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Fun activities in Union Square

A bit of movement and distraction is the only way to break up the monotony of the week.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Claw machines and colorful cat decor create a lively, cozy space. Kids enjoy anime-inspired ice cream and fun activities like phone case decorating. Families love the interactive arcade and playful atmosphere.

Unique anime ice cream and a claw machine add fun twists to the visit. The arcade and phone case decorating offer interactive activities for all ages.

People are saying

"It's so much fun for the whole family."

"The staff here is so patient and helpful, making it really Kid Friendly."

"I loved their amazing bubble tea with cheese foam."

Good to know

1

The claw machines cost $2.50 to $3 each.

2

Games consume coins quickly, with most costing 4-5 coins.

3

There is no need to buy a card for the coins needed to play games.

02
Fred Astaire Dance Studios image 1

Spacious studio with a Union Square view offers a warm, welcoming space for dancers. Enthusiastic instructors make learning stress-free and fun. Great location and expert teachers support private lessons and wedding choreography.

Instructors bring enthusiasm and patience to every session. Learning routines feels stress-free and genuinely fun.

People are saying

"Learning our first dance here made wedding planning fun and stress-free."

"These dance studios made me feel confident and proud for my first dance."

"It's so fun learning a wedding dance with a patient, supportive instructor."

Good to know

1

They offer wedding dance lessons tailored to your song and style.

2

Private lessons include access to several group lessons each week.

3

The studio is clean and well-maintained for a comfortable experience.

03
GRIT BXNG image 1
Physical fitness program

Workouts feel like a disco vibe with neon lights and LED screens. Instructors keep energy high and social while upbeat music makes sessions fun and engaging. After class, a full bar invites everyone to hang out and enjoy shots together.

High energy instructors and upbeat music make workouts very fun and engaging. The community vibe adds to the experience, with people hanging out and taking shots after class.

People are saying

"This boxing place has a really fun, social vibe."

"The workout class was so much fun, I didn't realize how hard I worked."

"There was a bar waiting for me after class."

Good to know

1

The gym is now a memberโ€™s only club; ask a friend for a trial visit.

2

The special $39 package for the workout class offers great value.

3

Classes are 50 minutes long, combining weights, HIIT, and boxing.

04
Daryl Roth Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Small, intimate theater in a converted bank offers excellent stage views and comfortable seating. Shows are campy and upbeat with lots of singing and audience participation. Lounge and bar downstairs create a relaxed space for mingling before and after performances.

Shows feature campy and upbeat performances with lots of singing along and audience participation. The atmosphere feels like independent theaters with fun, engaging staff.

People are saying

"I thought the musical was great and awesome."

"It's an intimate theater with no bad seats in the house."

"This show is ridiculously fun and hysterical!"

Good to know

1

Access and mobility within the theater is difficult for individuals with reduced mobility.

2

Audience members should arrive early for drinks or snacks, as lines can be long.

3

The bar and restrooms are located downstairs, which may be challenging for some.

05
Union Square Greenmarket image 1

Farmers' market offers fresh organic produce from over 30 local farms. Vibrant atmosphere includes street performers and a lively chess and backgammon area. Visitors enjoy browsing diverse vendors and engaging in fun, social activities.

More than 30 unique farms and local vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers. Strolling through the market feels vibrant and fun, with plenty of options to browse even without buying.

People are saying

"I found the market offered a wide variety of top-quality produce and meats."

"The Farmer's Market has a huge selection of fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers."

"I found the fun activities here educational and fun to explore."

Good to know

1

The farmers market operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.

2

Food vendors stay open until 10:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

3

Bring cash as some vendors do not accept credit cards.

06
The High Note image 1

Bar has an intimate, candlelit vibe with excellent acoustics and lively energy. Fun cocktails like espresso martinis and spicy margaritas fuel great conversations. OSU fans create a great crowd for fun times after work.

Fun cocktails and great specials create a lively vibe. The crowd and staff keep conversations engaging, making it a spot for fun times with friends.

People are saying

"You have to try the signature drinks during Happy Hour; they're a must have."

"The vibe here is really cool and fun."

"It's a super fun bar with great food and drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 8 PM with two dollars off many drinks.

