Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Games like Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity and Ticket to Ride have grown in popularity over the last dozen years, taking over tables across the U.S. and becoming the central draw for many new cafes, especially here in New York City. These modern games are no Monopoly or Clue. They run the gamut from games about fighting zombies and uncovering spies to planting flowers or designing an art gallery. They’re essentially a creative way to tell a story using strategic decisions and skill, which I can personally say makes for a fun and unique way to socialize with friends. After all, sequestering fantastical lands from your buds and collecting the most overpowered cards is hella gratifying. Similarly, Dungeons & Dragons (which is more than 50 years old!) and similar tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have also seen a huge uptick in popularity in recent years. You can blame Stranger Things for bringing it into the mainstream or actual playthrough shows like Dimension 20 and Critical Role, but it ultimately serves as a dynamic and exciting way to spend time with friends. Board game cafes know this and have made room for TTRPG play by allowing groups to rent a table or running their own campaigns. For some of us, playing these games is a great night out and for others, it’s an obesssion. That’s why the gaming community is certainly grateful that board game cafes exist. Pairing this hobby with a beer, pizza or a good latte is always the right move. Below find 10 awesome board

Year 2024 was, in short, a shitshow, but that doesn’t mean you have to start 2025 the same chaotic way. Forgo a jam-packed sink of dishes or a night of kitchen snafus—instead, dine at one of NYC’s best restaurants before you hit a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. These prix fixe and à la carte options make for a memorable last meal of the year, whether you want to feast on a taco buffet and an open bar a few minutes from the Times Square ball drop or go full-glam at a luxurious Jean-Georges property. Here are the best restaurants open on New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC.      RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year’s Eve in NYC  

Begin the new year on the right foot with our list of NYC events in January 2025 to plan your month. We’ve included the best events in January, from can’t-miss happenings to popular New York attractions. From new museum exhibits to celebrating Martin Luther King Day, check out these events and more sensational things to do in the winter. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including New Year's Eve celebrations, the Polar Bear Plunge, a James Baldwin exhibit, the last week for Lightscape, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

As peak winter kicks in and the snow piles up, thoughts turn to sledding, snowball fights, snow angels and ice skating. Adventurous crews may head for the hills to ski or snow tube, but there’s no need to venture far for a wintry day out: sledding in NYC can be just as fun. The best sledding hills are right in our own backyard, in the city’s many beautiful parks. There’s nothing better than romping around in freshly fallen snow, running up a hill and sledding right back down. No need to plan a winter weekend getaway, you can make a spur-of-the-moment decision to pack up the family and head out as soon as the flakes start to fall. From Central Park to Prospect Park, here are the best spots for getting your sled on in NYC. So bundle out, get out there and have some fun (just be careful, of course!).

New York City typically has some pretty amazing fireworks displays every NYE, from the Ball Drop at Times Square to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. But 2024 will be different because of the drought we experienced this fall and winter. Fireworks are not happening in Central Park and Prospect Park for safety—instead, there will be a drone shows in Prospect Park. A drone show scheduled for Central Park has now been cancelled. However, as rain and snow have fallen recently, we WILL get to see fireworks in Times Square, the Times Square Alliance confirmed to Time Out New York. A full schedule for Times Square New Year's Eve celebrations will go live here on December 26. RECOMMENDED: See the full guide to New Year's Eve in NYC What time do the New Year’s Eve fireworks start? Typically, they go off right as the clock turns to midnight. Are the fireworks being livestreamed? The fireworks in Times Square are usually livestreamed. 

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn’t have to be stressful, make it fun at these holiday markets, from the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and more. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Lincoln Square's Magical Lights, menorah lightings, Kwanzaa with the Children's Museum of Manhattan, Elf the Musical, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Whether your Christmas queen is Mariah or Sabrina, it's time to begin celebrating the holiday season! We've gathered the best things to do for Christmas and the holidays in NYC. From uptown to downtown, the city boasts holiday offerings like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, light festivals, and the best holiday markets NYC has to offer. Whether you channel your inner grinch or cheery elf during NYC's most wonderful season, we've got you covered with memorable activities. As locals, we've been to many of these events and are including some of our favorites right here. Check back for updates as we'll continue adding to the list as the holidays approach.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best Christmas hotels in NYC Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  Check out our Winter Village video: 

