iconic ways to spend your time in NYC is by catching a show at Radio City Music Hall. Known as the “Showplace of the Nation,” this landmark venue hosts a variety of performances, from the legendary Rockettes Christmas Spectacular to concerts by world-famous artists.
Radio City’s grandeur, with its stunning Art Deco design and sweeping stage, makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Activities In New York . On a rainy day, it’s the perfect indoor activity for those looking for a bit of entertainment and culture.
Highlights:
- The Rockettes: Don’t miss the chance to see the world-famous Rockettes in action during the Christmas season.
- Live Concerts: Throughout the year, Radio City hosts concerts by top-tier musicians from around the world.
Pro Tip:
Book your tickets in advance, especially for popular shows like the Christmas Spectacular, which often sells out.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
When the weather keeps you indoors, there’s no better place to be than Radio City Music Hall. Whether you’re watching a holiday show or attending a live concert, this historic venue promises a memorable indoor experience.
6. Dive into Color at the Color Factory
Location: 251 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
For an indoor experience that’s equal parts playful and Instagrammable, head to the Color Factory, a pop-up art exhibit that celebrates color in all its forms. This immersive, interactive museum is filled with vibrant, color-themed rooms designed to spark joy and creativity.
From confetti-filled installations to giant ball pits, the Color Factory offers a sensory overload that’s sure to brighten up even the rainiest day.
Highlights:
- Confetti Park: Step into a room filled with cascading confetti and let your inner child run wild.
- Giant Ball Pit: Dive into a sea of colorful plastic balls and relive your childhood.
- Interactive Color Games: Explore various exhibits that challenge your perception of color and light.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to bring your phone fully charged—the Color Factory is a haven for Instagram-worthy shots.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
When the weather outside is gray, the vibrant, playful atmosphere of the Color Factory is the perfect antidote. Plus, it’s all indoors, so you can fully enjoy the exhibits without worrying about the rain.
7. Test Your Skills at Escape The Room Activities In New York
Location: Multiple locations across New York City
If you love puzzles and challenges, Escape The Room Activities In New York is an exciting way to spend a rainy afternoon. In this interactive adventure, you and your group are locked in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles to “escape” before time runs out.
Each room has a unique theme, ranging from a haunted mansion to a science lab, and the puzzles are designed to challenge your teamwork and problem-solving skills. It’s an immersive experience that’s both thrilling and mentally stimulating.
Highlights:
- Multiple Locations: With locations across the city, you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
- Different Themes: Each room offers a completely different experience, so you can come back multiple times without getting bored.
Pro Tip:
Escape rooms are best enjoyed with a group of friends, so gather your crew and book a session in advance.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
There’s no better way to forget about the weather than by immersing yourself in a thrilling adventure. Escape The Room Activities In New York offers a perfect combination of mental challenge and fun, making it an ideal rainy day activity.
8. Relax at a Korean Spa
Location: Various across NYC (e.g., Spa Castle, Jjimjilbangs)
For a more relaxing rainy day activity, consider spending a few hours at a Korean spa, known as a jjimjilbang. These spas offer a range of treatments, from saunas and steam rooms to hot baths and massages. Whether you’re looking to detox in a heated salt room or unwind in a hydrotherapy pool, a jjimjilbang is the perfect place to escape the rain and recharge.
Highlights:
- Hot Tubs and Saunas: Melt your stress away in the spa’s hot baths and infrared saunas.
- Body Scrubs and Massages: Treat yourself to a traditional Korean body scrub or a soothing massage.
Pro Tip:
Plan to spend at least a few hours at the spa—jjimjilbangs are designed for relaxation, so take your time and enjoy the experience.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
When the weather outside is dreary, nothing beats a day of relaxation and pampering. A visit to a jjimjilbang offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.
9. Go Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl
Location: 61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Brooklyn Bowl is not your average bowling alley. This Williamsburg hotspot combines bowling lanes with live music, craft beer, and gourmet food, creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a rainy day. The venue regularly hosts concerts and DJ sets, so you can enjoy live entertainment while knocking down some pins.
Highlights:
- Live Music: Catch performances from local and touring artists while you bowl.
- Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken: Don’t leave without trying the venue’s famous fried chicken, served up by Blue Ribbon.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early if you want to bowl—lanes can fill up quickly, especially during live shows.
Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
With bowling, live music, and delicious food, Brooklyn Bowl offers a lively indoor experience that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening.
10. Stroll Through the Union Square Greenmarket
Location: 17th Street & Broadway, New York, NY 10003
While outdoor markets might seem like a no-go on a rainy day, the Union Square Greenmarket is still a great rainy day activity, especially for food lovers. Vendors sell everything from local produce to fresh flowers and artisanal goods, and many stalls are under tents or awnings.
Key Attractions:
- Farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.
- Rotating vendors, so there’s always something new.
Pro Tip:
Go early for the freshest picks, and don’t forget to bring an umbrella.
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Why It’s Great on a Rainy Day:
There’s something charming about shopping for fresh produce and flowers in the rain—especially when there’s a hot cup of coffee waiting for you at one of the nearby cafes.
Conclusion
Rainy Activities In New York City don’t have to be boring. From ping pong at SPIN to exploring the artistic wonderland of MoMA,Activities In New York offers endless options for indoor entertainment. Embrace the rain, plan your day, and get ready for a different kind of Big Apple adventure.
John Davis is a seasoned travel guide expert with years of experience exploring some of the world’s most exciting destinations. As the lead author at Travel Peto, he offers practical tips, destination insights, and travel advice to help adventurers plan their perfect trips. His passion for discovering new places shines through in every guide.