Magical National Unicorn Day Happenings in NYC

Expect a breakfast fit for a unicorn at this Brooklyn hotspot. The Bagel Store serves pumpernickel, sesame and all the other usual suspects, but it is best known for the Instagram-famous rainbow bagels. Self-described bagel artist and owner Scot Rosillo created the brightly hued bread, which exploded into popularity in 2016 when a video went viral on Facebook. Crowds still line up for the rainbow bagel or its sparkly cousin, the unicorn bagel, nearly every day (both $4.15). Yes, please! We'll take ours with an extra helping of magic and mysticism. 

Have a whimsical afternoon thanks to a pitstop at Brooklyn Owl, which offers little ones to browse bright unicorn horns for themselves or their pets, pick out magical accessories and even have a birthday party in this rainbow-clad shop.

At the mother of all sweet shops, tykes can pick out specialty candy such as whirly lollipops, gummi worms and even a Candy Land gift basket. The colorful oasis is a wonderful place to spend National Unicorn Day. Might we suggest snagging a Unicorn Gumball Tin ($7) or super-cool, neon Unicorn Poop ($6)—don't fret parents, it's slime! 

Flour Shop is a feast for the senses in every way imaginable, from the photo-worthy rainbow decorations to the opulent desserts. A mini Rainbow Cake Explosion ($30) and the Mini Cara the Unicorn Cake ($40) are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as National Unicorn Day...or, you know, Tuesday. In exciting, magical news, the founder of the beloved sweet shop, Amirah Kassem, will debut her new book, The Power of Sprinkles ($16.50) on April 9. Stop by the shop on April 13 from noon–3pm for a book signing, face painting and more magical fun. The event is free and open to the public, and the books will be available for purchase at $24.99. 
 

The carousels in NYC are easily the world's best, some with intricate designs dating back to the early 1900s! Many have been painstainkly restored to their original splendor so generation after generation can enjoy painted wooden horses, woodland creatures and chariots. There are newer carousels on our list as well, including quirkier picks like the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo and Totally Kid Carousel, which was actually designed by children. No matter which one you choose, a loop or two around is in order on National Unicorn Day. 

Color us stoked! The Color Factory—a collaborative and now traveling art exhibition—provides plenty of opportunities to flood your Instagram feed with rainbows. After a successful run in San Francisco, the creators transformed a 20,000-square-foot Soho space (located at 251 Spring Street) into an immersive selfie nirvana that is meant to help folks explore and appreciate how fun and joyful being surrounded by vibrant colors can be. It's a fun zone filled with whimsical installations, including a ball bit, confetti room, 1,000 multicolored ribbons and shimmering disco balls.

Home of the fish-shaped waffle cones, Taiyaki will pair up with another dessert connoisseur, Black Tap, to offer the one-day-only Unicorn Shake ($15) on April 9. Flap those unicorn wings, because only 40 treats will be available at each Black Tap location while supplies last! 

After a gaming adventure at Chuck E. Cheese's, little ones can refuel with a super-colorful snack: Unicorn Churros! Youngsters can get the treat for free on April 9 after purchasing 30 minutes of All You Can Play! Once the tykes have their post-game goodies, mom or dad can post a photo on social media with the hashtag #UnicornItChallenge for a chance to win a cool prize! Don't worry if you can't swing by your local Chuck E. Cheese's on National Unicorn Day, the churros will stick around until June 6. 

Thanks to Baked in Color, the classic chocolate chip and glass of milk combo is treated to a vibrant twist fit for a unicorn. Everyone's go-to snack has a hint of pizzazz courtesy of the cookie's bright rainbow hues. You'll never get tired of dunking and induldging when these sweet treats are in the equation. A single cookie, which is four inches in diameter, costs $3. 
 
 

The way to a heart is allegedly through the stomach, but in a social media-crazed world, we have to believe eyes play a factor in the hunger department. Decadent, over-the-top treats have a way of grabbing our attention and garnering likes, so opt for the most Instagrammable dessert spots in NYC when hunger pains kick in. We found the best ice cream shops, candy stores and cookie delivery services that pack in the flavor and photo-worthy moments—especially for your National Unicorn Day selfies. 

Tykes can let their creative juices flow anytime at this no-reservation paint-your-own pottery studio. Walk in and choose from a wide selection of pottery pieces and then choose from 40 paints and glazes. Might we suggest giving the Pegasus piece a go for National Unicorn Day? Visit The Painted Pot online for location information!