You found our list of the best fun group activities in NYC, NY.
Fun group activities in NYC are events and activities that allow your team to get better acquainted with one another. For example, you can tour Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, view modern art at MOMA, or attend a performance at Lincoln Center. The purpose of these activities is to foster connections and build a sense of community among employees in The Big Apple.
These experiences are examples of group activities for adults and team bonding ideas. The activities are similar to NYC company outings and NYC team building events.
This list includes:
- small group activities in NYC, NY
- large group activities in NYC
- group activities for adults in NYC
- fun things to do in NYC as a group
- group activities in New York City
Here we go!
List of fun group activities in NYC
From visiting Central Park to tasting some of the best cheesecake in the world, here is a list of company outing ideas in NYC.
1. Central Park Scavenger Hunt (Staff Favorite)
With the Central Park Scavenger Hunt, you can discover the allure of one of New York City’s top attractions and capture unforgettable moments!
Here is what to expect during this 90-minute experience:
- an exceptional host who shares unexpected stories and lesser-known facts
- a picturesque journey from Strawberry Fields to Columbus Circle
- an engaging photo scavenger hunt complete with captivating challenges and trivia
- a victorious team and a memorable group photo
Most importantly, this team building adventure will put your knowledge, creativity, and collaboration skills to the test. By joining this remarkable event, you can unveil the hidden gems of Central Park!
Learn more about the Central Park Scavenger Hunt.
2. Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt (Highly Rated)
As your team embarks on the Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt at The Met, you can unleash captivating tales of art and culture!
This 90-minute experience offers the following:
- an expert host to provide instructions and share intriguing stories
- narratives that transport you to realms of art and culture
- trivia and photo challenges that inspire teams to interact with the artwork
- activities that offer fresh perspectives on the art and artifacts
Additionally, entry to the museum is included in the cost of the experience. By embarking on this extraordinary scavenger hunt at The Met, you can immerse your team in a unique cultural world!
Learn more about the Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt.
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3. Field Day (Popular)
Through Field Day’s outdoor games and competitions, you can uplift spirits, strengthen relationships, and cultivate essential workplace skills.
Here is what to expect during Field Day:
- 90 minutes with a high-energy host
- a mix of exciting new competitions and classic outdoor games
- childhood favorite activities that spark players’ memories
- photo ops to capture fun team memories
In addition, we will meet you at your venue of choice with all the needed supplies. If you are looking to promote teamwork and camaraderie, then check out Field Day!
Learn more about Field Day.
4. RiseNY
RiseNY is a great way to see New York virtually! This experience offers a replica of the first New York subway, a NYC memorabilia museum, and a flight simulation ride. During the film, visitors will walk through a replica of the City Hall subway station to watch a video on New York’s timeline. Jeff Goldblum narrates the story of NYC from 1904 to the present day.
The museum has seven interactive exhibits detailing iconic New York businesses like fashion, musicals, and television. Finally, the flight simulation is a 4D experience that takes visitors across the skyline. The simulation features an 8k 40-foot projection dome, wind, mist, and scents. Visiting each exhibit takes 60 to 90 minutes, but folks are welcome to stay as long as they want.
Learn more about RiseNY.
5. Attaboy
Attaboy offers visitors a fun and unique speakeasy experience. Visitors can enjoy private cocktail classes and tastings for up to eight participants on select Saturdays. Available drinks include pineapple daiquiris and mojitos. Teams of six or fewer are welcome to stop by any day of the week, as Attaboy does not take reservations. If larger groups are interested in this venue, then they can book a private event.
Learn more about Attaboy.
6. Break Bar
Break Bar adds a fun twist to the classic rage rooms. Folks start by ordering a drink and then smash the empty glasses! The throwing range features fun targets like bells and even public figures. Teams can order beer flights to get more glasses to break or simply get buckets of empty bottles. Break Bar also offers delicious meals and snacks, such as truffle pizzas and loaded fries. Visitors can keep an eye out for seasonal events like New Year’s Eve parties, and they can book private events for more than ten individuals. To have a drink and break it, too, be sure to stop by!
Learn more about Break Bar.
