Here is our list of the best corporate event ideas in NYC, NY.
Corporate event ideas in NYC are ways to celebrate or run a work gathering and entertain the guests. For example, you can have lunch at Per Se or watch a performance at The Metropolitan Opera. The purpose of these ideas is to achieve the event’s objectives, which can be team-building, boosting employees’ morale, or commemorating a special occasion.
These activities are similar to company outings in NYC and team building activities in NYC. You can use these ideas as team building exercises or in the service of corporate retreat planning.
This list includes:
- corporate event ideas in NYC for adults
- outdoor corporate events in NYC, NY
- corporate party ideas in NYC, New York
- large group corporate event activities in NYC
- corporate conference ideas in New York City
Let’s get started!
List of corporate event ideas in NYC
Corporate events ideas include games, activities, and places where you can have a work-related gathering. Here are some of the best corporate conference ideas in New York City, ranging from touring the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to driving at RPM Raceway.
1. High Line Scavenger Hunt (Popular)
With High Line Scavenger Hunt, you can go on a journey of exploration that showcases nature, history, and breathtaking city views! We can host this experience for teams of any size, making this among the best large group corporate event activities in NYC.
Here is what you can expect during this 90-minute experience:
- a world-class host to share stories and secrets about the park
- a high-energy scavenger hunt throughout High Line
- challenging obstacles, clues, and missions
- a winning group and a final team photo
This friendly competition will boost your team’s camaraderie and teamwork skills in a fun environment. If you are looking for an exciting way to explore this railway-turned-park, then be sure to add High Line Scavenger Hunt to your agenda!
Learn more about the High Line Scavenger Hunt.
2. Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt (Team Favorite)
With the Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt at The Met, your team can embark on an extraordinary journey of art and culture!
Here is what to expect during this 90-minute experience:
- a knowledgeable host who will share fascinating stories
- activities that allow attendees to experience art and artifacts in innovative ways
- competitive trivia and photo challenges
- captivating narratives about mesmerizing realms of art and culture
Best of all, the cost of the experience includes entry to the museum. By delving into this captivating scavenger hunt, you can immerse your team in a world of unparalleled cultural exploration at The Met!
Learn more about the Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt.
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3. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)
The Great Guac Off is a dynamic experience that features avocado-based mini-games, trivia, and competitions! Teams will go head-to-head in this guacamole-making contest.
Here is what you can expect from The Great Guac Off:
- 90 minutes with an incredibly entertaining host
- engaging avocado trivia, mini-games, and competitions
- delicious ingredients to make guacamole and chips for dipping
- an optional secret ingredient to shake up the competition
- a spirited guacamole mash-off and judging session
In addition, we will bring all the needed ingredients to the location of your choice. Overall, The Great Guac Off is a team building experience that will leave your staff raving!
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
4. Wild Captives
Wild Captives is a woman-owned archery brand that sells archery products. For a great team building outing, you can stop by Wild Captives for an archery course! The venue offers an Intro to Archery class on weekends.
The one-hour course includes the following:
- Equipment rental
- Professional instruction
- 15 minutes of safety info and basic archery overview
- 45 minutes of solo practice and group games
Teams will enjoy learning the basics of this skill, and enthusiasts can buy some gear after the course!
Learn more about Wild Captives.
5. Little Island
New York locals and visitors alike will love stopping by Little Island, the city’s newest public park! The island sits on the renovated Pier 54. Teams can start their visit by taking a historical audio tour to learn about the neighborhood and pier. Then, folks can check out the landscape, from the main lawn to the overlooks to the amphitheater. Once visitors get hungry, they can stop by the food kiosk for salads, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Further, Little Island hosts regular events, such as performances by Grace McLean and Tonya Pinkins. For a sustainable stop on a team building tour, check out Little Island!
Learn more about Little Island.
6. Carreau Club
The Carreau Club brings the fun game of pétanque to the city! This game is in the same family as shuffleboard, curling, and horseshoes. During the game, players must throw a silver ball called a boule at a target ball. The closer the boule is to the target, the more points players earn. Whoever gets to 13 points first wins!
