What to Do With Kids When Its Raining in NYC

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Rainy days in NYC don’t have to mean a pause on family fun. The city offers plenty of indoor activities that will keep kids entertained, learning, and engaged while staying dry. From iconic toy stores and interactive gaming experiences to immersive museums and one of America’s largest malls, there’s no shortage of exciting indoor options for families to enjoy.

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Ok … On to the list

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Fun & Educational Museums

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Families can easily spend an entire day exploring the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spanning over 2 million square feet, the museum offers a rich collection of masterpieces, from breathtaking paintings to ancient artifacts, making it a cultural treasure for all ages. To make the experience engaging for younger visitors, families can take advantage of family-focused tours, DIY scavenger hunts, and the Met’s free downloadable guides designed specifically for kids.

Also, don’t miss the Met’s brand-new 81st Street Studio, a hands-on play space for kids ages 3-11. Here, children can experiment with materials like wood, metal, and clay, explore interactive stations to create drums, digital woodblock prints, and activate sound and light objects inspired by The Met collection. Pick up a free Family Field Guide to become a Met Field Scientist, and embark on an adventure through the galleries, collecting stickers and earning a Field Scientist button at the end!

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American Museum of Natural History

Home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of dinosaur fossils, the American Museum of Natural History has captivated kids for generations. Its exhibits include the Hall of Human Origins, the Hall of Biodiversity, and the life-size blue whale model in the Hall of Ocean Life. The new Gilder Center addition offers innovative attractions like an insectarium, an immersive Invisible Worlds experience, and a Butterfly Vivarium, making this a must-visit for families.

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Sloomoo Institute

For a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, the Sloomoo Institute is a must. Kids can design their own slime at the 150-foot DIY bar and play with 30 different slime vats. Additional highlights include the ASMR tunnel and brain-tracking activities, ensuring hours of creative, hands-on fun that’s perfect for a rainy day.

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Museum Of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions offers over 70 exhibits designed to challenge the senses and stimulate curiosity. From walking through a tilted room to experiencing the Vortex Tunnel, kids will love the mind-bending optical illusions. Located in Chelsea, this interactive museum is both entertaining and educational, making it an ideal stop for families looking to spend time indoors.

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MoMath

Discover the beauty of math in action at MoMath with over 30 interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Wall of Fire, a laser wall that reveals surprising shapes, and Math Square, a dynamic floor display that shifts paths as you move. Kids can also design 3D sculptures to print and tackle puzzles at the Enigma Café.

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Spyscape Museum

Let your kids channel their inner spies at Spyscape. From cracking codes and navigating laser tunnels to exploring real spy gadgets like the Enigma machine and a U2 spy plane camera, it’s an action-packed adventure. Interactive missions and a James Bond exhibit immerse visitors in the thrilling world of espionage.

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Color Factory

You don’t need to wait for the rain to stop to see a rainbow at the Color Factory! This interactive museum offers a splash of color with exhibits that engage all the senses. Kids and adults alike can explore NYC’s colorful spirit through tactile displays, tasting stations, and fun facts about color science. Finish it off with a dive into the blue ball pit for a playful, unforgettable experience, no matter the weather.

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Indoor Activities in Times Square

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See a Broadway Show

Escape the rain and experience the magic of Broadway with family-friendly shows like Disney’s The Lion King or the iconic Wicked. Perfect for indoor fun, these performances offer an unforgettable experience for all ages. For more ideas, check out our guide to the best Broadway shows for kids.

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Bowlero Times Square

Bowlero in Times Square offers a high-energy twist on bowling, featuring black lights, big video walls, and 50 lanes for fun. The massive space also has an arcade with classic games, and the seven bowling lounges, each inspired by a famous NYC neighborhood, provide a unique atmosphere.

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Rise NY

RiseNY is an exciting experience that combines NYC history and thrills. After watching a film on the city’s cultural impact, visitors explore themed galleries featuring iconic items like Bruce Springsteen's guitar. The adventure ends with a simulated flight over NYC landmarks, where visitors "soar" in motion seats, enhanced by mist, scents, and a lively soundtrack.

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Dave & Busters Times Square

Located on the third floor overlooking Times Square, Dave & Buster’s is a flagship location of the popular American barcade chain, known nationwide for its family-friendly entertainment. The venue features a mix of classic arcade games like Skee-Ball and virtual reality simulators, along with a full bar, restaurant, and life-sized sculptures of NYC pop culture icons. It's a great spot for families or groups to unwind, play games, and enjoy some light-hearted competition while grabbing a bite or drink.

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Other Great Rainy Day Ideas

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American Dream Mall

Located just across the river in New Jersey, American Dream Mall is a massive entertainment hub easily accessible from Manhattan via a direct bus from Port Authority. Known as America’s second-largest mall, this family-friendly destination features a Nickelodeon amusement park, an indoor ski slope, a water park, an aquarium, and a Legoland Discovery Center. With hundreds of retail shops and numerous attractions, it offers an exciting escape for visitors of all ages, making it a top choice for a rainy day adventure.

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F.A.O. Schwarz

FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store located inside Rockefeller Plaza. This 20,000-square-foot destination features a variety of interactive experiences, including magic shows, toy demos, and a giant piano that kids can play. With its fun atmosphere and classic features like life-sized toy soldiers and the clock tower, it’s an ideal stop for families looking for a blend of nostalgia and entertainment, and a great way to step out of the rain in Rockefeller Center.

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The Lego Store 5th Avenue

Also located near Rockefeller Center, the LEGO Store on 5th Avenue is a 3,535-square-foot wonderland filled with creative inspiration for young builders. The store features incredible LEGO murals and models of iconic NYC landmarks, including an 8-foot Statue of Liberty. Kids can enjoy the Pick-A-Brick station, design their own Minifigures, and explore play areas, while parents can relax in the lounge area complete with oversized couches.

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Nintendo New York

Nintendo New York, located in Rockefeller Plaza, is a two-story store dedicated to gaming fans of all ages. The flagship store features a massive 15-foot gaming screen and plenty of interactive stations where visitors can try out the latest Nintendo games. With exclusive merchandise and larger-than-life photo ops, it’s an exciting stop for both casual players and die-hard Nintendo enthusiasts.

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Macy’s Herald Square / Toys R Us

For a fun, rainy day stop, head to the Toys "R" Us on the seventh floor of Macy’s Herald Square. This 14,000-square-foot space features interactive activities like a city-themed playground, train tables, and a Lite-Brite Wall. You’ll also find a Lego model of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and whimsical Geoffrey the Giraffe displays. It's a perfect spot for kids in between exploring the rest of the historic department store.

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Our team of trip consultants builds tailored plans for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each plan is built with a 3-step process: 

Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions 

Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems 

Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city. 

Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.

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