34 Indoor Activities in NYC to Brighten a Rainy Day in 2025
When the skies turn moody and sidewalks glisten with rain, New Yorkers don’t just stay in — they get creative. Finding indoor activities in NYC isn’t just about staying dry, it’s about making the most of a city that never slows down, rain or shine.
Research from the Association for Psychological Science shows our moods really do follow the weather. On gloomy days, people report feeling less satisfied with life overall. But the good news? That slump is temporary — and avoidable.
So grab your umbrella, hop on the subway, and find something to lift your spirits. From cozy creative classes to hidden speakeasies, there’s no shortage of indoor adventures waiting across the boroughs.
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- What Is There To Do in New York on a Rainy Day?
- Creative Indoor Activities in NYC
- Foodie Indoor Activities in NYC
- Unique Indoor Activities in NYC
- Kids' Indoor Activities in NYC
- Free Indoor Activities in NYC
What Is There To Do in New York on a Rainy Day?
Indoor activities in NYC aren’t limited to sunny days. There’s tons to do in the Big Apple when it rains! If you’re a museum lover, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon spent at MoMA or The Met. Interactive museums like SPYSCAPE and ARTECHOUSE are great for families or anyone looking for a change of pace.
Discover the culinary delights of New York at a food hall or hop on a pizza bus to try some of the city’s best slices. Take in sweeping views of the skyline from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or The Vessel, tour a historic institution like Radio City Music Hall or kill time with a little window shopping. Read on to see our top suggestions for locals and visitors.
Creative Indoor Activities in NYC
1. Paint and Sip in Soho or the Village
Brighten a rainy day with paint, laughter and a shared creative spark at a local paint and sip in NYC. Sip something warm (or bold) as you brush color across the canvas, surrounded by others doing the same. It’s not just about the final picture — it’s the joy of creating something together.
Want to see the city with new eyes? Photography classes in NYC offer a fresh way to connect with your surroundings and capture amazing shots when scouting the best places to take pictures in NYC.
2. Make a Mess in a Brooklyn Clay Studio
Trade the puddles for clay and get your hands into something memorable. Pottery classes in NYC are more than just a fun way to pass the time — they’re a chance to slow down, share a laugh, and shape something with meaning. Bring a date, bring a friend, or come solo and leave with more than just a vase. You might just surprise yourself.
3. Try an NYC Dance Class for Date Night or Fun
Learn to swing your sweetheart around the floor with dance classes in NYC. You might just find yourself twirling down the sidewalk after class or feeling right at home the next time a jazz band starts to play.
If you'd rather not leave home, why not try some online dance classes? Either way, these make for lovely indoor date ideas!
4. Immersive Theater Beyond Broadway
Check out a fun and interactive show. Usually, a smaller theater like St. Ann's Warehouse is convenient for this kind of experience. You'll love the feeling of being a part of the show itself and you may exit with a new kind of euphoria.
From places like this to NYC hidden gems across the boroughs, indoor activities in Brooklyn and indoor activities in Manhattan are anything but boring.
5. Spend a Rainy Afternoon at the Met or MoMA
A rainy day is a perfect excuse to spend hours staring at art or discovering history in one of the various locations in NYC, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art or The New York Hall of Science. These cultural institutions make great indoor activities in NYC for couples.
6. Watch Indie Flicks or Ballet at Lincoln Center
Brighten up your rainy days by exploring a world of color and ideas in NYC’s arts scene. Watch a ballet at Lincoln Center, catch a quirky flick downtown or explore decades of pop culture at the Paley Center for Media.
7. Enjoy Some Laughs at a Comedy Club Downtown
Laughter is the best medicine for a cold, rainy day, and comedy clubs are a great way to pass the time with indoor activities in NYC. Spots like the Comedy Cellar or Gotham Comedy Club consistently land on “best of” lists for New York, thanks to surprise celebrity guests, sharp writing and crowds that keep the energy high. It's a solid date idea in NYC if you’re looking for something low-pressure but memorable.
8. Bowl, Climb or Skate at Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers has a variety of fun activities in NYC for adults, including bowling, ice skating, rock climbing and a weather-proof golf driving range, so you can enjoy winter activities all year round.
You could also bring your own alcohol to Shark's Pool Club for a day of playing pool with friends. There are bars with games like axe throwing and mini golf — perfect for winter date ideas.
