New York City is vibrant, bustling, and filled with sights and sounds, but sometimes, the weather doesn’t exactly cooperate. When it’s raining or snowing, it can be difficult to do a lot of the outdoor activities NYC is known for. Never fear, though – there are plenty of awesome indoor activities in NYC that make the bad weather a little more bearable. Here’s a list of unique ways you can spend a rainy or snowy day in the City.
- Explore a Museum
One of the best – and most educational – indoor activities in NYC is visiting one of the many prominent museums in the City. From the classic Metropolitan Museum of Art to the American Museum of Natural History, there’s a wide variety of museums to explore, many of which are free or cost only a nominal entrance fee. You can explore the exhibits for hours or simply take a leisurely walk through and take in the beauty of the offerings.
- Watch Some Movies
New York City is home to many different cinemas, from historic theaters like the IFC Center to more modern multiplexes like the AMC Empire 25. Watching a movie is a great way to pass a rainy afternoon, and you’re destined to find something that appeals to your tastes. In addition, some theaters offer special events or activities such as movie marathons or audience favorites.
- Have a Spa Day
Who says getting some pampering has to involve a beach or a pool? There are plenty of day spas scattered around the City that offer a plethora of relaxation treatments – tension-melting massages, facials, mani-pedis, and more. Whether you’re looking for a full-on spa day experience or just need a quick pick-me-up, it’s easy to find a spot near you. And who knows – maybe the perfect spa day will become your favorite rainy-day activity!
- Play a Game
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game night. NYC is home to plenty of places that allow you to have a classic game night experience, from arcades like Chinatown Fair and Dave & Buster’s to board game cafes like the Uncommons and the Brooklyn Strategist. There’s sure to be a spot near you that can provide a fun, entertaining game night experience – no rain needed!
- Take a Cooking Class
There’s no better way to beat the boredom of bad weather than by learning (and eating!) something new. NYC has a variety of cooking classes on offer – from baking and pastry classes to sushi-making and Mexican cooking – that can teach you something new in the kitchen. And, after you’ve learned the basics, there are often opportunities for making (sometimes eating!) what you learned as well.
- Check Out The Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the world’s largest metropolitan zoos and is a great spot to spend a rainy day indoors. The zoo houses over 4,000 animals in its 265-acre facility and in addition to the traditional animal exhibits, the zoo also includes rides and attractions specifically designed to entertain visitors on a rainy day.
- Visit an Aquarium
If you’re looking to spend some more time indoors, one of the best indoor activities in NYC is visiting one of the many aquariums around town. The New York Aquarium, located in Brooklyn, is America’s oldest and boasts over 8,500 aquatic animals as well as interactive exhibits and other attractions. The larger Long Island Aquarium and the New York Hall of Science provide similar experiences for those looking for even more options.
- Find a Sports Bar
If the bad weather has ruined the chances of attending a sporting event, why not try and have the next best thing at a sports bar? NYC has plenty of sports bars that come complete with giant TVs, huge beer selections, and a variety of snacks. You can watch your favorite team in action, have some delicious nachos, and throw back a few cold ones – all without having to step outside.
- Hit the Mall
Shopping is the perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, and NYC is home to many different types of malls and shopping centers. From the big-box stores of Manhattan Mall to the upscale boutiques of the Upper East Side and the outlets of Woodbury Common, there’s a shopping experience for just about every taste and budget. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat in the food court while you’re at it!
Getting stuck indoors on a rainy or snowy day in NYC doesn’t have to be a bad thing – there are plenty of unique, fun indoor activities to help you pass the time. From exploring one of the City’s many museums to catching a movie, having a spa day, playing games, or simply hitting the mall, there are plenty of opportunities to have a great time even when the weather isn’t cooperating. So the next time the forecast looks bleak, try some of these indoor activities and make the most of your day in the City.