7. Hoodwinked Escape
Escape rooms make for a great team outing, so check out Hoodwinked Escape! This 60-minute experience challenges teammates to work together to solve puzzles, riddles, and codes.
Here are the available games:
- The Shadow’s Nest: A horror-themed experience that may draw players into the shadows
- The Experiment: A human research project where teams must bring a human subject back to life
- Spirit of Harlem: A journey through the Mecca of Soul to escape with Harlem’s Crown Jewels
Teams can book escape room experiences and leadership workshops that are perfect for team building.
Learn more about Hoodwinked Escape.
8. Chocolate Noise
If you have never heard of a chocolate sommelier, then a team outing at Chocolate Noise is a must. This bean-to-bar artisan chocolate shop offers in-person tastings to expand the palates of chocolate lovers. Hour-long sessions can accommodate teams of any size, with onsite spaces available for groups of up to 12 tasters. Participants will learn to discern tasting notes in three different chocolate bars. Courses that cover chocolate and wine pairings add an extra element of luxury to the experience.
Learn more about Chocolate Noise.
9. Junior’s Cheesecake
Cheesecake at Junior’s holds a special place on the list of fun things to do in NYC as a group. This beloved NYC diner offers several locations around the city for eager diners to taste the goodness. With 11 luscious cheesecake flavors sharing the menu, including a sugar-free version for diners with restricted diets, there is a treat to please every palate. For teams interested in getting a cheesecake to go, the bakery menu includes ten extra flavors in tempting combinations like Devil’s Food and Brownie Explosion.
Learn more about Junior’s Cheesecake.
10. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
Teams can get close-up views of American history with a tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Excursions include admission to museums at each location, with audio tours and round-trip ferry service provided at no extra charge. As part of the Crown Reserve package, teams can also ascend to the top of Liberty’s crown. This added feature reveals the fascinating inner structure of the statue and provides unforgettable views of the skyline.
Learn more about Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
11. Off-Broadway Shows
Some of the best theater in NYC happens in the smaller theaters off-Broadway. These spaces are fun team outings for groups with an affection for smaller productions and experimental entertainment. With schedules listed months in advance, employees can choose a convenient matinee or an evening show for a night on the town. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars nearby to stop for dinner or drinks afterward.
Learn more about the Off-Broadway schedule.
12. Color Factory
Unique celebrations of color are the order of the day at Color Factory. This interactive art space combines clever installations and immersive rooms, all brightly hued for optimal happiness. The facility partners with local organizations to maintain a strong connection to the surrounding community. Every presentation invites viewers to play and experience emotion in the purest form possible. The visual splendor provides plenty of photo ops for sharing on social media.
Learn more about Color Factory.
13. Lombardi’s
Lunch at Lombardi’s lets teams enjoy classic pizza in America’s first pizzeria. Gennaro Lombardi opened this historic diner in 1905, and his version of Naples pizza became the true New York style. Curious crews can soak up the history in the original location in Little Italy. The décor may have changed through the years, but the coal oven-baked pizza still adheres to the original Lombardi recipe.
Learn more about Lombardi’s.
14. The Strand Bookstore
With an entire floor dedicated to rare titles, the Strand is a book lover’s dream come true. Bestsellers and classics crowd the shelves in three-and-a-half stories of wall-to-wall literature. Visitors can lose themselves searching for their favorite contemporary works or get lost in historic volumes while exploring the first editions in the Rare Book Room.
If large group activities in NYC are a requirement, then the Strand rents out the Rare Book Room for parties and special events.
Learn more about The Strand.
15. The Ride
The Ride is a tour of the city like no other in NYC. Teams travel in a customized bus that turns the streets of the Big Apple into a stage where anything can happen. A pair of hosts provide hilarious commentary during a 75-minute exploration of the city. You can book for teams of ten or more riders at a group rate.
For groups needing a more exclusive experience, corporate and private packages allow for a customized ride featuring a customized script and personalized touches throughout your event.
Learn more about The Ride.
16. The Doughnut Project
The Doughnut Projects takes inspiration for their fabulous flavors from gourmet foods and cocktails. These artisan pastries include sweet and savory combinations such as the Everything Doughnut, with all the toppings of an Everything bagel, and a bacon maple bar topped with a strip of real bacon! Of course, traditionalists in the group will also find Old Fashioneds and maple crullers on the menu.