9. Enjoy the View From SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is no ordinary observation tower. The 90-minute experience is one of the most creative indoor activities in NYC, allowing visitors to summit Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper and enjoy immersive art installations along the way. You’ll enter a room full of floating orbs, stand on a glass-bottomed ledge over Madison Avenue, eat and drink in a Nordic-themed café and take in panoramic views of the city from unimaginable heights.
10. Try for a Hole-in-One at Swingers Crazy Golf
One of only three U.S. locations of the London-based attraction, Swingers Crazy Golf takes miniature golf to a whole new level. With whimsical obstacles, cocktail bars, gourmet street food and a 1920s-era English golf clubhouse, this quirky, yet sophisticated spot is perfect for date nights and outings with your friend group. Please note that Swingers is a 21+ destination.
11. Channel Your Inner 007 at SPYSCAPE
Immerse yourself in the secrets of espionage at SPYSCAPE, a top-rated interactive museum. Dive into the mysterious history of spies across the world, discover rare spy gadgets and challenge yourself to games developed with M16 trainers and psychologists. At the end of your visit, you’ll get a report that outlines your unique skills and potential as a spy. Navigate a laser maze, take an encryption test and see how well you can remember the details of a briefing.
12. Experience High-Tech Art Installations at ARTECHOUSE
Art, science and technology combine in captivating ways at ARTECHOUSE. Located beneath the iconic Chelsea Market, this multisensory experience transforms a 100-year-old boiler room into a place where anything is possible. Enter a digital garden where colorful flowers bloom right in front of you, and sip cocktails and mocktails at an extended reality bar.
Foodie Indoor Activities in NYC
13. Cooking Classes
What better way to dispel the rainy-day blues than by whipping something up in the kitchen? NYC’s food scene is all about flavor, and these cooking classes in NYC let you jump right into the action.
It's even possible to take online cooking classes for more comfortable indoor activities in NYC if you'd rather stay home and not venture out into the extreme temperatures.
14. Online Mixology Classes
Shake up more than cocktails with an online mixology class that turns your average night in into something worth toasting. You’ll pick up skills, share a few laughs and sip as you go — all while enjoying one of the most entertaining indoor activities in NYC.
15. Virtual Wine Tastings
Discover your inner connoisseur from the comfort of home with a virtual wine tasting — one of the more laid-back indoor activities in NYC. Prefer something stronger? Several spots around the city offer cozy whiskey tastings for a wintry night out.
16. Book a Quirky Afternoon Tea in the West Village
While this is technically a British (or European) tradition, it's so popular that there are plenty of tea rooms around New York. Some tea rooms lean traditional, while others offer Russian pastries or vegan bites — check menus ahead to find your perfect rainy-day snack spot. High tea is such a typical NYC experience that there are plenty of options from The Grand Salon at the Baccarat Hotel to The Mandarin Oriental, New York and, of course, The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel. Tack it onto your staycation in NYC for something extra special.
17. Slip Into a Speakeasy
Born from the Prohibition era, speakeasies remain some of the most coveted indoor chill spots in NYC. Find a local gem with unusual drink menus and unexpected flavors, they’re a good option for anyone looking to shake up their evening with one of the more iconic indoor activities in NYC.
18. Eat Your Way Through Queens on the 7 Train
Hop on the 7 train and explore neighborhoods known for their rich international food scenes and bustling NYC Food Halls. It's a delicious way to experience the culinary side of indoor activities in NYC. Stop by the New World Mall in Flushing, the historic Essex Market on the Lower East Side or Turnstyle Underground Market near Columbus Circle. From Michelin-star spots to the best burgers in NYC, these foodie adventures are some of the tastiest indoor activities in NYC.
19. Go on a Pizza Crawl
Sightseeing tours are great, but a pizza crawl is even better. Scott’s Pizza Tours operates every Sunday, taking passengers on a mouthwatering adventure to four different pizzerias around the city. The stops change weekly, so your taste buds are in for a delicious surprise.
From iconic pizza joints that have been slinging dough for decades to modern restaurants with gourmet pies, Scott’s doesn’t discriminate. Not only will you get to sample the best slices the city has to offer, but you’ll also learn the science, history and culture behind the Big Apple’s most legendary cuisine. The best part is that Scott’s Pizza Tours uses bright yellow school buses. Talk about the best foodie indoor activities in NYC!
20. Treat Your Sweet Tooth at BonBon
If you’ve never experienced the magic that is a pick-and-mix candy store, BonBon will rock your world. With four locations in NYC, this Swedish candy shop quickly became a viral sensation after opening in 2017. When you step inside, your eyes won’t quite know where to look first as you take in all the self-serve bins filled with colorful, imported gummy candies.
