Rainy Day in New York City? Here’s Where to Take the Kids…

Letโ€™s be honest…wandering NYC in the rain with kids is not a core memory you want to create.

The good news? You donโ€™t have to.

New York City is filled with indoor fun that kids love and is actually worth leaving the house for.

From epic play spaces to immersive exhibits and over-the-top toy stores, these spots guarantee a great time, even on a rainy day in New York City.

Indoor Playgrounds & Active Fun for a Rainy Day in NYC

Kids bouncing off the walls? Let them do it somewhere designed for it.

These indoor playgrounds, designed for kids under 10, are the perfect solution when the weather says “stay in,” but your kids say, “Not a chance.”

Complete Playground

A multi-level indoor play structure with slides, climbing nets, and tunnels at Complete Playground NYC.

A full-scale adventure, no rain boots needed.

A rainy NYC day wonโ€™t stop the fun at Complete Playground!

This massive 40,000-square-foot indoor play space is packed with slides, climbing structures, tunnels, and obstacle courses, giving kids plenty of ways to run, jump, and explore.

Itโ€™s the perfect spot for families to burn off energy and turn a rainy day into an adventure.

Complete Playground

Location: 30 Broad St., New York, NY

Website: completeplayground.org

Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 7:30 pm

Cost: 2-Hour Open Play (Child + Guardian): $50

Additional Adult: $10

Infant Pass: (0-12 months): $10

Insider Tip: Grip socks are required, so bring your own or buy a pair at check-in.

Need a fun meal before or after your rainy day adventures?

Check out these Fun Restaurants Near Times Square that will have your kids talking long after the plates are cleared.

Golden Minds Playground

A colorful indoor playground with a supermarket, tunnels, and ball pit at Golden Minds Playground in NYC.

Where playtime stays dry no matter the weather outside.

Golden Minds Playground is basically a VIP pass to non-stop fun for kids six and under.

With climbing structures, tunnels, a tiny town and a giant ball pit perfect for diving and disappearing into, itโ€™s the ultimate indoor energy burner on a rainy NYC day.

Golden Minds Playground

Location: 2 Gold St., 2nd Floor, Suite 6, New York, NY

Website: gmpplayground.com

Hours: Drop-in Open Play: Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm

Cost: One Hour: $29/ Two Hours: $39 (per child)

Family Fun Pack: (2 Adults + 2 Kids, Up to 2 Hours): $59

Insider Tip: The ball pit is a kid magnet…expect to spend at least half your visit โ€œrescuingโ€ them from its depths.

Finding a roomy hotel in NYC isnโ€™t easy… but these Spacious Places to Stay in Manhattan prove itโ€™s possible!

Play Street Museum

A mini city-themed indoor play area at Play Street Museum in NYC.

Big city fun, kid-sized edition.

A kid-sized city built for imagination, Play Street Museum lets little ones take the lead.

Whether theyโ€™re running a grocery store, checking in patients at the vet, or operating a construction site.

Designed for kids ages 1 to 8, this interactive play space turns everyday jobs into hands-on fun, giving them a chance to explore, create, and take charge.

Play Street Museum

Location: 805 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY

Website: uws.playstreetmuseum.com

Hours: Monday โ€“ Friday 8:30 am โ€“ 6 pm

Saturday and Sunday, 9 amย 6:30 pm

Cost: $45 for 1 child + 1 adult (90-minute session)

Additional Children: $35/ each

Insider Tip: Children 11 months and under or ages 9+ are FREE with a paid sibling

Perry School

A bright and modern indoor playground with slides and soft play structures at Perry School NYC.

No sunshine is needed for big fun at Perry School.

This cozy West Village play space is perfect for little climbers, crawlers, and explorers.

With interactive zones designed for kids 3 months to 6 years, Perry Schoolโ€™s open play sessions give families a fun, structured way to burn off some energy…rain or shine.

Perry School

Location: 136 West 10th Street, New York, NY

Website: perryschool.com

Hours: Monday – Friday: 1 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:15 pm

Saturday: 10 am, 11am

Cost: $25 for 45-minute open play (1 child + 1 adult)

Insider Tip: Spots are limited, so book ahead if youโ€™re set on a specific time!

Scandinavia House

A cozy, Scandinavian-themed play space at Scandinavia House in NYC.

Rainy day? Time to play!

Scandinavia House is a Nordic-inspired indoor play space for little explorers.

