Things to Do In New York City on a Rainy Day
Indoor Activities and Things to Do
Have you planned a fantastic trip to New York, and then found yourself visiting on a rainy day? Don't worry, there are still plenty of things to do! Yes, you will have fun!This guide to New York on a rainy day will help you plan your indoor activities - whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a couple. New York City offers plenty of places to enjoy the city and activities even if you're not outside. So, let's get started!
New York Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY, 11201
Radio City Music Hall
1260 6th Ave, New York City, New York, 10020
If you're looking for more information about New York City, read The Best Museums in Brooklyn, New York and The Best Museums in the Bronx.
One World Observatory
NYC, New York, 10048
Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY, 11106
Metropolitan Opera House
30 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC, New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10028
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th Ave, Upper East Side, New York, NY, 10128
Empire State Building
A highlight for many visitors to New York is the ride and view from the Top Deck observatory, which offers breathtaking views in every direction.
20 W 34th St, New York, NY, 10001
Planning a trip to New York City? You might also be interested in Activities and Things to Do in the Fall in New York and Street Markets & Flea Markets in New York City.
American Museum of Natural History
180 Central Park West, Lincoln Towers, NYC, New York, 10024
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
This interesting museum located in the Museum Mile on the Upper East Side is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum showcases design aesthetic, creativity, contemporary design, and showcases other interesting related works of art and design.
2 East 91st Street, NYC, New York, 10128
New Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum is dedicated to featuring contemporary art from around the world.
235 Bowery, NYC, New York, 10002
Orpheum Theatre
One of the most famous off-Broadway theatres, the Orpheum hosts a number of great shows, most recently of which is the smash-hit Stomp. The theatre was originally constructed in 1904, and over the decades has hosted plenty of popular productions such as Anything Goes and Little Shop of Horrors.
126 2nd Avenue, NYC, New York, 10003
Weeksville Heritage Center
During the 19th century, Weeksville was one of the country's first free black communities. The community had its own schools, churches, and community associations. The Heritage Center offers tours and activities that serve to educate the public on the history and significance of this community.
1673 Bergen Street, Ocean Hill, NYC, New York, 11233
The Frick Collection
Located in the early 1900s mansion of Henry Clay Frick, this museum houses artwork by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco, and many more. There's also a covered garden with tropical plants and pond.
1 East 70th Street, NYC, New York, 10021
Interested in more travel advice for New York City? Check out The Best Science Museums in New York City and The 17 Best Children's Museums in New York City.
Long Island Children's Museum
The Long Island Children’s Museum has 14 hands-on exhibits that are perfect for young kids who want to play, explore, and learn. There's also a theater and several different learning studios.
11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY, 11530
Children's Museum of Manhattan
This hands on museum is perfect for kids who want to get their energy out, play, and explore. The museum's exhibits are designed to be touched and played with and kids will learn about culture, history, and science in a fun and hands on way. This museum is perfect for young kids that are 6 and under.
212 W 83rd St, Upper West Side, New York, NY, 10024
The Morgan Library & Museum
This institution began as the private library of J. Pierpont Morgan and it was donated to the city. It includes drawings by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso. There are three Gutenberg Bibles, and a copy of Frankenstein annotated by Mary Shelley, as well as manuscripts by Dickens, Poe, Twain, Steinbeck, and Wilde. There's also sheet music handwritten by Beethoven and Mozart.
225 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016
Jewish Children's Museum
This children's museum teaches kids about Jewish history, culture, and heritage in a fun and hands-on learning environment.
792 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY, 11213
DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New York Historical Society
This museum is designed with kids in mind. There are hands-on displays that take you back in time 350 years to learn about the history of NYC. Kids are encouraged to climb and interact with the exhibits that look at the lives of historical figures. There are also family programs available including cooking classes, scavenger hunts, games, and story time.
170 Central Park West, Upper West Side, New York, NY, 10024
Brooklyn Children's Museum
This is one of the earliest museums designed specifically for children. Established in 1899 it offers an impressive collection of fun, games, and activities that encourage kids to learn and play. There are musical instruments, masks, dolls, fossils, and more. There's even a kid's sized cityscape with pretend stores and activities where kids can make up jobs and pretend they're adults.
145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11213
If you're looking for more information about New York City, read The Best Planetariums to Visit near New York City and The Best Art Museums in New York City.
Staten Island Museum
This museum has a new facility in Snug Harbor that offers a number of art and natural history exhibits. This is the oldest museum on Staten Island, dating back to 1881 when it was begun by 14 environmentalists.
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY, 10301
Staten Island Children's Museum
This hands-on kid's museum includes a number of fun exhibits including the Block Harbor (a builder's dream!), large Connect Four and Dominoes games, and a human sized anthill. There's also pretend areas where kids can play firefighter and an environmental education room. Normally an admission fee is charged, but it's free on Wednesday afternoons.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum is located in the 1908 Warburg Mansion and it runs a number of temporary exhibits that feature contemporary and modern art.