Grab a bag and load it up with all the goodies your heart desires. From sour fruits to sweet marshmallows and everything in between, the options for crafting your perfect mix are endless. Whatever you do, make sure to try BonBon’s very own gummy fish candy. It’s so much better than a certain popular brand on grocery store shelves! Are you gluten-free, dairy-free or gelatin-free? You’re in luck because BonBon caters to a wide range of dietary needs, so everyone can enjoy the candy craze that’s sweeping the nation.
21. Sample Delicious Eats at Chelsea Market
When it comes to foodie indoor activities in NYC, Chelsea Market is a no-brainer. Located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market spans an entire city block and comprises a food hall, retail shops, and even television production facilities.
Enjoy global eats, ranging from seafood to baked goods to fresh pasta, from local restaurateurs and vendors, savoring the delicious aromas as they fill your nostrils and make your stomach rumble with anticipation. Fun fact: the market is housed in the former Nabisco factory complex, where the Oreo cookie was created.
22. Visit an Old-Fashioned Diner or Jewish Deli
You can’t visit NYC without eating at a diner; it’s just the rules. The Big Apple may be known for high fashion and fine restaurants, but diners and Jewish delis came long before all of the glitz and glamour. Pay homage to New York’s rich culinary history with a trip to Square Diner, Waverly Diner or the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. Whether you’re in the mood for pancakes or a mile-high pastrami sandwich, NYC’s diners and delis have you covered.
Unique Indoor Activities in NYC
23. Virtual Flower Arranging
Try in-person or even virtual flower arranging classes where you'll learn how to assemble your own bouquets. No need to rely on supermarkets or boutique flower stores to tell you how flowers should be paired. This is one of many fun indoor activities in NYC for anyone who loves getting creative.
24. Virtual Game Nights
What to do in NYC when it rains in winter? How about a game night? If you don't have anyone who wants to come over, you can always try virtual game nights or online trivia games. Both are fun indoor activities in NYC to keep you occupied and in good spirits when the weather isn't on your side.
25. Virtual Adventures
On a similar note, jump into some other fun online activities like a virtual scavenger hunt or a virtual escape room, and you'll find puzzles to keep your brain from falling into a slump. Prefer something in-person? NYC’s escape rooms deliver puzzles and thrills without a screen in sight.
They're also great team-building activities in NYC. Or, if having fun at home is your preference, there are plenty of virtual events for you to check out.
26. Handy Skills and Arts Classes
Step away from the screens and pick up a hands-on hobby rooted in tradition. From sewing classes and art workshops to glass blowing studios, these creative indoor activities in NYC let you learn something old in a new way. You might just walk out with a handmade New York gift — or a new side hustle.
27. Warm up in the Bronx Botanical Garden Greenhouse
Too cold to wander Central Park? The Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden is an expansive Victorian-style greenhouse, where you can discover a variety of climates and enjoy plant life despite the chilly weather outside.
28. Visit Museums Most Tourists Miss
The Morgan Library and Museum features rotating exhibits like Jane Austen’s handwritten manuscripts, making it a favorite among literature lovers. It’s one of many smaller institutions offering enriching indoor activities for adults. Historical house museums like Merchant’s House Museum or Gracie Mansion are also worth exploring, they're quieter, more intimate spaces that offer a dry escape from the weather and a deeper look into NYC’s layered past.
29. Catch a Burlesque or Drag Show
Catch a burlesque, cabaret or drag show for an unforgettable night of music, flair and cheeky humor. These lively performances are standout indoor activities in NYC for adults looking to do something a little bolder. Some venues even offer karaoke, so you can take the mic and become part of the show.
30. Craft a Bespoke Candle
Candle-making workshops in NYC are quite unique experiences because you can learn a new craft, walk away with a gift and you get to meet fellow travelers and locals. Guided by expert artisans, you'll learn how to find your unique fragrance, or something that reminds you of the Big Apple, along with the ins and outs of wax and wicks.
31. Explore the New York Catacombs
Lurking beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Manhattan, the Catacombs are the final resting place of some of America’s most prominent Catholic figures, including the first nine Archbishops of New York, the Delmonico family and General Thomas Eckert.
These underground chambers were built in the early 1800s due to limited burial space in the city as it expanded. The catacombs are open for tours, known as Catacombs by Candlelight, and walking through the dimly lit corridors is an experience both eerie and fascinating. You’ll learn about the history of the crypt itself and the influence of the Catholic Church in New York City as a whole, exploring the chambers by candlelight and admiring over three dozen vaults with stunning marble façades.