As much as New Yorkers love their city, they want to be transported to another space and time — at least that's the trend museums, companies and artists are capitalizing on. Immersive exhibits, events and experiences are popping up all over NYC these days. From theatrical experiences to trippy digital art taking over massive spaces, there's no shortage of ways to be immersed in a different reality. With so many ways to be immersed, we decided it was high time to round up all the cool, immersive events, exhibits and experiences happening in NYC now and coming up soon so you won't miss the chance to experience something new and potentially mind-blowing. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;)), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

Spending Christmas in NYC with your kids makes for a truly memorable experience. The city sparkles with joy and wonder, as kids of all ages get swept up in the holiday spirit. Once you’ve picked out your Christmas tree, you can see a spectacular holiday light show, take a few spins on an ice skating rink, shop holiday markets and more. After you’re done, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle up at home with a time-honored classic Christmas movie. As the pros on delivering holiday delight for all ages, these are our favorite family-friendly events sure to make everyone merry and bright.

Filled with 500 games, Hex & Co.'s latest location is now open just south of Union Square at 801 Broadway (Broadway and East 11th in Greenwich Village) and ready for gamers of all fandoms. This is the third location for Hex & Co., joining fellow board game cafes in the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. It also joins sister stores The Uncommons in Greenwich Village and The Brooklyn Strategist in Carroll Gardens. The new cafe is the first with a true private room, perfect for parties of all kinds. Visitors can choose from more than 500 games on the venue's massive game wall, everything from Taboo and Risk to Catan and Ticket to Ride.  Here’s how it works: It costs $10/per person for walk-in gamers, which includes access to the board game library and no time limit, meaning you can stay as long as you like. Just keep in mind that you may have to wait if the cafe’s full. The other option is to make a reservation in advance for a specific time. Reservations cost $15/person with a time limit of three hours.  You can order from the cafe while you're hanging out, which is stocked with La Colombe coffee, Harney and Sons Teas, smoothies and pastries. In addition to regular gaming, the new venue also offers an extensive lineup of events, like Commander Night and Draft Night. Plus, it hosts school enrichment programs and summer camps.   If you get so hooked on a game that you want to buy it to take home, you can do that, too. Hex & Co. is known for having one of the largest board game

Bundle up for a free, low-key New Year’s Eve with a drone show sparkling over Prospect Park. Live music starts at around 10pm at Grand Army Plaza. At midnight, the show will go off at Long Meadow; the best vantage points are at Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on West Drive and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

You won't believe how seamlessly good comedy can work with pole dancing (you can read about it here). While stellar stand-ups deliver sets, pro dancers give the crowd something stare at. Think of it as a full-brain experience. Comics Dan Goodman, Joanna Ross and special guests will welcome talented pole dancers and comedians from across NYC.  Each show features a different musical theme, and each one is full of surprises. This time, on Saturday, December 21, the show is Mariah Carey-themed. You'll hear "Dreamlover" and "All I Want for Christmas is You," of course—no "Heartbreakers" here.   Expect to hear jokes from five comics and see performances by five dancers. "They're not strippers, it’s not burlesque. It’s aerial dance with a side of crazy gymnastics, and death defying tricks that make your jaw drop," event planners explain. As the event organizers say: "If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying the NYC rents?" See it at Drom in the East Village.

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. See the show on Monday, December 16 at Caveat. This month's performers include: Emily Meade (The Penguin, Boardwalk Empire), Kelen Coleman (The Office), Connor Ratliff (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Alan Aisenberg (Orange is the New Black), Haviland Morris (16 Candles), Alex Dickson (Last Week Tonight), Brian Morabito (Honest Ads), Gio Naarendorp (Life Sucks), Jenny St. Angelo (Home For Christmas), and Shane Nielsen (American Daddy). Mick Szal (Joker) will serve as host.

