New York, NYC, USA

Top 15 fun museums in NYC (that are quirky, entertaining and unique!)

June 6, 2021

Are you looking for the most fun museums in NYC? If so, keep reading!

If you’re searching for the most fun museums in NYC – then you’re going to find so much inspiration on this list! Let’s face it… NYC is full of museums, from the traditional museums, to the more modern ones!

Museums (and how much you enjooy them) definitely depends on your interests and what you’re into, and some museums do have a bit of a reputation for being on the ‘boring’ end of the scale.

There are plenty of fun museums in NYC – so get reading!

BUT, fear not, if you’re looking for fun museums in NYC, this list is going to give you 15 amazing places to visit during your trip!

So let’s go! Here are the most fun museums in NYC!


Museum of Ice Cream

First on my list of fun museums in NYC, it’s the Museum of Ice Cream. Who doesn’t love ice cream? WE DO. Especially when visiting the Museum of Ice cream in NYC.

Oh, and if you are going for the food, then you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll be regularly treated to taste-tests and fun games.

This is one of the most fun museums in NYC, but it isn’t around all year and tends to run exclusively as a pop-up exhibit.

So, be sure to check the dates of your itinerary line up correctly before you get your hopes up for this fun museum in NYC!


Color Factory NYC

Color Factory NYC is a totally unique museum all about the sensory experience of color. It’s pretty amazing really, and unlike anything else in the city (which is why it makes my list of the most fun museums in NYC.

This amazingly fun museum in NYC is packed with interactive experiences that will delight you, make you smile and fill you with wonder. It’s a seriously cool day out, you’ll love it!

And most importantly, you’ll have fun! Check out their Instagram for a proper glimpse inside, and you’ll soon realise why this place is so much fun!

This is such a great choice for fun museums in NYC, you have to visit!

Read more about visiting NYC: 34 rainy day activities in NYC


The Skyscraper Museum

New York is known for its incredible skyscrapers, so the Skyscraper Museum is an amazing place to visit if you’re looking for fun museums in NYC.

I mean, the Empire State Building is famous for a reason, people! This museum dedicated to skyscrapers is one of the top 15 fun museums in NYC, as it just leaves you in awe of what humans can create.

This fun museum in NYC goes into everything from designing a skyscraper to the construction side of things.

So, if you’ve ever looked upon that famous picture of the folks on Top of the Rock, then you’re sure to love this quirky museum. 


The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

If planes and air travel is your jam, then you will LOVE the Intrepid sea, air and space museum. It’s a crazy cool museum, full of real planes, real stories and incredibly educational and immersive experiences.

The fun museum in NYC is actually aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid (hence the name), which in itself is a National Historic Landmark.

This is one of the fun museums in NYC you won’t want to miss!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 50 amazing places to grab breakfast in NYC


Conjuring Arts Research Center

Next on my list of fun museums in NYC, it’s the Conjuring Arts Research Centre. Do you believe in magic? Well, whether you believe in actual magic or not, you’re sure to love this fun museum in NYC.

Home to information on magic and sleight of hand, this fun museum in NYC will give away much of what the pros won’t tell you!

With awesome guides who will give you tips and tricks about magic and trickery, this museum guarantees a fun day out for the whole family. This is a really interesting choice for fun museums in NYC.


Coney Island Museum

You may have visited Coney Island, but have you checked out its awesome museum? After you’ve grabbed some delicious food and enjoyed the attractions at Coney Island, you should absolutely visit this fun museum in NYC.

Created to celebrate the area and educate guests about the island’s history, it’s well worth visiting if you’re a Coney Island fan.

Housing scaled models, fun house mirrors and other quirky artefacts, we feel it’s not to be missed! You’ll absolutely love this choice for fun museums in NYC!

Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate guide to spending Christmas in NYC


Museum of the American Gangster

Next on this list of fun museums in NYC, it’s the Museum of the American Gangster. If you’re fascinated by the lifestyles of American Gangsters, then you need to check out this fun museum in NYC.

