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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown

Fun activities

The weekend feels wasted without something engaging to do.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated April 2026
01
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - New Haven, CT image 1
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - New Haven, CT image 2
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - New Haven, CT image 3
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Dinner theater shines with energetic actors and a participatory crowd in a cramped space. It offers a very fun and interactive experience perfect for date nights and birthday celebrations. Expect laughs and lively group challenges.

The show offers a very fun and interactive experience with great characters and encourages group participation. It suits occasions like date nights and birthday celebrations, combining fun with some challenge.

People are saying

"This murder mystery dinner show is so interactive and fun!"

"I thought the food here was great."

"The performing arts here are hilarious and incredibly engaging."

Good to know

1

The show lasts about three hours, so plan accordingly.

2

Seating can affect your experience; sit closer to the action for better visibility.

3

Parking at the venue is limited, so arrive early.

02
Escape New Haven image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center features intricate puzzles and immersive themes that spark teamwork and fun. Helpful staff like Joe boost the experience. High-tech design and thoughtful details make every visit engaging and stimulating.

Escape rooms offer fun and challenging puzzles that require teamwork. Staff like Joe add to the experience by being helpful and engaging.

People are saying

"The game master Mike made our fun activities so great and accommodating."

"This is a great spot for a fun anniversary date."

"The puzzles and stories here are really creative and interesting."

Good to know

1

The Before Moonrise room is highly recommended for a fun experience.

2

Escape rooms are suitable for both adults and kids, making it a family-friendly option.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for popular rooms like Before Moonrise.

03
Wheelhouse Cycling Studio image 1

State-of-the-art cycling studio offers high energy workouts with knowledgeable instructors in a welcoming environment. Spacious, clean facilities enhance the experience, while cold eucalyptus towels provide a refreshing finish. Positive vibe makes sessions truly engaging and fun.

Classes offer fun and challenging workouts led by knowledgeable instructors. The studio has a positive vibe that makes in-person sessions more engaging than virtual ones.

People are saying

"The instructors at this Cycling Gym are amazing and inspiring."

"The instructors are so welcoming and teach newcomers well."

Good to know

1

The studio offers a wide range of class times throughout the week.

2

Classes are suitable for all experience levels, including beginners.

3

Different instructors bring unique styles to each class, keeping it fresh.

04
Chidori Revolving Sushi image 1

Rotating conveyor belts and motorized sushi trolleys deliver fresh dishes in a bright, clean space with interactive technology. Food arrives on robot boats and little cars, adding a playful touch with games to win prizes. Lively, fun atmosphere with kid-friendly energy and colorful decorations.

Revolving sushi offers a constant flow of menu items on a conveyor belt. Food arrives via robot boats and little cars, adding a playful touch with games to win prizes.

People are saying

"I loved watching the sushi parade around on the motorized rail."

"The sushi here is surprisingly good quality for the cost."

"It's a fun experience trying all the exciting sushi choices that roll by."

Good to know

1

Sushi starts to line up on the lane from around 5pm.

2

Each plate costs between $3 and $6, with most around $4.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly and offers a fun dining experience.

05
ALIGN Studio LLC image 1
Pilates studio

Pilates studio shines with soft lighting and candles for a calm vibe. Alex leads fun workouts that keep energy high and fresh. Supportive instructors help all levels focus on mind and body.

Classes feature fun and engaging instruction with Alex leading sessions that keep energy high. Every workout offers a different method that makes exercising enjoyable and fresh.

People are saying

"Alex and her team make this Pilates Studio so welcoming."

"Each instructor is so special and has their own unique flare."

"The classes are always super fun and offer unique moves."

Good to know

1

The studio offers a student unlimited membership deal for affordability.

2

Classes cater to all experience levels, making it accessible for beginners.

3

Street parking is available and the studio is easy to find.

06
Orangetheory Fitness image 1

Open studio space with natural light and brand new equipment creates an inviting workout environment. Coaches foster a supportive atmosphere that balances challenge with inclusivity. Classes offer intense, varied workouts that keep fitness fun and fresh for all levels.