1109 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10128
Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town is an authentic town and farm museum on Staten Island. It's a living history museum that's part of La Tourette Park and it brings everyday life from the 19th century into today. Many of the buildings are historical structures and the staff make up the community of a 19th century small town, each representing a different trade.
441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10306
Long Island Live Steamers
This is a cross between a railroad museum and an amusement park. Here you'll find a number of scale model railroads and trains that are large enough sit in to take a ride, but not as large as a real train. It's lots of fun for both adults and children. The park is run as a non-profit and organized by model railroad enthusiasts. They are only open to the public on select days of the year, usually spring to autumn, on the 2nd and last Sunday of every month (but other days are available, too). Check their website for opening days and times.
Southaven County Park Gerard Road Entrance, Brookhaven, NY, 11719
DreamWorks Water Park
Located at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford, this indoor water park is open year-round and claims to be the largest indoor water park in America with the country's largest indoor wave pool as well. With plenty of slides and pools for adults and kids of all ages, this is a terrific escape from the city any time of the year.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York City has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: Things to Do in the Winter in New York City and An Art Lover's Guide to New York City.
New Jersey Sea Life Aquarium
Located just over the river on the New Jersey side, this aquarium is very close to New York and Manhattan in particular. And it's worth the trip, because here you'll find a huge array of fish and aquatic species to gaze upon and learn about. They have sharks, seahorses, clownfish, stingrays, and more. The entire aquarium has a New York City theme to it, which adds to the fun. And one of the best and most popular exhibits is the tunnel that takes you under the massive tank so you can look up at the fish as they swim above you.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Queens County Farm Museum
This fun and family-friendly museum lets kids and adults explore everything about life on a farm, including getting to know the animals. They have pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, and chickens, as well as hay rides, a bush maze, and a variety of education events. They also have seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking in the fall and more. Most days are free, except during special events.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, Floral Park, New York, 11004
Railroad Museum of Long Island
With a variety of historic train cars and engines on display, this museum is part railroad and part history, and all fun. It's great for adults and kids alike. Visitors can tour the historic rail cars, browse the museum informational exhibits, ride the "miniature" train which is large enough for kids and adults to sit inside, and view various toy and model railroads, too.
416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, New York
Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
MoMATH offers kids the opportunity to visualize math and engineering in a fun and playful way. There's a laser "wall", a Math Square, a Jumbotron, and more. Whether your kids love math or need a gentle nudge, this museum will bring it all to life.
11 E 26th St, New York, NY, 10010
Bronx Children’s Museum
This rolling museum is located in an actual bus! It has temporary exhibits and travels throughout the the Bronx, offering programs for young kids, particularly in under-served neighborhoods. You'll find the museum at a number of events around town.
The Bronx
The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
This museum was built in the style of a hillside Tibetan monastery. It maintains the largest private collection of Tibetan art in the country, and the complex offers a peaceful and beautiful setting where you can explore, sit bay the goldfish pond, or look out at the water. There are often Sunday programs and shows with music, dance, and art, that are perfect for families.
338 Lighthouse Ave, Staten Island, NY, 10306
Hayden Planetarium in the American Museum of Natural History
As part of the American Museum of Natural History, this is the most famous and popular planetarium in New York City. It offers a number of shows that are impressive, educational, and entertaining. The facilities are state-of-the-art and much of the programming was developed in partnership with NASA.
The American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side
New York Hall of Science
This hands on science and technology museum has more than 400 exhibits that focus on biology, chemistry, and physics. It's perfect for kids and adults who are interested in engineering, math, and science. There are exhibits about robots, outer space, design, and light.
47-01 111th St, Queens, NY, 11368
Nickelodeon Universe
This huge indoor amusement park is full of roller coasters, rides, and other fun activities, and is open year-round. Located very close to the New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this place is part of the American Dream complex which also has a water park and a huge aquarium, too. The rides are exciting and fun for everyone in the family from kids to adults.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey
The Museum of Arts and Design
This museum features ceramics, furniture design, fiber art, and metalsmithing. It hosts a number of interesting shows from the contemporary art world, and its unique exhibits make it well worth a visit.
2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY, 10019
Alice Austen House
Located in what was once the home of Alice Austen (1866 to 1952) this museum features about 8,000 photographs taken by this renowned photographer. The museum teaches visitors about her life's work and shows examples of her different styles of photography.
2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10305
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
This unique Long Island museum combines a grand mansion, a beautiful park, and a marine and natural history museum, as well as a planetarium. In addition to shows in the planetarium, there is also a rooftop observatory viewing every Friday night.
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, Long Island, NY, 11721
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $8 to $519. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $98. A few of the best options are below.
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