The Carreau Club has 12 pétanque courses, so teams can go head-to-head in this exciting sport! Once players work up an appetite, they can grab some snacks, salads, sandwiches, or pasta from the kitchen. Also, the club has a full bar on offer. Teams can book a private party, join a league, or simply walk in to enjoy this exciting game.
Learn more about Carreau Club.
7. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a sprawling food and shopping marketplace located in the heart of New York City. Visitors will find food, drinks, arts, culture, shopping, and services at the market. In addition, Chelsea Market is home to some Chelsea local businesses. Some local purveyors include Alf Bakery, Heatonist, and Saxelby Cheesemongers. Teams can also check out different events, such as live music, hosted yoga classes, and crafting workshops. Chelsea Market has so much to do that teams can spend the whole day exploring!
Learn more about Chelsea Market.
8. Gotham Comedy Club
Since 1996, Gotham Comedy Club has been bringing hilarious comedians to New York City. The venue’s opening night featured heavy hitters Sara Silverman and Dave Chappelle. Since then, Gotham has hosted greats like Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, and Trevor Noah. Teams can see performances most nights, featuring established comedians and newcomers alike.
If folks are interested in learning more about comedy, then they can take one of Gotham’s many courses! For instance, the venue offers courses on stand-up basics, comedy writing, and feedback workshops. After learning the basics, teams can try their hand at a New Talent Show!
Learn more about Gotham Comedy Club.
9. RPM Raceway
RPM Raceway provides European-style go-kart tracks on Long Island. If your team has eight or more players, then you can make a group racing reservation. Your colleagues will compete in teams, and the winner can even receive a medal. You will race and compete with up to ten players on the track for a smaller group.
Other options you can add to your experience are custom cakes, racing simulators, arcade games, food, and drinks.
Learn more about RPM Raceway.
10. Museum of Illusions
Visiting the Museum of Illusions is one of the intriguing corporate event ideas in New York City. Whether your event is for a happy hour or your company retirees, the Museum of Illusions provides a great environment to make the entire experience fun. The museum also offers a 60-minute guided tour on Mondays through Fridays.
Some of the museum’s exhibits include Optical Illusions, Ames Room, Kaleidoscope, Rubin’s Vase, and Head on the Plate. Museum of Illusions is an excellent place for your group to get immersed in the mindblowing rooms and even take amazing pictures.
Learn more about the Museum of Illusions.
11. Patent Pending
Taking a cocktail class hosted by Patent Pending is one of the best corporate event ideas in NYC for adults. The cocktail bar organizes 90-minute private classes for two to six guests on Mondays and Tuesdays. You will learn about cocktails’ history, flavors, spirits, and techniques. Your group will also make three classic cocktails.
Learn more about the cocktail class at Patent Pending.
12. Maru Karaoke Lounge
Singing at Maru Karaoke Lounge, located in Koreatown, is one of the best corporate party ideas in NYC, New York. You can book a private karaoke room for two or more hours. The lounge also has a culinary team that can take care of your group’s dining. On the menu, you will find a variety of drinks ranging from sparkling wine and beer to soju and whisky. You will also find Korean foods, including kimchi fries, spicy rice cake, and bulgogi nacho. Maru Karaoke Lounge follows a strict dress code, exempting clothing items like baseball caps, cargo pants, tank tops, and sweatpants.
Learn more about Maru Karaoke Lounge.
13. Per Se
Per Se is a nice French restaurant to have lunch with your group. The restaurant is famous for providing excellent food quality without repeating ingredients in meals on the daily tasting menus. Per Se has dining rooms with an intimate setting that can accommodate at least eight guests. If you have a large group, then you can reserve the East Room with an occupancy capacity of 66 guests for a seated event. The restaurant offers a drink menu containing fine selections of wine, cocktails, tequilas, liquors, and spirits. Per Ser provides two tasting menus daily. The reservation price varies depending on the tasting menu.
Learn more about Per Se.
14. Astoria Park
Astoria Park is a large and agreeable place to enjoy outdoor corporate events in NYC, NY. The park has various facilities you can use for a fitness-themed event. For instance, there are tennis courts open to the public for use. You can only use a maximum of six balls inside each court. Also, you must purchase a permit before using the courts.