Sure, you've heard of wine pairings. But what about books and burlesque pairings? During this show at Caveat on Saturday, December 21, award-winning authors will read excerpts from their new books. Then, a burlesque or drag performer will present a spectacular new act they created that was inspired by the book pairing. This show features exciting award-winning and diverse authors reading excerpts from their new books: Emily Nussbaum's Cue the Sun: The Invention of Reality TV; Porochista Khakpour's novel Tehrangeles, Lena Valencia's short story collection Mystery Lights, Michael Waters' The Other Olympians: Fascism, Queerness, and the Making of Modern Sports; and Thomas Grattan's novel In Tongues.   Featured burlesque and drag performers include: Spookey, Malai, Antonio Amour, Gemma Smith and Desiree De Sade. The show's produced and hosted by Fortune Cookie. Local bookstore Book Club Bar (197 East 3rd Street) will sell signed copies of all the books featured at the show. Time Out tip: Tickets go fast for this show, but if it sells out, there will be a waitlist at the door.

The law is a discipline that seems more suited for drama or reality TV, rather than comedy. But Michael Breen and David Rafailedes's Cellino v. Barnes, which follows two real-life personal injury attorneys, will have you howling at the duo’s absurd antics and brash bro-iness. Their famous jingle—“Cellino and Barnes, injury attorneys, 800-888-8888”—makes multiple appearances, of course, even including a blingy necklace emblazoned with the phone number. But what really shines in this dark comedic play is the thoughtful writing and the chemistry of the two actors, Eric William Morris and Noah Weisberg. In an 80-minute show with no intermission, this comedic duo make their case quickly. Our verdict: It’s guilty of being a hilarious success.

This internationally acclaimed business traveler's paradise has five stars for a reason: The scene, the service and the spa make up the trifecta that sets the 244-room Mandarin Oriental a cut above the rest. The height of luxury, this chic five-star hotel boasts stunning views, including many rooms with views of Central Park. The elevated experience starts from its 35th-floor lobby decorated with Dale Chihuly glass art. The upscale vibe continues in all the guest rooms, from standard king rooms to its suites.  The Hudson River Suite, for example, measures in at 800 square feet, including a spacious living room, a dining/working area, a bedroom, a full bathroom and a powder room. Prices per-night for this suite range from $2,100 to $4,595. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalled views of the skyline and the Hudson River below.  Inside the 14,500 square-foot Mandarin Oriental Spa, treatments include massages, facials, Thai foot therapy and special treatments. A 75-foot indoor lap pool is on-site for hotel guests who want to get some exercise or for families with kids who want to splash around. No matter how packed your schedule may be, you’ll definitely want to make time for lunch at MO Lounge, where you’ll revel in panoramic daylight views of the park below. Also at the lounge, you can book afternoon tea service featuring savory sandwiches, scones and a collection of sweets. The little details here and the attention to the guest experience set this hotel apart from the crow

The holiday magic is in full effect at Lincoln Square's Magical Lights. Stroll along Broadway around 60th and 70th Street to explore this cool immersive audio and light installation.  Strands of icicle lights decorate the trees inside Dante Park (at Broadway & 64th Street) and Richard Tucker Park (at Broadway & 65th Street). That's beautiful enough to see but then the magic comes in. The trees change color and respond to singing, clapping, music, and even the NYC soundscape. They'll glow in green, pink, purple, and golden hues for a dazzling interactive spectacle.   Plus, given the parks’ location in a major cultural hub, The Magical Lights at Dante Park will also dance along to festive recordings from two of Lincoln Square’s iconic performing arts institutions: Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Opera. In addition to the nightly light show, also expect free entertainment all season long, including: Giant puppets, icicle lanterns and carolers. Here's the full schedule.

New Yorkers itching to see the Sistine Chapel's ceiling painted by Michelangelo usually have to embark on an eight-and-a-half hour flight to Rome before finding their way to the Vatican City. But now, this special slice of history has landed in Brooklyn in an immersive exhibit. Michalangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition has touched down in Industry City through January 5, 2025, after stints in London, Shanghai, Toronto, Chicago, Vienna and other cities around the world.  The exhibition features 34 of the famous frescoes reproduced in precise detail with bold color and enhanced details to give visitors a fuller experience than they would get if they visited the Vatican, where the artwork towers a staggering 66 feet above the main floor and where details can get lost if you don't have hawk-like vision. Tickets range from $22 to $26.