2

The bar accepts both plastic and cash payments.

3

The kitchen is closed on Mondays.

07
Park Bar image 1

Gigantic multi-leveled bar with classic dark wood and an open rooftop terrace offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays at a reasonable but fun volume, creating a happening vibe even on quieter nights. Outdoor seating with heaters adds comfort for casual meetups.

Small size does not stop the place from being fun and lively. Music plays at a reasonable but fun volume, creating a happening vibe even on quieter nights like Sunday.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are amazing and make you feel welcome."

"The bartenders here are really chill."

"The bartender, Julian, was amazing and personable."

Good to know

1

Drinks cost $15 each.

2

The bar is located in Union Square.

3

The venue is surprisingly open quite late.

08
Barnes & Noble image 1
Book store

Six floors offer vast books and fun signing events that bring energy. Cozy cafรฉ on top invites relaxation. Families enjoy the organized space and lively atmosphere.

Fun signing events create a lively atmosphere. The team delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience that stands out compared to other spots.

People are saying

"This bookstore has four floors and a huge selection of books."

"It's incredibly kid friendly with the largest children's section I've seen."

"I had a lot of fun at the Lego building event."

Good to know

1

All tickets for events sell out quickly, often in under two minutes.

2

Visitors should arrive early to secure good seating for events.

3

The bookstore has a large collection of books spread over four floors.

09
The Stand image 1
Comedy club

Intimate basement venue with elegant decor offers a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Fans enjoy stand-up comedy in a classy setting. Great drinks and shows at reasonable prices make for a fun, relaxed night out.

Upscale yet relaxed atmosphere offers great drinks and entertainment that make for a fun night. Food and shows come at reasonable prices, creating an enjoyable experience with lots of laughs.

People are saying

"The staff made our comedy show experience feel effortless and welcoming."

"The comedians here are hilarious and highly experienced."

"The comedy here is hilarious and exceeded my expectations."

Good to know

1

They host live tapings of the wildly popular 'Legion of Skanks' Podcast every Monday Night at 8PM.

2

They sometimes have free nights where the entry is completely free.

3

Guests are required to arrive 30 minutes before the show.

10
Lillie's Victorian Establishment image 1

Victorian decor with seasonal themes creates a unique atmosphere. Music from 60s to 2000s adds a lively vibe. Crowds make it busy and fun for hanging out and enjoying good laughs.

Lively and immersive vibes create a whimsical and fun atmosphere with great music. The vintage and elegant aesthetics add to the chill and enjoyable setting for hanging out and laughing with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is solid, especially with the festive holiday vibes."

"The cocktails here are festive and beautifully decorated."

"The decorations here are so fun and create a festive vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays and special events.

2

Happy hour offers well-priced drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

The kitchen opens at 2pm, but afternoon tea is available from opening until 5pm.

11
Irving Plaza image 1
Live music venue

Small, historic venue shines with amazing acoustics and an intimate vibe. Live concerts bring fun atmosphere and safe, lively crowds. Balcony seats offer excellent views while the upper bar serves notably good cocktails.

Concerts offer a fun atmosphere with live performances from various bands. Staff maintain a safe and enjoyable environment throughout events.

People are saying

"It's a great, intimate venue for live shows."

"The downstairs bar has a cool, comfy vibe with nice decor."

"I had so much fun at the performances here."

Good to know

1

GA attendees didn't enter the venue until 7:30 despite the concert's start time being 7pm.

2

Attendees had to wait outside for 50 minutes under soaking rain.

3

The ticket time is the time the doors open, not the show start time.

12
Evelyn's Playground image 1

Gated playground offers safe play with sections for ages 2 to 12. Kids enjoy climbing structures and a giant sandbox. Water jets add fun and cooling, making it a lively spot for active play in a quiet urban space.

Playground fun stands out here with plenty of space to enjoy. Kids find the area engaging and lively.

People are saying

"This playground is great for kids, with a giant sandbox and water jets."

"This playground is perfect for kids from 2 to 12 years old."

"I found the playground really fun."

Good to know

1

The park is gated and safe from the road.

2

The playground is great for kids aged 2 to 12 years old.

3

The playground is shaded enough to be convenient during hot summer days.

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Union Square, New York

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