So I put together this list of unusual things to do in NYC - the kind of spots that go beyond the typical tourist stuff. These are hidden gems that locals actually love, that make for unforgettable experiences (and great Instagram content).
Whether you're looking for unique NYC activities for a date night, a fun outing with friends, or just something different to do on the weekend, I've got you covered.
Keep reading for the most unique things to do in NYC!
Immersive Experiences
If you're looking for fun NYC activities, these immersive experiences are where it's at. These spots go beyond just "looking at things" - you actually get to participate, play, and be part of the action.Color Factory
Color Factory is basically a playground for adults disguised as an art exhibit. It's a series of interactive, color-themed rooms designed for photos, play, and just having fun. You'll find yourself jumping into a ball pit, dancing in a confetti room, and eating color-coordinated treats along the way. It honestly just puts you in a good mood.
📍251 Spring St New York, NY
Adventure Activities
Looking for something more active? These spots will get your adrenaline pumping.
Area 53 Adventure Park
Area 53 is a 40,000 square foot adventure park in Brooklyn and I can't even begin to describe the insane amount of activities here. First of all, there’s an entire room full of slides and we started off there. Not to mention there are two rock climbing walls, a ropes course, an arcade, and roller skating rink.
The craziest thing though- they have a zipline! It wasn’t as scary as I thought, but you do have to do the course to get to it.
📍616 Scholes St, Brooklyn
Area 53 Lounge (Dumbo)
Ever wanted to do laser tag? Area 53's Lounge location in Dumbo is a great option. It’s 90 minutes of pure energy, running around, trying to defeat your friends. (You can book a private or open session).
They also have mini bowling which I found so much fun- You get a half hour for 6 people. And to top it all off, there's an arcade with hoops, air hockey, classic arcade games, and clawcades
📍68 Jay St, Brooklyn
Ferox Ninja Park
Ferox Ninja Park is an enormous 40,000 foot playground filled to the brim the craziest physical activities! I came for their 2 hour open play, and when I tell you I had the most fun here I’ve had in ages. There’s dozens of activities and obstacle courses, dunk zone, rock climbing, foam pit, zip lines.
But my favorite thing was the trampoline park! They have adult nights which I highly recommend - way more fun without kids running around! Tickets start at $30, and on Fridays it’s adults only, with a dj and drinks.
📍72 Noble St, BrooklynFrames Bowling Lounge
Frames in Manhattan is not your average bowling alley. With 2 floors, 5 lounges, the funnest food, the craziest drinks, you will leave laughing with your friends and begging to come back.
They have a ping pong lounge (with a giant Connect 4), billiards lounge, a VIP room with private bowling, and an absolutely huge karaoke lounge. Not to mention their main bowling room, which is so classic. Don’t miss some of their fun drinks like the 168 oz beer tower and 8 shot revolver
📍550 9th Ave New York, NY
Relaxation & Self-Care
Sometimes the best thing to do in the city is slow down. These spots are perfect for a chill day.
World Spa
If you love spas as much as I do, prepare to have your mind blown by World Spa in Brooklyn. a massive wellness space inspired by spa cultures from around the world. They have traditional Russian banyas, a Himalayan salt room, Moroccan and Turkish hammams, and an infrared sauna. And that’s just the start.
They also have huge hydrotherapy pools, and even have onsen pools with beautiful art on the walls that take you straight to Japan.
Think it stops there? Nope- there’s a full restaurant (the strawberry mocktail I had was so refreshing.) You can really spend a whole day here.
Head Spas
Head spas are having a moment right now, and for good reason. Places like Xin Wen Zhou and Blissful Headspace offer these incredibly relaxing scalp treatments that leave you feeling like a new person. If you haven't tried one yet, you need to.
📍Xin Wen Zhou- 135-18 Roosevelt Ave #2F, Flushing, NY
📍Blissful Headspace Spa- 662 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn
Fun & Quirky Spots
These are the spots that are just... different. In the best way.
Claw Machine Arcades
The claw machine arcade trend has officially hit NYC. Spots like Gatcha in Flushing and Sweet Cats in Union Square are full of Japanese-style claw machines where you can win plushies, snacks, and all kinds of cute stuff. Way more addicting than you'd expect.
📍Gatcha- 133-33 39th Ave, Flushing, NY📍Sweet cats- 21 E 17th St, New York, NY
K-Town Karaoke
There's regular karaoke, and then there's K-Town karaoke. The Koreatown strip on 32nd Street is full of private room karaoke spots where you and your friends get your own room, a songbook with thousands of tracks, and the freedom to sing as terribly as you want without strangers watching. Add in some soju and late-night Korean food after, and you've got yourself a night.
Night Owl Video Brooklyn
Remember video stores? Night Owl Video in Brooklyn is keeping the dream alive. It's a nostalgic throwback where you can actually rent VHS tapes and DVDs. They also have movie nights and events. It's delightfully weird.
📍288 Grand St, BrooklynTwisted Spine
M&M's Store Times Square
Okay, hear me out. The M&M's Store is technically a tourist trap, but it's also kind of iconic? It's multiple floors of M&M-themed everything, including a wall where you can mix your own custom colors. Sometimes the fun spots are hiding in plain sight.
📍1600 Broadway New York, NY
Creative Classes
Want to actually make something? These spots let you get hands-on.
Evento Pasta Making Class
At Evento, you can learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch. It's a great date idea or a fun activity with friends. You leave with a new skill AND a full stomach.
📍171 Canal StGo Tufting LIC
Tufting is everywhere on social media right now, and Go Tufting in Long Island City lets you make your own rug or wall art. You walk out with something you actually made yourself, which is pretty satisfying
📍47-61 Pearson Pl, LICYouseffani Leather Making Class
Youseffani in Jersey City offers leather crafting workshops where you can make your own wallet, bag, or accessory from scratch. It's a really hands-on experience and you leave with something you'll actually use. Technically it's across the river, but it's a quick PATH ride and worth the trip.
📍33 Wayne St, Jersey City, NJ
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