Powerhouse musicians will help get you in the Christmas spirit inside the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights with a themed concert on Saturday, December 14.  Sing along to holiday classics like "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "Angels We Have Heard On High." Performers include the cathedral choirs and orchestra with Arthur Fiacco on cello and Daniel Ficarri and Jacob Gruss on organ. Concerts are conducted by Kent Tritle, director of cathedral music, and Bryan Zaros, associate director of music and choirmaster.  The concert also marks the much-anticipated return of the Great Organ (Aeolian-Skinner Op. 150A) after five years.

Who doesn't need a little holiday cheer this semester—and a laugh and maybe some pasta on the side? The Capish?! Club is delivering with the third annual Ha! or Nah!: Holiday Ha-Tacular. It's a night of new jokes, community, prizes and even Santa. Comedians include Sunny Chatum, Dan Wilbur, Amy Veltman, Anddy Egan-Thorpe, Estar Cohen, and Bob Satchel. The fun's hosted by Lauren LoGiudice. The show's Thursday, December 5 at Lunella Restaurant in Little Italy. All are welcome to wear their favorite ugly sweater; the worst one wins a prize!

German-American actress and comedian Lucie Pohl invites comics born near and far to perform their best immigration-inspired stand-up, storytelling and sketch comedy. The Friday, December 6 show at Caveat will celebrate the holidays: Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hannukah, La Posadas and more. Comedians include Charlene Kaye, Papirossa, Pratima Mani, Moe Yaqub, and Idris Alton plus prizes and games. Comedians represent China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Haiti, Romania, Germany and more. This month's holiday edition show raises money for NY Immigration Coalition. 

The idea of climbing into your swimsuit when it’s freezing outside might not sound appealing, but hear me out. These winter spas in NYC make it worth it to brave the cold (briefly) in your swimwear. With Scandinavian-inspired ethos and design, The Winter Pool House at The Rockaway Hotel and the Winter Spa at The William Vale will help you get into the Nordic hygge spirit for a relaxing escape. RECOMMENDED: The best spas in NYC Photograph: Courtesy of The Rockaway Hotel + Spa The Rockaway Hotel + Spa's Winter Pool House The pool area at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa in Queens, a popular spot during the summertime, has transformed into a cozy hideaway. The centerpiece of the Winter Pool House is a collection of outdoor cedar barrel saunas where you can chase away winter’s chill. Plus, the pool has been heated, so you can take a refreshing dip even as the temperatures dip. Once you’re ready to relax, wrap up in a soft robe and sip some tea in the lounge outfitted with teak furniture and sherpa throws. Express spa treatments, like a chair massage or scalp massage can be added on. You can book a day pass for the experience, starting at $35. Or make it a staycation and stay overnight at the hotel, which feels like an escape itself with its serene location along Rockaway Beach. Hotel guest get access to The Winter Pool House with their stay. Photograph: Courtesy of The William Vale The William Vale's Winter Spa Meanwhile at The William Vale in Brooklyn, the al fresco Winter Spa is

AriZona Iced Tea is famous for its 99-cent cans of iced tea—the price of which has stayed the same since the beverage launched in 1992. In partnership with the iconic brand, Underground Overground Comedy is hosting two comedy shows for just 99 cents.  The comedy shows will be on Wednesday, January 8 at The ReShop in SoHo with drinks included. Tickets go live on January 3 at noon and will likely sell out immediately given the cheap price and Underground Overground's reputation for bringing renowned comics to the stage. Be sure to sign up for the waitlist in advance if you want a chance at tickets. RECOMMENDED: The best comedy clubs in NYC Underground Overground is known for hosting comedy shows in unique locations—like Katz's Deli, a laundromat, a barbershop and a tattoo parlor, to name a few. Time and time again, the collective brings powerhouse comedians to the stage, like Roy Wood Jr., Mark Normand and Jessica Kirson. But who's performing is kept a secret until the night of the show. As Underground Overground's event organizers, David Levine and Ethan Mansoor have long dreamed of hosting a free show for their fans. When they saw the viral interview by AriZona's CEO explaining why the company won't raise prices, ideas started to percolate. As CEO Don Vultaggio told NBC: "We're successful, we're debt free, we own everything. Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent pay more for their drink?"  View this post on Instagram A post shared by U