With a reading theater, sensory tunnel, BRIO train table, and indoor climbing structures, itโ€™s the perfect place for kids to play, build, and imagine…all with a touch of Scandinavian charm.

Scandinavia House

Location: 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Website: scandinaviahouse.org

Hours: Drop-in play sessions:ย Tuesdays and Saturdays with two session options: 10 am – 12 pm or 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Cost: $25 per child (includes one adult, max two kids per adult)

Insider Tip: Shoes arenโ€™t allowed in the play area, so bring socks for both kids and adults!

Rainy Day Things to Do in Manhattan That Inspire Creativity

Sunshine is overrated when you can wade through a pool of sprinkles, stretch slime to ridiculous lengths, or turn math into a hands-on game.

From mind-bending exhibits to artsy animal encounters, these rainy day spots make creativity feel like an adventure…no cleanup required.

Sloomoo Institute

A vibrant, sensory-filled play area inside the Sloomoo Institute in NYC.

Slime time = screen-free fun.

A full-on slime playground, Sloomoo Institute lets kids (and grown-ups) poke, stretch, and squish their way through a world of ooey-gooey fun.

With over 30 vats of slime to explore, a DIY slime bar, and even a slime waterfall, this hands-on experience is as satisfying as it is messy…in the best way.

Sloomoo Institute

Location: 475 Broadway, New York, NY

Website: sloomooinstitute.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm

Friday – Sunday: 9 am – 8 pm

Cost: $34.99 – $44.99 per person (varies by time of day)

Insider Tip: Wear sleeves you can roll up and clothes you donโ€™t mind getting a little messy…slime happens!

Color Factory

A colorful grid wall inside Color Factory NYC.

When NYC gets gray, add some color!

Step inside a world of color at this interactive art experience, where every room is a vibrant, hands-on masterpiece.

From a confetti park to a massive blue ball pit, Color Factory is designed for pure joy. Plus, sweet treats and fun surprises are included along the way.

Color Factory

Location: 251 Spring Street, New York, NY

Website: colorfactory.co

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm

Friday: 10 am – 7 pm, Saturday: 9 am – 8 pm

Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Cost: $29 – $37 per person (varies by day and time)

Insider Tip: The ball pit is a kid-favorite…save it for last!ย 

Museum of Ice Cream

A whimsical pink-themed room with giant melting popsicles at the Museum of Ice Cream in NYC.

A sweet escape from the rain.

The Museum of Ice Cream isn’t your average museum…it’s a sugar-fueled playground packed with larger-than-life ice cream-themed exhibits.

Kids can zoom down a three-story slide, dive into a sprinkle pool, and snack on unlimited sweet treats along the way.

Itโ€™s part art, part adventure, and all about ice cream-inspired fun.

Museum of Ice Cream

Location: 558 Broadway, New York, NY

Website: museumoficecream.com

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm

Friday & Saturday: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Closed Tuesday

Cost: $39 – $54.99 per person (varies by day and time)

Insider Tip: The sprinkle pool is a must, but be warned…those faux sprinkles have a way of sneaking into pockets, shoes, and everywhere else!

MoMath (National Museum of Mathematics)

Interactive square-wheeled bikes at the Museum of Mathematics in NYC.

Where numbers actually make sense.

At MoMath, numbers come to life through hands-on exhibits that make math feel like magic.

Kids can ride a square-wheeled tricycle, explore patterns and symmetry, and see math in action through puzzles and interactive displays…no calculators required.

National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)

Location: 225 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

Website: momath.org

Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm

Cost: Adults: $25 / Children (2-12): $20

Insider Tip: Some exhibits are so engaging that time flies…plan for at least two hours to fully explore!

Love exploring NYC museums?

These are our favorite Cool Museums in Manhattan that are just as fun as they are educational.

The Art Farm

A colorful indoor petting zoo with small animals at The Art Farm NYC.

Pet a bunny, dodge the rain.

Where else in NYC can kids meet a bearded dragon, cuddle a bunny, and get creative all in one place?

The Art Farm is an indoor petting zoo with unique hands-on activity spaces, offering drop-in play and special classes for animal lovers and budding artists alike.

The Art Farm

Location: 431 E 91st St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY

Website: theartfarms.com

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Cost: Drop-In Play: $30 (1 child + 1 adult)

Single-Class Drop-Ins (Cooking, Animal Encounters, Arts & Crafts): $30 – $58 (1 child + 1 adult)

Insider Tip: If your kid loves animals, check out the drop-in animal encounter class for up-close time with some furry (and scaly) friends!

