Things to do near the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Founded in 1897 by the Hewitt sisters, granddaughters of industrialist Peter Cooper, the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to design (both historic and modern) has been part of the Smithsonian since the 1960s. The museum hosts periodic interactive family programs that allow children to experiment with design.

The iconic institution, which was founded in 1874, hosts all manner of events, including lectures (with boldfaced names like Eliot Spitzer and the late Nora Ephron), live music, dance performances and more. Expect special programming during Jewish holidays such as Passover and Hanukkah. Browse and sign up for classes at 92nd Street Y

Through innovative programs and classes, guests are invited to explore the diversity that is Jewish culture and tradition. Find live music, book recommendations, political conversations and theater all under one roof at the Streicker Cultural Center. Find a full calendar of events on its website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates! STREICKER CENTER OUTREACHSTREICKER CULTURAL CENTER

While Temple Emanu-El is best known as a synagogue, it's also a destination for variety of socially engaging events open to all. The progressive, multicultural and multigenerational community space offers classes for new parents (and grandparents), enrichment programs for babies and toddlers, social events for young professionals. The temple has also expanded to open a new Downtown campus in Chelsea, so keep an eye on its social calendar for upcoming concerts, book readings, films, art and more. FAMILY PROGRAMS20s/30s PROGRAMS

Collina Italiana serves as the leading Italian language and cultural center on the Upper East Side. Both adults and kids can learn Italian in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll get a well-rounded schooling in the language, including pronunciation, reading, writing and speaking. Conversation classes and speaking practice are available too. A little nervous about jumping into a new language? Grab an espresso or prosecco during class and you’ll feel right at home. Kids’ classes include arts & crafts, singing, dancing, games and more tools to help them learn the language (weekend workshops, school holiday camps and summer camps are available too). Dive deeper into the culture with courses covering Italian art, literature, music and… mmm… cuisine. Wine tastings, book clubs and lectures are available too. Prepare for your next trip to Italy or just feel like you’re there for a while — browse Colina Italiana’s full calendar of events and sign up for classes on their website below.

Named after French bibliophile Jean Grolier de Servières, this institution is a library and an exhibit space.

This New York City landmark houses a series of 16 period rooms from the late 19th century, designed by such luminaries as Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Herter Brothers. The Armory has been transformed into one of the city's premier alternative spaces for showing art; the beauty of this historical setting allows for interesting visual contrast with the series of contemporary projects commissioned by the nonprofit arts organization.

If you've always wanted to play your favorite songs on the piano, but have little or no training in music theory, then fear not: Chris Swan is at hand. You might not be aware that there are techniques you can learn (used by professionals!) that allow you to learn songs quickly by ear—and that's exactly what Chris can teach you. Either in virtual classes or in-person lessons in Manhattan*, you can learn to play the piano by ear, get lessons in beat production, studio recording, songwriting, reading chord charts... the list goes on. You can see the full suite of offerings here. Prices start from $200 for 30 minutes online or at Chris’ studio. Get started now!

City life is stressful, so naturally, you may want to recentre and treat yourself to a little spiritual healing. Perched by the East River, OHM Center is a dedicated space for meditation practice and wisdom training. Founded by acupuncturist, healer and meditation teacher Suzanne M. Hill, the space hosts a wide range of different classes that are designed to meet your needs. Whether you're at the very start of your meditation journey or you're an expert in all things zen, this is a welcoming atmosphere that's sure to keep you coming back. 

On Location Tours makes the dream of "set-jetting" a reality with their unique tours of popular NYC filming locations. Each of their guides are local actors and actresses who provide behind-the-scenes insider information and trivia about the different locations featured on the tour. Explore iconic sites like the apartment building from Friends, Carrie Bradshaw's apartment stoop from Sex and the City, the Met Steps from Gossip Girl and more! The tours are about two and a half hours long and available seven days a week. Find all the information you need to book at their website.