10 Great Indoor Activities on the East Coast

People enjoying an aquarium, rooftop view, amusement park, art gallery, children with tablets, Empire State Building, performers in costumes, and skiing in winter gear

Planning to explore the East Coast alone or with your loved ones? There are plenty of fun and exciting activities you can try and attractions you can visit. If you are not an outdoorsy type of adventurer, there are lots of indoor activities that you can enjoy. East Coast cities are known not just for natural wonders like beaches and mountains. The amazing cities are also popular cultural and history hubs and dazzling and bustling urban charm.

For explorers who want to experience the best that East Coast cities offer, this guide is for you. We picked 10 of the best indoor activities that you can try on the East Coast. These are pretty popular attractions, so make sure to get your tickets in advance for a fun and stress-free escapade!

Are you ready to discover the best of the East Coast? Read on.

Best indoor activities on the East Coast.

1) Georgia Aquarium

📍225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

A large shark swimming underwater with light rays shining from above.

Marvel at the magnificent beauty of marine life at the Georgia Aquarium.

The Georgia Aquarium is definitely worth your time if you're in the area. The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere features unique marine life, such as rare whale sharks and manta rays. The Ocean Voyager tunnel provides stunning views and features various exhibits, including Beluga whales and sea otters. They offer exciting experiences like animal encounters and snorkeling, along with family and adult events, all supporting marine research and conservation.

If you want to see rare and amazing ocean species up close, this is the ideal place for you.

2) Mercer Labs

📍21 Dey Street, New York, NY 10007.

Two people stand inside a dark room with large colorful floral projections on the walls and floor, creating an immersive and vibrant visual experience.

Who doesn't like a good artistic immersion? There's nothing more relaxing than enjoying various artworks and modern masterpieces.

Mercer Labs is one of the finest indoor attractions in New York that you should not miss. The Museum of Art & Technology offers an interactive experience, blending digital art with physical installations, such as sound, light displays, and robotics, in a dreamlike setting. This trendy, multisensory venue attracts visitors of all ages, especially young people and social media enthusiasts, thanks to its photo-friendly areas like the "Immersive Gallery" and kids' creation zones. Led by artist Roy Nachum, it transforms the museum experience using advanced technology and accessibility features like Braille and tactile design.

Make sure to swing by this incredible museum to appreciate art and its interactive and immersive nature.

3) Empire State Building

📍350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118

A nighttime cityscape featuring the illuminated Empire State Building surrounded by tall skyscrapers in New York City

Is your New York getaway even complete without visiting the Empire State Building?

Standing 1,454 feet high, this landmark offers a distinct 360-degree outdoor observatory and a breathtaking 102nd-floor deck with ceiling-high windows. On exceptionally clear days, the vistas are breathtaking, allowing you to gaze across six different states! Dive into captivating exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors, or consider a guided tour for a more immersive experience.

No matter the ticket you select, you're guaranteed to soak in incredible views and fascinating displays. What a fantastic way to maximize your New York getaway, don't you think?

4) Edge NY

📍30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

People viewing cityscape from rooftop observation deck with glass barriers, overlooking tall buildings and skyline during sunset

Planning a trip to the East Coast with your partner? How about a unique and romantic date with stunning city views?

For those who crave excitement and adventure, Edge New York is the perfect destination. This unique attraction offers couples an exhilarating date idea that pushes them outside their comfort zones. For an unforgettable experience, consider the City Climb, where you can ascend to a staggering 1,200 feet above the city.

Only the bold should try it; you'll be at NYC's peak, surrounded by stunning views and thrilling moments. Don't miss it!

5) Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

📍9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Two children wearing helmets and face masks ride go-karts on an indoor track with colorful neon lighting and safety barriers.

Many popular attractions can deliver thrill and fun, but there are few that can do it in a sustainable way. For a thrilling and eco-friendly adventure, this is the place to be.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offers thrilling electric go-kart racing on multi-level tracks for all ages! They offer tons of fun like arcade games, bowling, laser tag, and epic VR experiences (like 7D, Hologate, and Hyperdeck). You just pay for the activities you want to join, so there's no general admission nonsense. They host family-friendly events with tasty pizza and burgers, along with great food and drink deals.

