Looking for the best things to do in the summer in NYC that don’t involve sweating through another rooftop happy hour? Same. Luckily, New York City is a thrill-seeker’s paradise—made for puzzle-solvers, adrenaline junkies, and anyone who’d rather chase clues than cocktails. This summer, we scaled warped walls at Ferox, went undercover at SPYSCAPE, and sipped Earl Grey on a double-decker tea bus. Because this city doesn’t slow down for the heat—and neither do we. Want to dodge lasers, go rock climbing, play real-life Squid Game, or smash ping-pong balls at an intergalactic party? These one-of-a-kind adventures are perfect for locals and visitors. Are you ready to discover the top things to do in the summer in NYC?
Table of Contents
1. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: SPYGAMES
YOUR SECRET AGENT FANTASY, ACTIVATED
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a spy? SpyGames lets you channel your inner Jason Bourne with missions, puzzles, and adrenaline-fueled challenges. You’ll dodge laser alarms, decode encrypted messages, and test your stealth skills all against the clock. It’s one of the most immersive things to do in the summer in NYC that doesn’t involve sitting still. Curious how we fared undercover? Check out our full SpyGames experience on here.
- Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (inside the SPYSCAPE building)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Ticket Cost: Off-Peak: $25/person | Peak: $29/person | VIP Pass $79/person
- What to Wear: Athleisure and sneakers. Go for black to nail the spy aesthetic. Bonus points for sunglasses, which are perfect for photo ops.
- Pro Tip: Go with a group of 4–5 for the best teamwork. Some rooms max out at 5, so plan accordingly. Buy tickets in advance to save $5 and skip the onsite fee.
2. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: AREA 53 ADVENTURE PARK
BROOKLYN’S BIGGEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND
If you’re craving action-packed fun, Area 53 is your go-to playground. This multi-level adventure park has it all: ropes courses, rock climbing, zip lines, an arcade, and even a roller skating rink. Bonus: they host adult nights, so you can let loose without dodging scooters and snack time. It’s one of the most adrenaline-filled things to do in the summer in NYC, rain or shine.
- Address: 616 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- Ticket Cost: $42/person
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- What to Wear: Athleisure and sneakers
- Pro Tip: Book an Adult Night on Thursday Night at 9pm for a kid-free adventure.
- Discount code: TWINS to save 15%.
3. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: SPACE PING PONG
COSMIC TABLE TENNIS WITH A TWIST
This isn’t your standard ping-pong match. Space Ping Pong is a blacklight, music-filled, intergalactic table tennis party. Expect flashing lights, themed cocktails and friendly competition. For those who want unique things to do in the summer in NYC that still feel social and energetic, this is your vibe.
- Address: 22 W 32nd St Floor 8, New York, NY 10001
- Table Rental:
- Fri-Sat $49 for the first 60 min, then $24.50 for every 30 min
- Sun-Thurs $39 for the first 60 min, then $19.50 for every additional 30 min
- Up to 8 guests per table
- Duration: 2 hours
- What to Wear: Neon or white for that extra glow under blacklight and sneakers
- Pro Tip: Make sure to get a cute photo op in the ping pong bathtub
4. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: SPYSCAPE
THE ULTIMATE SPY MUSEUM
Think museums are boring? Think again. SPYSCAPE isn’t just about looking at gadgets behind glass—it’s about stepping into the world of espionage. With interactive exhibits, psychological tests, and hands-on spy challenges, it’s one of the smartest things to do in the summer in NYC for anyone who loves puzzles, mysteries, or secret missions. Want the full debrief? Read all about our SPYSCAPE experience here.
- Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Ticket Cost: $37/child | $44/adult
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- What to Wear: Anything goes, but dress the part—think black, comfy sneakers, and sunglasses for bonus spy vibes
- Pro Tip: Book SpyGames right after for a back-to-back mission. Same location, double the thrill
5. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: FEROX NINJA PARK IN BROOKLYN
THE ULTIMATE OBSTACLE COURSE CHALLENGE
If American Ninja Warrior and a high-tech training facility had a baby, it would be Ferox Ninja Park in Brooklyn. This state-of-the-art spot is designed to test your strength, agility, and endurance with a range of obstacles that push you to your limits. Think warped walls, swinging ropes, balance beams, and a whole lot of upper-body challenges. When it comes to things to do in the summer in NYC that’ll get your heart pumping, this one is a must. if you’re lucky, you might just catch a real Ninja Warrior competitor in action.
- Address: 2 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Ticket Cost: $30.62 Weekday | $37.32 Weekend
- Duration: 1–2 hours depending on your stamina
- What to Wear: Athleisure, sneakers, grip socks for the trampolines
- Pro Tip: Book an evening session for fewer crowds, adult nights are on Fridays at 8pm
- Discount code: TWINS15 to save 15%.
6. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: SQUID GAME IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL CHALLENGE
Yes, you can play Squid Game in real life—minus the deadly consequences. his adrenaline-pumping immersive experience drops you into the heart of the hit Netflix show, complete with towering life-size sets, dramatic lighting, and that eerie red light-green light doll. You’ll compete in a series of classic childhood games—reimagined with high-stakes twists—while strategizing with (and sometimes against) your teammates. From the tense tug-of-war to the nail-biting marble game, every challenge tests your nerve, speed, and smarts. It’s one of the most thrilling things to do in the summer in NYC, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just craving something completely unexpected.