MET 81st St Studio

A vibrant, hands-on art space at the Metโ€™s 81st Street Studio in NYC.

Art meets imagination.

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to get creative, and this hands-on art and science play space at The Met 81st Street Studio is made for curious kids.

Designed for ages 3 to 11, the studio is packed with interactive exhibits, from digital carving stations to a giant marimba you can actually play.

Itโ€™s an engaging way to spend a drizzly afternoon while keeping little hands busy.

81st Street Studio

Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY (Enter at 81st St & Fifth Ave)

Website: metmuseum.org

Hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Wednesdays)

Cost: Free (no museum admission required)

Insider Tip: Entry is first-come, first-served, and spots fill up fast…arrive early to grab a time slot!

NYC Rainy Day Activities That Feel Like an Adventure

Some rainy days in New York City call for something bigger, bolder, and way more exciting than just waiting out the weather.

Step into surreal exhibits, time-travel through history, or get the VIP star treatment, these rainy day spots turn a gray day into something worth talking about.

American Museum of Natural History

A giant stibnite crystal on display at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

Science that rocks.

The American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of wonders, offering families an opportunity to explore the natural world without getting their shoes muddy.

From towering dinosaur skeletons to the mesmerizing dioramas of distant ecosystems, it’s a place where curiosity runs wild and learning feels like an adventure.

The American Museum of Natural History

Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY

Website: amnh.org

Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm

Cost: Adults: $25 / Children (3-12): $14

Insider Tip: The museum is huge…grab a map or use the Explorer app to avoid backtracking with tired little legs!

Milk and Cookies Kids Spa

Two children getting manicures at Milk & Cookies Kids Spa in NYC.

Mini manis and sweet treatsโ€”yes, please!

Milk & Cookies Kids Spa is a delightful haven where children can indulge in pampering treatments designed just for them.

From ice cream-scented manicures to chocolate facials, this spa offers a range of sweet-themed services that make self-care fun and engaging for kids.

Each visit concludes with a complimentary fresh-baked cookie and milk, adding a delicious touch to the experience.

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Milk & Cookies Kids Spa

Location: 233 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016

Website: milkandcookieskidsspa.com

Hours: Appointment availability varies; visit the website or call to schedule.

Cost: Service prices vary; Visit the Spa Menu for full list of offerings.

Insider Tip: Consider booking a parent-child package for a shared pampering experience. The spa also offers a “create your own” station where kids can mix up their own bath goodies to take home!

Madame Tussauds

The entrance of Madame Tussauds in Times Square, featuring a wax figure of Jimmy Fallon.

Hang with the starsโ€”no umbrella required.

Itโ€™s not every day you get to stand next to Taylor Swift, The Rock, and the Ghostbusters all in one place.

Madame Tussauds is part museum, part fever dream, where shockingly lifelike wax figures let you grab a selfie with your favorite stars…no awkward fan encounters required.

Madame Tussauds

Location: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY

Website: madametussauds.com/new-york

Hours: Daily: 10 am – 7 pm

Cost: Prices start at $39.99 if booked online in advance. (deals can often be found on secondary websites)

Insider Tip: The whole experience takes about an hour, making it a solid stop to ride out a rainstorm without committing to an all-day attraction.

Mercer Labs

A surreal pink-hued room with a unicorn projection at Mercer Labs in NYC.

Art, but make it an experience.

Rainy days call for something out of the ordinary, and Mercer Labs delivers.

This immersive art and technology museum is packed with mind-bending light installations, interactive soundscapes, and surreal exhibits that make you feel like youโ€™ve stepped into another dimension.

Mercer Labs

Location: 21 Dey Street, New York, NY

Website: mercerlabs.com

Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11 am – 8 pm

Thursday – Friday: 11 am – 12 am

Saturday – Sunday: 10 am โ€“ 12 am

Cost: Adults: $52 / Youth (under 18) $46

Insider Tip: Expect to spend at least an hour getting lost in the exhibits…thereโ€™s a lot to take in!

Things to Do in NYC on a Rainy Day for Competitive Fun

Think youโ€™ve got the best aim, the fastest reflexes, or the sharpest mind? Time to put those skills to the test.