You will also find a bocce court available for free use, but on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, you can swim at the outdoor pool for free. However, you cannot bring glass items, food, and electronic devices to the pool area. Astoria Park also has a 0.29-mile running track and a 21,500 square-foot skate park.
Learn more about Astoria Park.
15. Museum of Ice Cream
Visiting the Museum of Ice Cream will give your colleagues a fun experience filled with tasty treats. The museum operates all days except Tuesdays. The Museum of Ice Cream is ideal if you need a place to relax and channel your inner child. You can swim in the sprinkle-filled pool or navigate down the high indoor slide. Also, your group members can explore the museum at their convenient pace. The entire experience will last for 60 to 90 minutes. During your experience, you can have many ice cream treats available in a vegan option.
After your visit, you can also stop at the Cafe, Bar, and Retail Shop to further enjoy different ice cream flavors, cocktails, and milkshakes.
Learn more about the Museum of Ice Cream.
16. Staten Island FunPark
Staten Island FunPark provides a mini-golf course with 18 holes. You cannot bring your own golf balls or clubs to this location. A maximum of five players can use one hole. The park also offers special booking packages for groups with at least 20 players.
You can find a free parking space at the park available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also find a snack bar offering popcorn, ice creams, and soft pretzels. Aside from mini golf, Staten Island FunPark provides a go-kart trackway and nine batting cages. You do not need a driver’s license to race on the trackway.
Learn more about Mini Golf at Staten Island FunPark.
17. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a fascinating institution that houses collections recounting the devastating attack on September 11, 2001. Exploring this museum is a great way to learn more about the terrorist attack and the personal stories of victims and survivors. Your group can go on an expert-led tour for the best experience. If you plan to visit both the museum and the memorial, then the tour will last for 90 minutes.
The museum exhibitions include the K-9 Courage in honor of the dogs that contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts. Also, you will see displays on sports, artworks, and photographs relating to 9/11.
Learn more about the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
18. The Metropolitan Opera
Watching a show at The Metropolitan Opera is among the fun and relaxing corporate event ideas in NYC. Two hours before your performance, your group can dine at The Grand Tier. The restaurant can also prepare a special dining setting for groups having at least ten members.
You can extend your experience to include visiting the Lincoln Center or a backstage tour lasting 90 minutes.
Learn more about The Metropolitan Opera.
19. Escape Room Madness
Escape Room Madness organizes immersive games in Midtown NYC that will challenge your team to solve mysteries and puzzles while racing against time. The escape rooms can accommodate up to 12 players and last for one hour each. Some of the themes you can choose from are:
- Quarantine (Floor Five): You have to escape the lab of a scientist who intends to infect you with a virus and start an apocalypse.
- Masquerade (Floor Six): You will attend a masquerade ball to find evidence that connects the event’s host to a recent crime. You must also escape the event unnoticed.
- Prey (Floor Six): Your team will play as detectives charged with solving a mystery regarding a creature disturbing the town.
The escape rooms are only available for private bookings. You cannot get a refund if you intend to cancel your reservation. But you can reschedule your game date without paying a service fee if you give at least 48 hours’ notice.
Learn more about Escape Room Madness.
20. The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
For nearly 40 years, The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been making delicious treats. This family-owned and operated business makes unique flavors. Examples include lychee, pandan, and red bean. Daring employees can even try durian ice cream, which has a distinct scent. You can always check in to see which new flavors the firm has invented recently!
You can also enjoy ice cream cakes from this shop, which are perfect for events and celebrations. With three locations in NYC, you can enjoy tasty ice cream at any time.
Learn more about The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.
Conclusion
There are many amazing places to visit in New York City. Whether you are hosting a work conference or throwing a party to help your team relax, having fun during your gathering is quite essential. It would be best to seek the potential guests’ opinions beforehand, except if you are planning a surprise event.
Next, check out these lists of destination management companies and conference entertainment ideas.
We also have a list of NYC’s best holiday party ideas.
Grace He