20+ NYC Experiences That Will Make Your Weekend Unforgettable
- Coleen Efondo
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
New York City is never short on things to do. When you want something more than the usual dinner-and-drinks routine, it’s time to explore the city’s most immersive, Instagrammable, and downright fun experiences. From colorful museums dedicated to ice cream to making candles in the shape of cakes, these spots are made for memory-making (and plenty of photo ops). Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, a unique date, or just want to shake up your solo city stroll, here are 20+ New York City experiences that guarantee your plans will be anything but boring.
📍 133-20 39th Ave, Flushing, NY, map + 2 locations
Win anime plushies and collectibles at this claw machine arcade built for fans. A fun quick stop for groups or anyone chasing their favorite character prize.
📍 616 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY, map + 1 location
Indoor adventure park with paintball, laser tag, ropes courses, and zip lines. One of the more high-energy NYC experiences, for when you want a weekend that feels like summer camp.
📍 439 W 15th St, New York, NY, map
Immersive art meets cutting-edge tech in rotating exhibits. Perfect for a night where you want your museum visit to glow, shift, and respond to you.
📍 255 Water St, Brooklyn, NY, map
Escape-room meets video game with a paint or foam “bomb” finale. Bring your most competitive crew because this one’s all about teamwork and strategy.
Watch our Experience at Beat the Bomb on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 2
📍 251 Spring St, New York, NY, map
Though we may not be the only city with a Color Factory, the New York City experience is it's own unique experiential adventure. Whether you're going with your kid or unleashing your inner-kid, Color Factory will give you colorful memories to last a lifetime.
Watch our Experience at Color Factory on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 3
📍 123 Baxter St, New York, NY, map + 1 location
Paint-your-own pottery studio where you design mugs, plates, or vases to keep. This is one of the most relaxing NYC experiences that lets you take home a memory.
Watch our Experience at Color Me Mine on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 11
📍 117B 11th St, Brooklyn, NY, map
Workshops where you can make neon signs, jewelry, furniture, and more. The vibe is creative but approachable. Another classic adventure where you leave with something you actually built.
📍 69 Mulberry St, New York, NY, map
A candle-making classes where you pour, scent, and decorate your own pieces. A cozy option for groups who want to craft and catch up.
Watch our Experience at Lanterne Candle Lab on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 8
📍 96 Lafayette St, New York, NY, map
An axe-throwing bar with cocktails, it practically sells itself as the perfect post-work hangout.
Watch our Experience at Live Axe on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 1
📍 336 W 37th St Suite 220, New York, NY, map
Turkish mosaic lamp workshops where you design your own lantern. Bright, crafty, and a little meditative. And by now, we're sure you know we love a take-home item.
Watch our Experience at Mosaic Art Studio on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 15
📍 558 Broadway, New York, NY, map
What started off as an extremely successful pop up has now become a permanent establishment in Soho for ice cream lovers. Immersive rooms, photo ops, and of course, ice cream stands sprinkled throughout.
📍 281 Mott St, New York, NY, map + 2 locations
Custom fragrance lab where you build your own perfume from scratch. A polished, elevated pick for a date or anyone who loves to smell nice.
Watch our Experience at Olfactory on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 13
📍 53 Delancey St, New York, NY, map + 1 location
Sip cocktails while you paint in a neon-lit, music-fueled studio. You can paint your own masterpiece or follow along with their trained artists who break it down into baby steps.
Watch our Experience at Paint ‘N Pour on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 10
📍 133-33 39th Ave Suite G9, Flushing, NY, map
Confession? I took my wedding photos here. Potobox takes the classic Photo Booth and elevates it to a fun Seoul meets NYC experience with props, frames, and more!
Watch our Experience at Potobox on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 18
📍 22-07 41st Ave Floor 2, Long Island City, NY, map
How many people can say they made their own rug? The bragging rights from tufting your very own custom rug are well-deserved—we promise.
Watch our Experience at Scattered Kind on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 6
📍 124 Madison St, New York, NY, map + 2 locations
Ever wanted a private spot to chill with your friends, watch TV, shoot some pool, and just enjoy the vibes without running up your own electric bill? Well, this is the place!
Watch our Experience at Sharks Pool Club on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 4
📍 621 Court St, Brooklyn, NY, map
Mini golf, escape rooms, dining, and an arcade all in one place! Family-friendly by day, but with plenty adult-only themed nights.
Watch our Experience at Shipwrecked on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 9
📍 185 Van Dyke St Floor 2, Brooklyn, NY, map
Hands-on glass art workshops, that is the perfect girl's night out experience. The Fuze & Booze class? Perfection.
Watch our Experience at Shiny Sparkle Labs on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 16
📍 28 W 36th St. 10th floor, New York, NY, map
One of our most viral TikTok reviews, and for good reason! Your art level doesn’t matter here. The classes turn bold concepts like shooting and working with fire into fun, easy-to-follow art projects.
Watch our Experience at Shot of Art on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 5
📍 471 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, map
Board game café with hundreds of options plus a solid menu of drinks and bites. A cozy pick for low-key hangs or first dates with built-in conversation.
Watch our Experience at Sip & Play on TikTok: Best Brooklyn Date Nights
📍 928 8th Ave, New York, NY, map
Ever wondered what kind of spy you'd be? Fancy yourself the next 007? Put your spy skills to the test with expertly designed challenges at Spyscape. You'll also learn about the history of spying, how to successfully be a spy, and where exactly you'd fit in the world of spying.
📍 242-09 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY, map
One of those NYC experiences that’s impossible not to love. Crafting your own cake-shaped candle makes for an effortlessly cute date, and their seasonal classes? Even more magical.
Watch our Experience at Studio Sukoon on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 13
📍 233 5th Ave, New York, NY, map (inside Museum of Sex)
Judgement free erotic fun can be hard to come by (all puns intended). Take your date on a night they'll be begging to repeat with these 4 immersive floors within the Museum of Sex (just maybe not for the first date😅).
📍 10-22 46th Ave, Long Island City, NY, map + 2 locations
Retro and intimate bowling alley with craft beer options. Casual, unfussy, and great for groups who want something lively but low-pressure.
Watch our Experience at The Gutter on TikTok: Non Boring Sh*t to Do in NYC Part 12
Will it be ice cream with chocolate fudge, reenacting Mr. and Mrs. Smith, or the Tunnel of Love? Whichever you choose we know you'll have an amazing time!
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If you visit any of these places don't forget to tag @popupgirlsnyc for a chance to be feature on our story!