Learn more about The Doughnut Project.
17. The Museum of Broadway
Broadway is a world-renowned theater, and The Museum of Broadway memorializes this space. Visitors get to see a timeline of Broadway’s entire history. Then, guests can get a peek behind the curtains and see the making of a show. The museum also offers special exhibits, such as The American Theatre As Seen By Hirschfeld. Of course, guests can see iconic artifacts from classic shows. In addition, the space has a rehearsal studio that can be used for educational classes, panel discussions, and event rentals. Broadway lovers should definitely stop by the gift shop before leaving.
Learn more about The Museum of Broadway.
18. MOMA
Fans of modern art can count on an eye-opening outing at MOMA. This museum in Midtown Manhattan contains a compelling collection of contemporary works. Pieces include traditional artworks, films, performance pieces, and archives from the 1800s. Teams can follow the evolution of modern art and get a glimpse of what lies on the horizon.
Learn more about MOMA.
19. Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is a renowned theater that presents a thrilling selection of music, film, theater, and dance performances. Teams that enjoy cultural events can choose a ballet or an opera for a formal outing or a stand-up comedy show for lighter fare. The calendar also includes events in the center’s cinema and outdoor performances on the plaza. Some of these events include free admission, a bonus for teams on a budget.
Learn more about Lincoln Center.
20. The Dead Rabbit
If your search for group activities for adults in NYC includes beverages, try The Dead Rabbit, one of the city’s premier cocktail bars. The atmosphere is warm like an Irish pub, with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and a full menu of elegant bar bites served throughout the day.
Teams interested in a private event can reserve one of three private spaces. These rooms can accommodate between 20 and 80 guests, though there is also plenty of room at the bar to provide enjoyable small group activities in NYC, NY.
Learn more about The Dead Rabbit.
21. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Fun team outing ideas in NYC aren’t complete without this quintessential landmark. During warm weather months, Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace provides teams with a 1970s roller rink experience. When winter arrives, ice skating under the colossal Rockefeller Center Christmas tree makes a special outing that turns the entire crew into kids for an afternoon. Admission to the rink and skate rentals are separate charges.
Learn more about The Rink at Rockefeller Center.
22. Radio City Music Hall
This world-famous performance center is ideal for an array of team outings. A 75-minute tour gives teams a behind-the-curtain view of the theater where the Rockettes perform. For a full Radio City experience, teams can get into the holiday spirit with the Christmas Spectacular. Tickets are available from mid-November through the end of December.
While the team is onsite, you can extend your outing with a visit to the top of Rockefeller Center. The breathtaking 360-degree view of NYC at the Top of the Rock observation deck is a must-see, even for native New Yorkers.
Learn more about Radio City Music Hall.
23. Empire State Building
If your team is not bothered by heights, then a tour of the Empire State Building will give them a King Kong’s eye-view of NYC. A 90-minute guided tour explains the history and renovations of the building, which is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Sky-high observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors offer views that extend 80 miles on clear days. Teams can also explore exhibits that detail various aspects of the building, including one that puts visitors in the clutches of the great gorilla for an unforgettable Kong-sized experience!
Learn more about the Empire State Building.
24. Times Square
Times Square is one of the most iconic locations in Manhattan and is among the most fun team outing ideas in NYC. Teams can enjoy a trip to this electrified district, which is almost as bright at night as it is during the day! A public art program brings lively exhibitions that maximize the energy of the square. In addition, events like A Taste of Times Square and an all-day yoga festival each summer solstice provide opportunities for entertaining group activities in New York City throughout the year.
Learn more about Times Square.
Conclusion
NYC is a cultural destination of the world, filled with exciting activities that provide memorable moments for team members to share. The metropolis offers world-class entertainment venues, famous food on almost every corner, and locales that capture the city’s vibrant energy. With so much available throughout the city, teams will have no trouble finding fun activities to keep them engaged.
Next, check out team retreat ideas in NYC and corporate events in NYC.
Grace He