Providing never before seen information about New York’s top crime bosses, you’ll find out all you’ve ever wondered about how NYC’s grittier side operated back in the day.

Covering everything from Bugsy Malone to John Dillinger, this place leaves no stone unturned when it comes to organized crime in the city. This is a great choice for fun museums in NYC.

Read more: What is the best observation deck in NYC?


Museum of Sex

This one may be slightly taboo (and should probably be avoided if you have the kids in tow), but it’s one of the top fun museums in NYC.

Not only is this museum incredibly informative and interesting, but it will clue you up on the ins and outs of the physiological side of sex. Pun intended.

With great exhibits and some kinky installations, you’re sure to have a whale of a time if you’re old enough to appreciate this fun museum in NYC. Maybe not one for the kids (!!) but this is a great choice of fun museums in NYC for adults!


Museum of Street Art

New York’s street art has always been incredible, so it makes perfect sense that one of the most fun museums in NYC is dedicated to it!

The museum of street art in NYC is completely free, so it’s ideal for families hitting the city on a budget.

Covered from tip to toe with murals, you’re sure to leave this fun museum in NYC utterly inspired and ready to paint some street art yourself! 

This is a great choice for fun museums in NYC, especially if you love street art!


The AKC Museum of the Dog

If you love dogs, then you should put the AKC Museum of the Dog on your list of fun museums in NYC to visit.

Not only does this museum have some truly adorable dog sculptures and fine art, but it aims to teach humans about the importance of human-dog relationships.

Although you won’t come across any real-life pups here, you will find them in every other form. So, be sure to bring your camera along and indulge your inner animal-lover on your next trip to NYC. 


The New York Transit Museum

One of the quirkiest and most fun museums in NYC is the New York Transit Museum.

Located in Downtown Brooklyn, this fascinating museum aims to educate visitors about the history of NYC’s transportation system.

Covering everything from the oldest subway carts to other famous modes of transport, this fun museum in NYC is a wonderful glimpse into the past that shows just how far we’ve come as a species. 

You’ll love this choice of fun museums in NYC.


Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

As well as being of the most fun museums in NYC, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art is also a celebration of individuality and self-expression.

The collections displayed at this museum aim to show the world that LGBTQ culture is beautiful, and encourages queer folk to fully embrace their sexuality through incredible art. Not only is this a fun museum in NYC to visit for anyone, but it represents an important part of New York’s culture that deserves its place in the spotlight. 


Museum of Food and Drink

We all love to eat and drink the night away, right? Well, if you have a passion for food and all things drink, then add this spot to your list of fun museums in NYC to check out. Food is a key part of NYC’s cultural footprint, and the MoFAD aims to teach visitors all about the city’s cooking, eating, and drinking.

If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll even be treated to a tasting or two! We advise checking out their website for more details on these, as dates can vary. 


Morbid Anatomy Museum

Another weirdly wonderful choice of fun museums in NYC… If you find bodies icky, then you might want to give this fun museum in NYC a miss. However, if you’re fascinated by the human body, then the Morbid Anatomy Museum is a fantastic thing to have on your itinerary.

Showcasing bizarre things such as a human-har scrapbook, an exploded skeleton, and much more, it’s unsurprising that this is one of the most fun museums in NYC for those who love morbid reality. This one may not be a great choice for kids, but adults should absolutely book in! 


Elevator Historical Society Museum

You may not think much about elevators when you’re using them day to day, but they have a fascinating history. For that reason, we believe that one of the most fun museums in NYC is the Elevator Historical Society Museum.

This museum offers visitors a chance to understand elevator controls, how elevators were created, and much more! Whether you’re a fan of mechanics or not, this is surely one of the fun museums in NYC to add to your list. 

Read more NYC tips: Which Broadway show should you watch in NYC?


Hopefully this list of fun museums in NYC has been helpful and given you plenty of ideas!

Let us know which of these fun museums in NYC you’ll be visiting!

You Might Also Like