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Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream: Opening Day
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The best indoor amusement parks in New York

For year-round, weatherproof fun, head to an indoor amusement park in New York

Allie Early
Written by
Allie Early
&
Oliver Strand
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While NYC has an amazing array of outdoor playgrounds where kids can run wild and free, plus outdoor activities aplenty for burning off all that energy, there are times when the weather is not ideal for outdoor play. No worries — there are more than enough indoor activities for kids to keep them occupied, including a variety of indoor amusement parks in New York. Take the kiddos out for a full day of indoor fun featuring arcade games, bowling, go karts and more. These spots offer entertainment for the kids plus drinks and snacks to fuel them up for play. Whether you join the kids in a round of mini golf or just keep an eye on them while enjoying adult-worthy refreshments, these indoor amusement parks are perfect for a rainy or snowy day. For more family fun, check out indoor water parks and indoor playgrounds in the area.

Indoor amusement parks in New York

  • Things to do
  • Birthday parties
  • Red Hook

Put-put, ahoy! At this theatrical Brooklyn playland, kids embarkon a voyage around 18 holes of colorful pirate-themed minigolf, complete with sound effects, special lighting and other fun surprises. The custom-built arcade is home to 50 classic games like Pac-Man, Frogger and Donkey Kong.

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  • Attractions

This Westchester center boasts a total of 3 million Lego blocks that make up its attractions, from functioning Lego vehicles, interactive displays, and exhibits like Merlin's wizarding workshop to a Lego-themed cinema, where you can catch a 4D movie. Kids can learn how the colorful plastic bricks are made, take classes with master Lego-builders and even go on two Lego-themed rides. The expansive center also houses Miniland, which features replicas of landmarks and buildings in both New York City and the Westchester area.

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  • Restaurants
  • American
  • Midtown West
  • price 2 of 4

The behemoth food-entertainment venue offers virtual-reality simulators and Skee-Ball—plus Philly cheese steaks, salads and burgers. Dave and Buster's Times Square is a combination bar, restaurant and arcade. The venue is part of the nationwide Dave and Buster's chain, founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, when a restaurant owner (Buster) and arcade owner (Dave) decided to combine the services of their neighboring establishments.

  • Things to do
  • South Brooklyn

This DUMBO space promises a healthy dose of competition. Suit up for an adventure in a darkened, dual-level basement where you and friends can aim for one another and try to claim victory. Events and parties welcome! All ages are welcome, provided participants are able to handle the laser gun.

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This indoor amusement center boasts 100-plus arcade games (a combination of classic and new selections), plus bumper cars, an interactive XD theater and electric go karts. Little visitors will go crazy for Foam Frenzy, a three-level play space where kids and shoot foam balls from air cannons/blasters, and laser tag. Last but not least, there are also free-fall rides and a Super Twister gravity ride.

  • Things to do
  • price 2 of 4

Enjoy this 90,000-square-foot space with 48 lanes of black light bowling with HD video walls, seven new bowling lounges (with themes like Art Deco, Speakeasy, Pop Art, Central Park or Coney Island), a cool sports bar (for the parents!) and a new state-of-the-art dining space for guests. There’s also a sweet arcade in case you’re feeling competitive.

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No reservations are needed for Kidz Village’s two locations in New Jersey! Children ten and under can explore an engaging multilevel indoor playground and play areas that include a tool shop, movie theater and beauty salon, to name a few. There are also arcade games to try (DDR, Air Hockey, Skeeball and more). Kenilworth’s location includes a 1950s-style play diner with Elvis memorabilia, and Woodbridge offers a mini racetrack with pedal cars.

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