32. Tour Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall isn’t only worth visiting during the holiday season. Even if you can’t watch the Rockettes perform their famous high kicks, you can still learn all about the world-famous venue and dance company on a brand-new 60-minute guided tour. Marvel at art deco masterpieces, explore a secret apartment and even meet a Rockette!
33. Climb The Vessel
The Vessel is an architectural wonder in Hudson Yards that overlooks the Hudson River and offers unforgettable views of the city. Rising 150 feet high, the honeycomb-shaped structure features 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps and 80 landings. It will give your legs a good workout, but once you reach the top and take in the jaw-dropping scenery, the ache in your muscles won’t even register. Admire the building's unique design from ground level, then stand in awe of the city skyline from the summit.
34. Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Located at the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of the most important and unique indoor activities in NYC. Using media, personal stories and original artifacts, the museum tells the story of 9/11 and honors those who died, lived and risked their lives to save others. The 110,000-square-foot facility features both permanent and rotating exhibits on various topics related to the attacks, and you can go at your own pace or take a guided tour.
Kids' Indoor Activities in NYC
Looking for rainy day ideas that still keep the little ones entertained? These indoor picks pair perfectly with other things to do in NYC with kids, no matter the weather.
35. See a Matinee on Broadway
The best Broadway shows have always been a classic indoor NYC activity, but with the bright colors and upbeat music, a midday musical is just right for keeping your child busy on a rainy day in NYC.
They'll leave the event with a whole new set of songs to sing on repeat, but at least it's not that Disney one again, right?
36. Burn Energy at an Old-School Arcade
There are several fun and family-friendly arcades throughout the city. And some of them are big enough to pass several hours, like the Luna Arcade and Coney Island Arcade at Coney Island. You'll even find “Barcades” (arcades for adults) where you can play classic games while you drink.
37. Let Them Bounce It Out at a Trampoline Park
Your children will feel the freedom of flying through the air as they jump up and down, and you'll enjoy the bonus of an early bedtime when they’re done. Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Syosset is one of the largest indoor trampoline parks near NYC, offering wall-to-wall fun for kids who need to burn off extra energy.
38. Where Art Meets Ice Cream
Sure, museums are already on the list — but this one is in a league of its own. The Museum of Ice Cream offers colorful, interactive exhibits kids can jump into (literally), plus sweet treats along the way. And if your crew isn’t big on dairy, there are other fun stops nearby like the LEGO and Disney stores to keep the good times rolling.
39. Watch the Knicks or Rangers at MSG
Catch a Knicks game or cheer on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden — a classic spot for high-energy indoor activities in NYC for both kids and adults. The action on the court or rink keeps everyone entertained, and if you're there for hockey, maybe bring a blanket — those arenas stay ice-cold for a reason.
40. Children's Museums
Visiting the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling is a standout pick among indoor activities in NYC for kids. From hands-on art workshops to the weekly Story Hour, it’s an engaging space where creativity and culture come to life.
There are, of course, plenty of other museums designed specifically for children throughout the city, so you're sure to find one to fit your child's needs and interests.
41. The Gameroom at American Dream
Situated right across the river, The Gameroom at American Dream isn’t just one of the coolest kids’ indoor activities in NYC — it also provides a comforting dose of nostalgia for adults. It features interactive, arcade-style versions of classic HASBRO games like Monopoly and Potato Head, offering a blast from the past with an exciting, modern twist. Put a whole new spin on family game night, challenging each other to a little friendly competition. There’s also a G.I. Joe-themed laser tag experience and even an over-the-top milkshake bar inspired by the game of Candy Land.
42. Enter a Toy Wonderland at FAO Schwarz
America’s oldest toy retailer, FAO Schwarz, is headquartered in Rockefeller Center, and it’s a magical place for all ages. Three stories of games and toys create a whimsical atmosphere that captivates kids and kids at heart equally. And some might remember it from Big when Tom Hanks plays the giant piano.
From interactive displays to life-sized stuffed animals, there’s so much to see. You can even watch live toy demonstrations from enthusiastic staff members. The store is enchanting all year, but if you happen to visit during the holiday season, it’s even better. Not only is the building located right next to the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, but it also transforms into a festive wonderland complete with holiday decorations and themed toys.