Classes offer an intense, varied workout that stays fresh with repeating challenges. Coaches create a fun, inclusive atmosphere that supports all fitness levels.

People are saying

"The staff and coaches make the fun activities so welcoming and inclusive."

"The weight lifting gym workouts pushed me to be my best."

Good to know

1

Validated parking is available for gym members.

2

Free street parking is available on weekends.

3

The gym offers a variety of morning and afternoon class sessions.

07
Cafe Nine image 1
Live music bar

Cozy dive bar offers live music with jazz and punk rock. Grunge charm sets a lively backdrop for fun nights. Affordable drinks and a small size create a vibrant, welcoming space for diverse crowds.

Grunge atmosphere creates a lively backdrop for fun nights. The bar and music add to the energetic vibe, making it a great spot for hanging out and performing.

People are saying

"The bar had great music and a lively atmosphere."

"You can catch the Jazz Jam every Saturday afternoon."

"The live music here makes for really fun activities."

Good to know

1

Cafe Nine hosts live music events regularly, with affordable ticket prices.

2

The Jazz Jam occurs every Saturday, showcasing local talent.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during events.

08
Barcade image 1

Compact bar buzzes with retro arcade games and a standout Halloween pinball. Loud mix of 80s, 90s, and modern rock sets a chill atmosphere. Groups enjoy Bishi Bashi for fun and share tasty food together.

Numerous pinball machines and a hilarious Japanese 3-player game called Bishi Bashi offer a mix of cooperative and competitive fun. The spot suits big groups who want to play games separately but share food together.

People are saying

"I loved their great beer selection and tasty snacks."

"I found the burgers here to be amazing and outstanding."

"The retro arcade games here are so much fun."

Good to know

1

Games cost between 1 and 4 tokens each, equivalent to $0.25-$0.75.

2

Barcade offers a diverse selection of vintage games, including pinball and classic arcade titles.

3

Food prices are reasonable, making it a good deal for a casual meal.

09
Elm City Games image 1
Game store

Bright, clean space with extensive game library and comfortable gaming rooms invites fun and social play. Calm, inclusive vibe feels notably queer-friendly and welcoming. Affordable BYOB policy and Monday night puzzle club add to relaxed, playful atmosphere.

Bright rooms offer fun spaces to play and gather. A large selection of stickers adds to the playful vibe. Monday night puzzle club provides a fun group activity.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful, making it a great place for fun activities."

"The staff here is wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable about board games."

"It's a comfy place to hang out and shop for nerdy stuff."

Good to know

1

Elm City Games hosts regular events, including a fun Monday night puzzle club.

2

The store allows you to bring your own food and drinks for a comfortable experience.

3

Pricing is $10 per person for all-day access, which is competitive for local gaming spaces.

10
Firehouse 12 image 1
Recording studio

Recording studio and jazz venue blend into a secretive speakeasy with a moody atmosphere. Live music and DJs keep the vibe lively. Cozy seating and colorful decor make it a fun spot for dates or surprises.

A super fun speakeasy offers a great spot to surprise friends or bring a date. Events there add to the fun atmosphere and keep things lively.

People are saying

"The bar has a dark, moody vibe, like a secret place."

"I loved the creative and tasty cocktails here."

"It's a fun little speakeasy, like a secret place."

Good to know

1

They charge a $20 cover for entry.

2

There is ample seating available for larger groups.

3

The venue hosts a performance series for serious jazz listeners.

11
The Mead Visitor Center image 1

Mead Visitor Center offers striking architecture and beautiful campus views. Guided tours provide detailed historical narratives and access to restricted areas. Atmosphere feels reserved and unwelcoming for families, but walking around is a fun and engaging experience.

Walking around the Mead Visitor Center offers a fun and engaging experience. The guided tour adds insight and makes the visit worthwhile.

People are saying

"I learned so much about the history of this prestigious school from a student guide."

"The staff here are so friendly and knowledgeable."

"I found the guided tour fun and insightful."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find in front of the visitor center on the street.

2

You can sign up online on their website for the guided tour.

3

The tour lasted about an hour and included walking through the campus with historical stories.