It's an affordable adventure, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance!

6) Whitney Museum of American Art

📍99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014.

Woman sitting on bench observing colorful abstract and pop art paintings in a modern museum gallery

Looking for another chill day out to soak in the greatness of art? Head over to the Whitney Museum of American Art.

In Manhattan's Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art highlights American creativity from the 20th century to present. Renzo Piano's design features works from artists like Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

With a focus on living artists, the museum offers dynamic exhibitions and is part of a vibrant artistic community. Whether you're a casual or avid art enthusiast, you are going to love this!

7) American Dream Mall

📍1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Group of children and adults enjoying outdoor winter sports, a kids' birthday party with cake and games, and a lively indoor amusement event with characters and colorful lighting

Indoor adventures are always best spent with family and friends. And if you are looking for all-out indoor fun, make sure to visit the American Dream Mall. Compared to the typical malls in a common metropolis, this mall is extra special.

The American Dream Mall is a unique "retail-tainment" destination near NYC, featuring numerous stores and amazing indoor attractions, including the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, DreamWorks Water Park, North America's top indoor ski slope at Big SNOW, an ice rink, and a giant Ferris wheel. It offers year-round entertainment beyond just shopping.

Take your shopping day out to the next level, experience the American Dream adventure!

8) PENN Museum

📍3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19014

A woman and two children look at exhibits on a tablet in a museum with display cases of artifacts and artwork in the background.

Can't get enough American museums? If you're into some art-hopping and museum dates, make sure to visit this wonderful place.

Explore the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, where ancient history meets modern times. The museum features captivating artifacts and exhibits from around the globe. Visitors can view extensive archaeological and anthropological artifacts in the US, featuring Egyptian and Roman sculptures and special exhibits. Enjoy diverse galleries, family programs, after-hours events, and interactive experiences.

Revisit the timeless value of ancient art with your loved ones and have the best day ever!

9) View Boston

📍800 Boylston St Floor 52, Boston, MA 02199

A city skyline at dusk with tall buildings, a river, and a bridge, featuring a colorful sunset sky and illuminated city lights.

If heights fascinate and don't frighten you, this might be the perfect attraction for your East Coast escapade.

Visit View Boston, the beautiful observation deck on Prudential Tower, for a unique look at the city. This 360° experience offers more than panoramic views; it includes engaging exhibits, storytelling, and innovative digital tools to highlight Boston's vibrant neighborhoods from above. If you want to catch that gorgeous golden hour glow or check out the city lights twinkling under the stars, this spot is a total must-see right in the heart of the city.

Looking for a place to chill and indulge in refreshing cocktails and exquisite bites? View Boston's Stratus Bar is an amazing place you should not miss.

10) Drawn to Life

📍Disney Springs, 1478 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

A group of performers dressed in colorful costumes stand around a vintage desk surrounded by whimsical lamps and objects on a stage with a dark background.

Did Disney ever fail in making the most beautiful memories? Now, imagine a collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. That's extraordinary in every sense! Drawn to Life is one of the many experiences that will make your Florida escapade better than ever.

Experience an incredible collaboration at Disney World in Florida, where Cirque du Soleil meets Disney magic. Enter the enchanting realm of Drawn to Life, where Walt Disney Animation's artistry is unveiled in an astonishing new light. Families can enjoy this amazing show filled with unforgettable adventures and stunning live acrobatics on a massive animated stage.

Drawn to Life is a popular attraction at Disney World. We highly recommend securing your tickets early. Make your Disney dreams happen with your favorite people!

Explore these attractions wherever you are.

Group of children playing on a splash pad, adults enjoying an arcade, a mystery movie poster, and people exploring an interactive exhibit at funex.com

Not sure which coast to visit? Here are six must-see indoor attractions on the West and East Coasts.

Sloomoo Institute

📍New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta

Visit the Sloomoo Institute for slime and sensory fun. You can create your own slime and enjoy a "Slime Waterfall." It's visually satisfying and great for Instagram, appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, you'll learn some interesting science in a creative environment.