Are you taking a trip to New York City and looking for fun, interesting, delicious and UNIQUE spots to visit or tours to take? Well you are in luck because this activity will take a deeper look at some of NYC’s hidden gems; guaranteed to make your New York experience unforgettable!
The first suggestion on our list is the FDNY Fire Zone located at Rockefeller Center, adjacent to Radio City Music Hall at 34 West 51st Street. The FDNY Fire Zone is New York City’s state-of-the-art fire-safety learning center where you and your family can learn about the power of fire! Kids are encouraged to climb on a real fire truck, try on bunker gear, meet a firefighter, feel a “hot” door, and learn to crawl through a smoke-filled hallway in the dark!
The FDNY Fire Zone provides visitors with so many hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations; you’ll feel like you are part of the firefighting team! For example, in the Fire Zone, you can participate in a simulated fire scene where you will learn how easily fires can start, how quickly they can spread, and how to plan the proper escape plan to get to safety.
In a city with such a rich firefighting history, the FDNY does a great job delivering fire-safety education programs that are not only educational, but fun for the whole family. This museum doesn’t often make the top ten lists of things to do in New York, but if you are looking for an experience that is out of the ordinary, the FDNY Fire Zone is the perfect place to explore on your vacation!
Up next is the hilarious National Comedy Theatre located between 8th and 9th Avenue at 347 West 36th Street in Manhattan, New York. The National Comedy Theatre performs in a similar style to the popular TV show, “Whose Line is it Anyway,” featuring New York’s best improve comedians performing a series of games and scenes all based on audience suggestions. That’s right! The audience picks the games, helps the host call the fouls and ultimately decides which comedy team in the evening’s winner. Best of all, this is CLEAN comedy, that’s perfect for the entire family!
National Comedy Theatre is appropriate for all audiences and there are no drink or age minimums. Just come and have a fun time and enjoy what the New York Theatre Guide calls a “sure-fire crowd pleaser!” The National Comedy theatre is a fast, hysterical, unique and highly interactive show that is a hidden gem amongst some of the other, larger New York Theatres. Trust us—you won’t want to miss out on this funny show!
Looking for something sweet to explore in NYC? Then stop on by Dylan’s Candy Bar located at 1011 Third Avenue at 60th street in the Flagship Store in New York City! Dylan’s Candy Bar features over 5,000 types of candy, from imported and elegant specialty goods, to fun novelty items, and an unparalleled selection of unique candy related gifts. With 15,000 square feet, it is officially the world’s largest candy store! And the sweets aren’t the only things on display at Dylan’s Candy Bar! The store’s original design has been featured in many high profile papers touting its innovative retail concepts and chic design.
The New York flagship store includes a café, bar, private party rooms, celebrations showroom of party favors, nostalgia shoppe, apparel section, and a bath & body department. Highlights include a life-sized tree made of oversized lollipops, peppermint candy stools and a bathtub filled with gumballs. Oprah gave Dylan’s Candy Bar the ultimate seal of approval saying the store is “quickly becoming an American icon" and a “must see destination” when visiting New York City!
From the sweet to the scary, the next hidden gem on our list is the Mafia Walking Tour of New York City offered by the Lower East Side History Project. This exciting tour explores the former social clubs, homes and haunts of some of the most powerful 20th century mobsters, and uncovers the truth behind many Mafia legends. Things that will be discussed on your tour include the Sicilian/Italian immigrant experience, the history of Little Italy and its recent changes, the roots of the Mafia in Sicily and Naples, how the Five Families of the American mafia originated, the truth behind Boardwalk Empire, The Godfather, etc and much, much more! You’ll also visit former homes and hangouts, sites of gangland hits and the Mob Scene Gallery, with free admission!
If you are a history buff, Mafia movie fan, or looking for a unique New York experience, you won’t want to miss this highly rated New York hidden gem!
Last on our list is The Ride located at the New York Marriot Marquis on 1535 Broadway and 46thStreet. The Ride “takes everything that makes New York, New York and kicks it into overdrive!” Perfect for the whole family, The Ride is a super-sized, technologically amped up vehicle that travels the streets of New York. With stadium-style, sideways seating and massive windows, you and your family will have front row seats to the big city!
This interactive ride is never the same twice, and you’ll never know what you will see, or who you will meet along the 4.2 mile virtual route! From Grand Central to Central Park, The Ride provides a look at NYC and its people in a way that you’ve never seen before. Educational and fun, this hidden gem is not to be missed when planning your New York City trip!
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