New York City in the summer is a whole mood—sun blazing off the pavement, crowded parks, and subway platforms that feel hotter than the actual sun. While rooftop drinks and ferry rides have their place, sometimes you just want to stay cool and do something that doesn’t involve sweating through your shirt.
Fortunately, NYC is packed with creative, offbeat indoor activities that help you beat the heat while trying something new. Whether you’re a local looking to shake things up or you’ve got guests in town who want to skip the usual tourist circuit, here are six unexpected indoor activities in New York that are as memorable as they are refreshing.
1. Attend a DIY Craft Workshop
When you’re looking for something hands-on, immersive, and comfortably air-conditioned, a workshop at Craftsman Ave in Brooklyn is hard to beat. These maker-led classes invite you to unplug, try something new, and walk away with a handmade item you’ll actually want to show off.
Here’s just a taste of what you can build:
- Woodworking – Craft your own custom side table, longboard, and more from wood.
- Knife Making – Forge a full-sized chef knife from steel, then sharpen it to a professional edge.
- Stained Glass – Learn to cut and solder colorful pieces into something beautiful for your windowsill.
- Leatherworking – Create a minimalist wallet or passport holder that looks straight out of a designer shop.
- Upcycling: Learn how to turn old wood, scrap metal, or reclaimed materials into something functional and beautiful.
It’s the kind of activity that’s equal parts mindful, productive, and fun. Whether you’re planning a creative date night or just want to try something new that doesn’t involve a screen, this is a refreshing way to escape the heat with purpose.
2. Visit an Indoor Rock Climbing Gym
If you want something more active but aren’t eager to do it outdoors, indoor climbing lets you work up a sweat in a cool, controlled environment. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between a gym session and a brain teaser.
NYC has some fantastic climbing gyms for all levels:
- Brooklyn Boulders (Gowanus) – A vibrant climbing and community hub with yoga, coworking, and friendly staff.
- Movement LIC – Wide open spaces with climbing routes and bouldering problems for beginners and pros alike.
This is one of those “you have to try it to get it” experiences—once you start planning your route up the wall, everything else melts away. And unlike your average treadmill routine, it keeps both your muscles and your mind engaged.
3. Explore Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars
Tired of the standard bar scene? New York is home to dozens of secret speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors, phone booths, and psychic signs. They offer a fun blend of adventure, ambiance, and creative cocktails—and they’re almost always cool, dimly lit, and pleasantly uncrowded.
Start your tour with:
Employees Only (West Village) – Disguised as a psychic reading storefront with serious mixology inside.
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) – Enter through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs in the East Village.
The Back Room (Lower East Side) – Step through a gated alleyway and sip cocktails in vintage teacups.
Whether you’re taking visiting friends out for a unique night or planning an impromptu date, these hidden bars feel like well-kept secrets—and offer the perfect break from the sun-drenched sidewalks.
4. Attend a Cooking Class
For those days when you want to stay inside but still feel accomplished, cooking classes offer the perfect mix of learning, fun, and food. You’ll get to try new techniques, discover recipes you can actually replicate at home, and leave with the satisfaction of having made something delicious from scratch.
Whether you’re mastering gnocchi or building your own sushi rolls, it’s an energizing way to spend a few hours—especially when paired with a glass of wine and good company.
5. Try an Aquatic Yoga Class
Yoga is great. But doing it in a cool, serene pool? That’s next level—especially when the temps outside are pushing triple digits.
Aquatic yoga combines traditional movements with the calming resistance of water, creating a gentle yet effective way to stretch, balance, and breathe. The pool adds an element of relaxation that’s tough to replicate in a standard studio.
It’s a thoughtful, body-friendly way to work out, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged—instead of overheated and dehydrated.
6. Take an Underground Tour of NYC’s Hidden Tunnels
Sometimes, to really escape the heat, you’ve got to go underground. NYC is filled with fascinating hidden spaces beneath the streets—tunnels, abandoned subway stations, and forgotten infrastructure that tells the story of the city’s past.
Tours that offer a glimpse into this hidden world include:
- The Freedom Tunnel – A graffiti-filled space beneath Riverside Park with decades of history.
- City Hall Station (via MTA or Untapped New York) – One of the most beautiful subway stations ever built, now abandoned and full of charm.
These tours are more than just cooler temperature-wise—they’re immersive, fascinating, and a chance to see a side of NYC that even longtime residents rarely experience. Just don’t forget sunscreen and water if your tour includes some above-ground trekking between stops.
Final Thoughts: Try Something Unexpected This Summer
When NYC’s heat hits hard, your options don’t have to be limited to hiding indoors with a fan or sticking to the usual haunts. From forging a knife in a sunlit studio to floating through a yoga sequence in a tranquil pool, there are so many creative ways to stay cool and curious.
Whether you’re exploring tunnels, mastering pasta, or discovering a hidden bar behind a neon sign, these indoor activities in New York offer a refreshing mix of fun, inspiration, and a break from the ordinary.
Ready to Make Something Cool This Summer?
Craftsman Ave is your go-to destination for hands-on workshops that beat the heat while giving you something real to show for it. Whether you’re here for the summer or just looking for your next creative adventure, we’ve got a class with your name on it.
👉 Explore All Workshops at Craftsman Ave