These competitive indoor NYC activities bring out the best, the worst, and the most hilariously dramatic family rivalries.

SPIN NYC Flatiron

A stylish ping-pong lounge inside SPIN NYC Flatiron.

Competitive? Casual? Either way, grab a paddle.

If your family thrives on a little friendly competition, SPIN NYC Flatiron is the place to be.

This ping pong lounge is packed with pro-level tables, music, and a lively atmosphere that makes even the worst backhands feel like a win.

Itโ€™s a great way to burn off energy indoors…no rain delays here.

SPIN NYC Flatiron

Location: 48 E. 23rd St., New York, NY

Website: wearespin.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Friday: 4:00 pm – 1:00 am

Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Cost: Monday: $29 per hour per table

Tuesday – Thursday: $49 per hour per table

Friday – Saturday: $59 per hour per table

Sunday: $25 per hour per table

Insider Tip: SPIN is 21+ after 9 pm, so plan an earlier visit if youโ€™ve got younger players in the mix.

Escape the Room NYC

Locked in a room with just 60 minutes to escape-sounds like a stressful family vacation, but here, itโ€™s all part of the fun.

With themed rooms full of hidden clues and tricky puzzles, Escape the Room NYC is an immersive experience that will get the whole crew working together.

Rain or shine, it’s an adventure waiting to happen.

Escape the Room NYC

Location: 24 W 25th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY

Website: escapetheroom.com

Hours: Daily 10 am – 11 pm

Cost: Weekdays: $39 per person / Weekends: $41 per person

Insider Tip: Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends!

Chaotic Good Game Cafรฉ

Wall of board games inside Chaotic Good Cafรฉ, a cozy game lounge in NYC.

Because Monopoly is more fun with snacks.

Rainy days and board games are a perfect match, and Chaotic Good Cafรฉ has over 500 games to keep the fun rolling.

Whether youโ€™re strategizing over a classic or trying something new, this cozy Upper West Side spot is the ultimate hangout for families looking to unplug and play.

Chaotic Good Game Cafรฉ

Location: 200 W 84th Street, New York, NY

Website: chaoticgoodcafe.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 10 pm

Friday: 8 am – 11 pm

Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm

Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm

Cost: $ 5 per person for 1 hour of board game play or $12 per person for unlimited playtime.

Insider Tip: Kids play free until noon on weekends!

Not sure what to play? Ask the staff…theyโ€™ll help you find the perfect game for your crew!

Dave & Busterโ€™s Times Square

When the weather’s not playing nice, head to Dave & Buster’s in Times Square for a full day of indoor excitement.

This massive entertainment complex combines a bustling sports bar, a full-service restaurant, and an expansive arcade filled with the latest games.

Dave & Buster’s Times Square

Location: 234 West 42nd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY

Website: daveandbusters.com

Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 10 am – 12 am

Wednesday – Thursday: 10 am – 1 am

Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 2 am

Cost: Menu items range from $10 to $20, and game prices vary.

Insider Tip: Wednesdays are half-priced gameplay ALL day!

Bowlero Times Square

Bowling, but New York City style… Bowlero Times Square is a 90,000-square-foot entertainment hub with blacklight lanes, massive video walls, and an arcade packed with tons of games.

Whether you’re here to bowl, game, or just kick back with some over-the-top snacks, itโ€™s a solid way to spend a rainy day in New York City.

Bowlero Times Square

Location: 222 West 44th Street, New York, NY

Website: www.bowlero.com

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm

Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am

Cost: Around $35 per person for a 2-hour lane reservation (up to 8 bowlers per lane)

Insider Tip: After 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, Bowlero is 21+, so plan for an earlier visit with the kids!

Rainy Day Retail:
Fun Places to Shop in NYC

A rainy day in New York City is the perfect excuse to shop, snack, and explore without ever stepping outside.

From iconic toy stores to food-filled markets, these NYC spots make sure retail therapy is fun for everyone!

CAMP NYC

Colorful and interactive play areas inside CAMPโ€™s family experience store in NYC.

A toy storeโ€ฆ but make it magical.

Step through the Magic Door at CAMP NYC, where every visit is a new adventure.

This family experience store offers interactive themed areas, hands-on activities, and a curated selection of toys and gifts.

It’s a place where shopping meets a magical world, ensuring fun for both kids and parents alike.