- Address: 526 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
- Ticket Cost: Weekdays $39/person | Weekend $49/person
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- What to Wear: Activewear and closed-toe shoes
- Pro Tip: Brush up on your childhood games—they just might come in handy
- Discount code: TWINS10 to save 10%
7. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: TEA AROUND TOWN
NYC’S MOST CHARMING MOVING TEA ROOM
Looking for relaxing and elegant things to do in the summer in NYC? Hop aboard Tea Around Town—a double-decker bus that serves afternoon tea as you cruise past NYC landmarks. With tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, this is one ride you’ll want to savor. It’s like London meets Manhattan, with zero walking required.
- Pickup: 888 7th Ave, New York, NY 10106
- Ticket Cost: Petite $79/person | Luxe $115/person
- Duration: 90 minutes
- What to Wear: pink or white summer dresses, add a hat or fascinator
- Pro Tip: Book the window seat for the best city views (and photos)
- Discount code: Twinspirational5 to save 5%
8. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: SPACE BILLIARD
GLOW UP YOUR GAME NIGHT
Looking for an out-of-this-world way to cool off this summer? Enter Space Billiard—a neon-lit playground for adults tucked in the heart of Koreatown. This cosmic hangout elevates your average game night with glow-in-the-dark pool tables and K-pop beats pumping in the background. Whether you’re channeling your inner pool shark or just showing up for the cocktails and selfies, Space Billiards makes for a stellar night out. Bonus: it’s indoors and air-conditioned and perfect for hot NYC nights.
- Address: 34 W 32nd St Floor 12, New York, NY
- Table Rental:
- Fri-Sat $40 for the first 60 min, then $20 for every 30 min
- Sun-Thurs $30 for the first 60 min, then $15 for every additional 30 min
- Up to 8 guests per table
- Duration: 2 hours
- What to Wear: Neon or white for that extra glow under blacklight and sneakers
- Pro Tip: Go on a weeknight for fewer crowds and better deals. Perfect for a pre- or post-dinner hang with friends.
9. TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NYC IN 2025: Paint ‘N Pour
Paint Like Picasso
Glowchella at Paint ‘N Pour is like Coachella’s artsy, tipsy cousin—just swap the desert for neon lights and a paintbrush. We headed to Paint ‘N Pouri for two hours of glow-in-the-dark fun, where we painted cacti under a UV-lit sun, added bats for flair, and sipped cocktails that made us feel like Picasso in party mode. Between brushstrokes, we devoured tacos and quesadillas, laughed way too hard, and fully leaned into the neon chaos. Our art? Honestly, it deserves a spot at the MoMA—bold, brilliant, and just the right amount of unhinged.
- Address: 53 Delancey St, New York, NY
- Tickets: $50
- Duration: 2 hours
- What to Wear: Neon or white for that extra glow under blacklight and sneakers
- Pro tip: Don’t overthink it—just have fun with it. The more you sip, the more your inner Picasso comes out (and trust us, he thrived in chaos)
So many fun ways to have fun – no cocktails required. Whether you’re climbing walls in Brooklyn or sipping tea in Midtown, these experiences prove you don’t need alcohol to have an epic time. From heart-racing activities to immersive worlds, these things to do in the summer in NYC are made for adventure-seekers, solo explorers, and friend groups looking to switch it up. Want more non-drinking fun? Follow us for even more ideas on things to do in the summer in NYC—and get ready to make this your most memorable season yet.
We couldn’t help but wonder… was summer in the city the real main character all along?
– Carrie Bradshaw
Hitting up an arcade in the summer is always so much fun! I imagine that the ones in NYC are especially fun to go to.
I love visiting New York City in the summertime! Each time I’ve gone has been in August, and the city is just bursting with life and fun thigns to do.
Ooo, my family went a few years back! They took part in leisure activities like the ones you’ve shared. Thanks for the update!
You’ve certainly found some hidden treasures of activities in New York City. Any of these would be a blast with a group of my friends.
If you can’t find something amazing to do in NYC, you can’t find it anywhere. This is an amazing guide!
The spy museum looks fully awesome. I love all the gadgets. That would be my first stop.
Amazing list of activities. Hopefully, I get to visit NYC very soon. Heard a lot about how exciting it is.
This is awesome, we are headed to NYC next month I believe, and we are definitely going to check out a few of your recommendations. I want to see the Spy Museum & the Area 53 adventure park.
OMG, these all sound like really good fun. I would love to go to that indoor playground with my friends. We are al for releasing our inner child and that would certainly help.
So much fun. The spy museum looks like a great place for me and my friends to check out for sure. I love NYC, so any new ideas I’m all for.
My family and I were in NYC last week for a few days to attend my niece’s graduation. We did a few fun things while we were there, but would have loved visiting some of these interactive places you mentioned if we had extra time.
The idea of doing a sunset sail sounds cool !! Didn’t thought of that as a summer thing in NYC. Definitely adding it to my list for next time. Thanks for the inspoooo 🙂
Now these are some fun ideas. I know anyone visiting NYC will have a blast!
So many fun ideas — I had no clue there was a tea bus, that sounds adorable. And the ninja obstacle course? That’s such a cool twist. Definitely saving a few of these for my next trip!
I would never get tired of visiting New York. There are just so many things to see and do. We’re huge Squid Game fans, and we’d love to take the ultimate survival challenge. Thank you for sharing the discount code.
It looks like there are plenty of exciting things coming to New York in summer. I’d love to go on the ultimate survival challenge. I think I would be really good at it
this is a fun and totally great for family-and-friends list of activities you have curated for us! i need to look for something similar in my area, and will share this list with friends and family in NYC area
This list makes me want to plan a trip right now. NYC in the summer sounds amazing, and I love how you included such fun ideas!