Things To Do In New York Indoors For Tourists

While NYC is well known for its majestic skyline and landscaped parks, the city’s indoor treasures can actually rival its outdoor ones. Here’s a roundup of 10 great ways to spend your time indoors when in the Big Apple.

Free Entry with The New York Pass®

Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.

1. A Broadway Show

Take in a high-kicking Broadway show. There’s always a great lineup of popular shows. See the new Cirque du Soleil Paramour, the Lion King, Chicago, Waitress, Cats and much more. You won’t mind being indoors when at a terrific Broadway show. You can easily purchase tickets online. Tip: New York Pass holders can save 10% off Broadway tickets when purchasing through the New York Pass Concierge

2. Museum of Modern Art

Explore the Museum of art. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of modern art and showcases the timeline of art history. See masters like Monet, Manet, Pollock and Warhol. Plus, you can dine, drink and watch a movie all under the same roof. Films range from art flicks to indie foreign movies. Visit the bookstore and its gift shop for some cool souvenirs. Dine at Terrace 5 for some yummy dessert and indulge in some gourmet French-inspired fare at the Modern. A day at the Museum of Modern Art is just plain fun and cool. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass.

3. Chelsea Piers

You can golf, rock climb and play ice hockey, all indoors at Chelsea Piers. There’s even batting cages. This 28-acre waterfront complex stands over the Hudson River. It’s the ideal place to have some indoor fun and stay fit. Get your exercise on at Chelsea Piers. Admission: Chelsea Piers activities are not included with the New York Pass.

4. Madame Tussauds

Take a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square and head to the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street. It’s an entertaining afternoon, and you snap some selfies with famous celebs like Obama and Justin Timberlake. It’s both spooky and exciting. Plus, it has the exhibit Ghostbuster’s Experience. It’s a truly virtual ghostbusting reality experience and one of its newer additions. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass.

5. Bowlmor Lanes

Bowlmor is not yesteryear’s bowling alley. It’s got a cool soundtrack, shiny lanes and a full cocktail menu. And with its New York style comfort food, you can enjoy a two-foot-long hotdog-the Coney Mega Dog. There’s also a very large entertainment space with a video arcade, laser tag and a ropes course. Let the good times roll at Bowlmor. Bowlmor is a day of indoor adventure. It’s definitely a very distinct New York place.

6. American Museum of Natural History

Dart over to the American Museum of Natural History and explore nature indoors. There’s a massive underwater world in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life where you gaze up at a 94-foot blue whale. Discover the fauna and flora of the Big Apple. Meet the giant dinosaurs of yesterday and watch the solar system come to life in the Hayden Planetarium. It’s a walk on the wild side at the American Museum of Natural History. Admission: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York Pass.

7. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is a great indoor escape. It features classic architecture, many boutiques, a gourmet market and upend cocktails. See the famous astrological ceiling and take a detailed audio tour. You can even hop on a train or subway. If you’re feeling some hunger pangs, pick up some gourmet sandwiches at the Grand Central Market or some fresh seafood at Grand Central Oyster Bar. Enjoy a picnic on the grass at Central Park. It’s right nearby. Admission: Grand Central Terminal Audio-Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

8. Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool

The Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is the ideal indoor rooftop retreat. Take in sweeping vistas of Central Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also relax in its 40-foot long pool with its soothing waters. Get poolside room service, eat at the hotel’s famous Burger Joint and get access to the Gravity Fitness Center. There are basketball courts, racquetball courts and cardio machines. It’s more than just swimming indoors at the Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool. Admission: Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is not included with the New York Pass.

9. La Mano Pottery

Feel like getting your hands dirty? Head for La Mano Pottery. Take a pottery workshop in this large studio, which has electric kilns, throw wheels and pottery tools. You don’t have to be experienced. The workshops are for beginners too.There’s also a gallery of fine art exhibitions of pottery. Admission: La Mano Pottery is not included with the New York Pass.

10. Modern Pinball Indoors

According to CNN, this unique pinball parlor it totally retro. Play pinball on machines that date back to the 1970s while listening to retro tunes. You can get a pass for the day or purchase playing time by the hour. Who knows? Maybe you’re a pinball wizard. It doesn’t even have to be a rainy day to enjoy the city’s indoor treasures. You’ll want to be a part of it even if the sun is out. From indoor activities to outdoor activities, the Big Apple serves it all for tourists. And that’s one of the reasons why millions of folks around the globe take a trip to New York City. There’s just no other place like it on the planet. Admission: Modern Pinball is not included with the New York Pass.

Remember To Save on Attraction Admission

Paying admission to all of these attractions in New York City can certainly put a dent in your pocket. However, the New York Pass grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York so that you can enjoy more and save more during your trip. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.