CAMP NYC

Location: 110 5th Ave, New York, NY

Website: www.camp.com

Hours: (the weirdest store hours…)

Monday: 9:45 am – 4 pm

Tuesday: 12 pm – 5 pmย 

Wednesday – Thursday: 1:45 pm – 7 pm

Friday: 9:45 am – 8 pm

Saturday: 8:15 am – 8 pm

Sunday: 8:15 am – 7 pm

Cost: Entry is free; prices for activities and merchandise vary.

Insider Tip: Check their event calendar online to book special experiences in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

Toys "R" Us at Macy's Herald Square

Remember the joy of being a Toys”R”Us kid?

Relive that magic on the seventh floor of Macy’s Herald Square, where over 14,000 square feet are dedicated to toys galore.

From the latest must-haves to timeless classics, it’s a wonderland for kids and a nostalgia trip for parents.

Toys “R” Us at Macy’s Herald Square

Location: 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY

Website: macys.com

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm

Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm

Cost: Hmmmmm

Insider Tip: Snap a photo with the life-size “Geoffrey in a Taxi” for a fun NYC keepsake!

The Oculus

The Oculus Mall in NYC with people walking through its bright, open interior.

NYCโ€™s most futuristic shopping experience.

When the weather isn’t on your side, The Oculus at the World Trade Center offers a unique indoor experience.

Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this striking structure serves as a transportation hub and houses the Westfield World Trade Center mall, featuring a variety of shops and dining options.

The Oculus

Location: 50 Church St., New York, NY 10007

Website: officialworldtradecenter.com

Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 7 pm

Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Cost: Entry is free; prices vary by retailer.

Insider Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

Hudson Yards Mall

More than just a mall, Hudson Yards is a sleek, sky-high shopping and dining destination.

With designer boutiques, kid-friendly stores, and plenty of places to grab a bite, itโ€™s an easy way to spend an afternoon without stepping outside.

Hudson Yards Mall

Location: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY

Website: hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Cost: Free entry; individual store and restaurant prices vary

Insider Tip: The Edge observation deck is right next door…if the clouds clear, you can end your visit with an epic city view!

Chelsea Market

A cozy flower shop entrance inside Chelsea Market, NYC, decorated with greenery and lights.

Rainy days call for fresh blooms and warm vibes.

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to eat your way through Chelsea Market.

This iconic food hall is packed with top-notch eats, quirky shops, and plenty of space to wander.

Whether youโ€™re grabbing tacos, fresh-baked cookies, or just browsing the marketโ€™s unique finds, itโ€™s a fun way to spend a rainy day in New York City.

Chelsea Market

Location: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY

Website: chelseamarket.com

Hours: Daily 7 am – 10 pm (vendor hours vary)

Cost: Free entry

Insider Tip: Fat Witch Bakery is known for its delicious brownies, and if youโ€™re lucky, you might snag a free sample!

Essex Market

A rainy day is the perfect time to explore this historic Lower East Side market, where longtime neighborhood staples meet bold new flavors.

From hand-rolled bagels to international street food, Essex Market is a foodieโ€™s playground with something for every craving.

Essex Market

Location: 88 Essex Street, New York, NY

Website: essexmarket.nyc

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 8 pm

Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Cost: Free entry; vendor prices vary

Insider Tip: Shopsinโ€™s is famous for its massive menu, but be ready…there are rules, and substitutions arenโ€™t one of them!

Things to Do in NYC on a Rainy Day That Scream โ€œNew Yorkโ€

You canโ€™t come to New York City and not hit the classics.

When the weather keeps you out of Central Park, these iconic experiences deliver that โ€œonly in New Yorkโ€ kind of day.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building towering over the New York City skyline.

Classic NYC views, rain or shine.

Thereโ€™s no better way to see NYC than from the top of its most iconic skyscraper.

The Empire State Buildingโ€™s 86th-floor open-air observatory delivers sweeping city views, while the enclosed 102nd-floor deck takes you even higher.

Rain or shine, this is a must-do for families looking to experience New York City from above.

Empire State Building

Location: 20 West 34th Street, New York, NY

Website: esbnyc.com

Hours: Daily: 10 am – 10 pm (Hours may vary slightly seasonally)

Cost: 86th Floor Observatory: Starts at $44 for adults, $38 for children (6-12)

86th + 102nd Floor: Starts at $79 for adults, $73 for children (6-12)

Insider Tip: Want to skip the lines? The Express Pass lets you breeze through security and get straight to the views…worth it on busy days!