12
Blue Orchid Pan Asian Cuisine and BAR image 1

Offers a queer-friendly atmosphere with local art on the walls. Energy shifts from laid-back days to lively nightlife with karaoke and a wide song range. Playful extras like Jello shots and rum gummy bears add to the fun and inclusive vibe.

A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy. Extras like Jello shots and rum gummy bears add a playful touch to the fun.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"I felt so safe and welcomed here as LGBTQ+."

"The karaoke here has nearly every song imaginable."

Good to know

1

Karaoke runs from 9 PM to midnight, with signup closing around 11:15 PM.

2

Drinks are only $4 during Happy Hour from 4 to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday.

3

They host community events such as art exhibitions, queer mixers, trivia nights, and karaoke.

13
Club Pilates image 1
Pilates studio

Modern studio offers small class sizes with fun 80's music themes that keep workouts lively. Instructors create a supportive, judgment-free space focused on well-being. Classes require advance booking due to high demand and a structured system.

Workouts feature fun themes like 80's music that keep classes engaging and lively. Each session offers a fun atmosphere that makes exercise enjoyable.

People are saying

"The instructors at this Pilates Studio are so knowledgeable and kind."

"The classes here are super fun and engaging."

Good to know

1

Classes are held every hour from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., including weekends.

2

Finding a spot without a 2-week advance reservation is difficult.

3

The app allows booking any class and managing waitlists easily.

14
The Trinity Bar & Restaurant image 1

Pub-style bar offers booth seating and a huge bar setup for relaxed eating and drinking. Multiple TVs and live music create a lively vibe, especially near the bar in the evening. Outdoor seating by the plaza adds a casual spot for gatherings and celebrations.

A fun pub atmosphere comes alive during celebrations. Some advise against it for a fun night, but it still offers a lively vibe at times.

People are saying

"It's a great, stereotypical Irish pub with proper pints."

"These nachos are huge and loaded with plentiful toppings."

"The service here is great, especially from Katie!"

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

2

Parking on the street is difficult; consider using a garage.

3

Food and drink prices are considered affordable, with burgers and fries specials.

15
Toad's Place image 1
Live music venue

Small venue with intimate setting and excellent sound system creates a lively atmosphere. Live music keeps energy high, making it a fun experience. Two bars and side seating offer comfort while enjoying close stage views.

Live music creates a fun atmosphere with shows that keep energy high. The place offers an all-around fun experience that stays consistent over time.

People are saying

"It's a great place for live shows and concerts."

"Finding parking was super easy and abundant."

"I had a hell of a time with the fun shows."

Good to know

1

Parking is abundant during events, but metered street parking is also available.

2

DJ nights are 18+, while bands are for those over 21 to drink.

3

A jacket check is available for $2 to keep warm while walking to the venue.

16
College Street Music Hall image 1

Small venue with great acoustics offers lively atmosphere and safe environment for fun events. Tiered floor and balcony provide excellent sight lines and close connection to performances. Cozy space can get warm during shows.

Events here offer lots of fun and a safe environment. Shows create a lively atmosphere that keeps the energy high.

People are saying

"I had a blast at the live shows here; it's a great venue."

"It's a small, intimate venue, perfect for getting up close."

"I had so much fun seeing a show here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for attendees.

2

The venue has good acoustics, enhancing the overall experience.

3

Seating in the upper balcony may have obstructed views due to railings.

17
Secrets image 1

Nightclub boasts two rooms with distinct vibes and a sleek design. Top DJs spin eclectic music that keeps energy electric and crowd dancing. Friendly, stylish crowd enjoys a lively atmosphere perfect for fun nights out.

Electric vibe and friendly crowd make for fun nights out. The place offers a lively atmosphere that keeps the energy high.

People are saying

"The nightclub security here is professional and always makes you feel safe."

"The DJ played a perfect mix that kept everyone dancing."

"The music here is amazing, keeping everyone dancing all night."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines as the club gets packed quickly.

2

Secrets has two rooms with different DJs, offering a variety of music.

3

Entry fees can vary, so check ahead before arriving.

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