43. Take a Ride on Jane’s Carousel
Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel was built in 1922 and lovingly restored to its original condition. The carousel is housed in a large enclosure with sliding glass doors, allowing riders to look out onto the beautiful East River. One of the best kids’ indoor activities in NYC, the ride features 48 carved wooden horses that go round and round in time to classic carousel music. It’s open year-round and only costs a few dollars per person, so if you’re on a budget, this is the perfect attraction to add to your itinerary.
44. See Marine Life at the New York Aquarium
A Coney Island institution, the New York Aquarium is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the U.S. It spans 14 acres and boasts 266 species of wildlife, including every kid’s favorite: sharks.
Free Indoor Activities in NYC
45. People-Watch at Grand Central Like It’s a Movie
Take a little trip to Grand Central Station or any other major landmark where you can stand indoors for free and watch people mingle or move about. It's classic New York and one of those indoor activities in NYC that you will remember.
46. Browse the Stacks at the New York Public Library
If the coworking spaces in NYC are too pricey for you, consider taking your laptop to the library. Or you can leave work behind and curl up with a good book as one of the best free indoor activities in NYC for some calm and quiet in the Big Apple. Visit The New York Public Library to browse the shelves and find the perfect volume to read in the warm lamplight.
47. Tour Industry City
Explore the historic manufacturing buildings along the Brooklyn waterfront, now home to a maze of shops, eateries and indoor courtyards perfect for wandering. It’s a great pick for indoor activities in Brooklyn, especially when the weather keeps you from heading to Prospect Park.
48. Window Shop Like a Pro at Macy’s or IKEA
Shopping without buying may not be as therapeutic for your brain as making purchases, but it's more fun for your wallet — and you'll be more focused on finding new and unexpected things than hunting down the particular items you need.
New York is packed with iconic department stores like Macy's. Wander IKEA’s maze-like showrooms in Brooklyn or rediscover a childhood classic at the (revived) Toys "R" Us. Sometimes, window shopping in NYC feels like exploring a pop culture museum.
49. Cat Cafés on the Lower East Side
Find a cute or cozy local café to drink coffee, curl up with a book and keep dry — or play with cats! Finding a coffee shop where you can pet animals all day seems like a dream among all the free indoor activities in NYC. Kokoro Cat Café is highly rated. While walk-ins are welcome, reserving a spot is recommended. And be careful, you may even consider adopting a new fluffy friend.
50. Get Lost in the Oculus
The Oculus is a fascinating work of architecture not to be missed. If you're still looking for indoor activities for adults, explore the underground labyrinth of stores and eateries below the World Trade Center.
51. Visit the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall was the first capitol building of the U.S. under the Constitution and served as the meeting place for the first United States Congress. It was also the site of George Washington’s first inauguration. While the original Federal Hall no longer stands, the Greek Revival structure that serves as the Federal Hall National Memorial also has a rich history as New York’s Custom House. Tour the building, located on Wall Street in the heart of the financial district, and explore various exhibits that highlight our country’s early government.
52. Embrace Your Inner Bookworm at The Strand Bookstore
While the New York Public Library’s Hogwarts-adjacent ambiance is not to be missed, The Strand Bookstore belongs on every bibliophile’s bucket list. This East Village institution is the largest independent bookstore in the city, offering new, used and rare books of all genres. The store’s slogan is “18 Miles of Books” because if you were to line up all of the titles side by side, that’s how far they would go. Even if you don’t buy a book, you could easily spend hours browsing the shelves.
53. Browse the Racks at Bloomingdale’s
What’s a trip to NYC without a little window shopping? The flagship store and headquarters of Bloomingdale’s, a luxury retail chain, is located at 59th Street and Third Avenue, offering over 800,000 square feet of high-end merchandise. Browsing the racks is a bucket list-worthy experience, regardless of whether you make a purchase.
54. Enter the Wizarding World at the Harry Potter Shop New York
Window shopping isn’t just for department stores. The Harry Potter Shop New York boasts the largest collection of Harry Potter products under one roof, from wands to cloaks and everything in between. It’s enough simply to be in the store and experience the magic, and there’s even an authentic phone booth that makes the perfect photo-op. If you do have a little cash to spare, the Butterbeer Bar lets you try the Wizarding World’s favorite beverage in a bottle, on draft or even as ice cream.
Rainy days might slow other cities down, but New York just finds a new rhythm. Whether you’re painting in SoHo, sipping whiskey in a tucked-away bar, or bouncing around a trampoline park in Queens, indoor activities in NYC give you all the energy of the city, just with a roof overhead.
So skip the slump and explore something new. Because in this town, there’s always a way to turn gray skies into something worth remembering.
For even more fun activities in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