Radio City Music Hall Tour

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Showplace of the Nation?

The Stage Door Tour at Radio City Music Hall takes you through the legendary Art Deco theater, from the luxe Roxy Suite to the grand stage itself.

Bonus: You might even get to meet a Radio City Rockette!

Radio City Music Hall

Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY

Website: radiocitymusichall.com

Hours: Daily: 10 am – 3 pm (tours last 60 minutes)

Cost: Box Office Prices: $33 for adults, $29 for children

Online Prices: $41 for adults, $38 for children

Insider Tip: Buy tickets at the box office to save a few bucks. If you visit during the Christmas Spectacular season, note that the tour entrance moves to 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues!

Summit One Vanderbilt

Visitors exploring the vibrant Bubble Room at Summit One Vanderbilt in NYC.

Walking through a daydreamโ€”NYC edition.

This isnโ€™t just an observation deck…itโ€™s a multi-sensory experience with mind-bending mirrors, interactive art, and sky-high thrills.

While clear days offer epic views of New York City, the immersive exhibits and mirrored floors make SUMMIT One Vanderbilt a unique adventure, rain or shine.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Location: 45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY

Website: summitov.com

Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 9 am – 12 am (last entry at 10:30 pm)

Closed Tuesday

Cost: General Admission: Starts at $42 for adults, $36 for children (6-12)

Insider Tip: Want an extra thrill? Upgrade to Ascent…a glass elevator ride that takes you even higher above the city!

The Tour at NBC Studios

Step inside 30 Rock and see where TV magic happens!

This 75-90 minute behind-the-scenes NBC Studios Tour takes you through legendary studios where shows like SNL and The Tonight Show are filmed.

Youโ€™ll even get to produce your own segment in their interactive studio…just donโ€™t expect a guest spot on air!

NBC Studios Tour

Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Website: thetouratnbcstudios.com

Hours: Tour times change daily based on studio filming…check the website for availability.

Cost: Adults: $48 / Kids (8-17): $42

Insider Tip: Kids under 8 are NOT allowed on this tour, so plan accordingly! Tickets are released a few weeks in advance, making this a great last-minute activity if spots are still available.

Grand Central Whispering Gallery

Child testing the acoustics at Grand Central Terminalโ€™s Whispering Gallery in New York City.

Pssstโ€ฆ the coolest way to chat at Grand Central!

A secret spot hidden in plain sight, this architectural quirk at Grand Central Terminal lets you send a whisper clear across the room.

Stand at one corner of the archway (downstairs, outside of the Oyster Bar), have the kids at the opposite corner, and say something quietlyโ€”the sound travels like magic, even over the terminalโ€™s usual chaos.

Grand Central Whispering Gallery

Location: Lower Level, Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd Street

Cost: Free

Insider Tip: Try it during off-peak hours for the best results…commuters donโ€™t love dodging tourists testing out the acoustics!

How to Spend Your Rainy Day in New York City

โœ”๏ธ Need to burn off major energy? โ†’ Complete Playgroundย 

โœ”๏ธ Want a hands-on, messy-but-worth-it experience? โ†’ Sloomoo Slime Instituteย 

โœ”๏ธ Have a kid who thinks every animal is their new best friend? โ†’ The Art Farmย 

โœ”๏ธ Looking for an adventure thatโ€™s equal parts fun and brainpower? โ†’ MoMath (Museum of Mathematics)ย 

โœ”๏ธ Need a classic NYC experience with kid appeal? โ†’ American Museum of Natural Historyย 

โœ”๏ธ Want to get a little competitive? โ†’ Chaotic Good Cafe

โœ”๏ธ In the mood for a sweet escape? โ†’ Museum of Ice Creamย 

โœ”๏ธ Have a mini pop star in the family? โ†’ Space Karaokeย 

โœ”๏ธ Love an interactive, totally unique NYC experience? โ†’ One Summit Vanderbiltย 

โœ”๏ธ Looking for free, hidden magic in the city? โ†’ Grand Central Whispering Gallery (You will love our Complete Guide to Free Things to do in Manhattan)

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No matter which rainy-day adventure you choose, one thingโ€™s for sureโ€”rainy days in New York City donโ€™t have to be boring.

So, grab the kids, ditch the umbrella (ok, maybe bring it just in case), and make the most of New York City, drizzle and all.

Happy (dry) exploring!

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