New York City's famed Bryant Park holiday market, which draws scores of tourists and locals during the holiday season, caught fire this morning. Videos on social media show a raging inferno with flames lapping several booths and plumes of smoke hovering over Midtown. Nobody was injured, local media reported. Bryant Park posted on Instagram Stories that they're thankful for FDNY's "quick response to the incident that occurred earlier today." As of now, The Rink and The Lodge are back open. Most of the market's 170 holiday shops have reopened, and the rest of the shops unaffected by the fire will reopen later today.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this weekend View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out New York (@timeoutnewyork) Fire officials were called around 9:30am and had the fire under control within a half hour, per the New York Times. The fire marshal will investigate the cause, the Times added.  This is the second holiday market in New York City to catch fire during the winter season this year. The holiday market at Herald Square near Macy's went up in flames earlier this month, impacting 18 booths. FDNY fire marshals deemed that fire accidental, saying it was started by electrical wiring, per NBC 4.  NYC's holiday markets are beloved during the holiday season, offering shoppers a chance to find local, unique gifts in beautiful surroundings. This year in particular, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has drawn cr

As I stepped inside Dalidom this week, a trippy mirrored dome designed by Salvador Dalí, I overheard someone gazing at the ceiling and asking, "Where am I? I'm trying to find myself." While he was, no doubt, speaking literally about seeking his own image in the mirrored panels surrounding us, his question seemed to scratch at the meaning of Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.  Over and over as I walked through Luna Luna, the world's first art amusement park making its NYC debut, I felt gleefully unmoored. I watched as a Keith Haring-designed carousel whirred to life. I stumbled through a Roy Lichtenstein-created glass labyrinth. I danced with strangers inside David Hockney's Enchanted Tree. Where am I? How is this real? Who am I in this place and what will I take from it when I leave? The exhibition feels both joyfully nostalgic and yet mysteriously foreign, a gobsmacking experience brought to life at The Shed in Manhattan after decades of dormancy. Luna Luna is, hands down, the coolest art exhibition to open in New York City this year, and it's on view through February 23, 2025 with tickets starting at $44/person. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now Back in 1987, an artist and peace activist named André Heller hosted Luna Luna for the first time in Hamburg, Germany. That summer, the experience delighted 300,000 visitors with an avant-garde art amusement park created by big-name artists like Sonia Delaunay alongside then up-and-comers like Jean-Mich

With its stunning Frank Lloyd Wright design, the Guggenheim Museum is a piece of art in itself. Inside these rounded walls, you’ll find floor upon floor of artistic treasures. The modern and contemporary art museum just announced its list of 2025 exhibitions, and it’s a packed slate, so get ready to mark your calendar.  In the year ahead, expect to see abstract paintings, a poetic rotunda takeover, an important quilt by Faith Ringgold, works by an understudied German modernist, pieces by local kids, and more. Plus, keep scrolling to see what's on view right now. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Beatriz Milhazes: Rigor and Beauty March 7–September 7, 2025 Get up-close with a cool art technique called "monotransfer" during this showcase of work by global contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes. During the monotransfer process, Milhazes paints forms onto clear plastic sheets. Once dry, she layers and adheres the painted films to the canvas one by one, building up an abstract composition.  Milhazes' works draw upon motifs such as regional folklore, popular culture, decorative arts, nature, and spirituality. In "Rigor and Beauty," see 15 paintings and works on paper that engage with her Brazilian cultural heritage and identity through the language of abstraction.  Photograph: By ItzaVU / Shutterstock Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers April 18, 2025–January 18, 2026 The museum's rotunda will become a canvas for Rashid Johnson in this major solo show.

The energy in INTER_, Manhattan’s newest art experience, feels more like a meditation retreat than a typical gallery—and that’s by design.  The experiential, multi-sensory museum now open in Soho invites visitors into a heightened state of contemplative awareness through a sound bath, light installations and aspects of meditation all combined with interactive digital art. INTER_ opened in a beta version in November 2022 and refined the experience up until its official opening on May 19, 2023. RECOMMENDED: 15 NYC art exhibitions we’re most excited about this fall After a orientation where you can can share something you want to let go of, visitors head up a trippy illuminated escalator. They'll hand out 3D glasses, which makes the lighting look even wilder.  Next, inside a massive dome dubbed INTER_sensory, abstract digital art fills the walls with images evoking natural phenomena like earth, fire and water. A stirring ambient soundtrack pairs with 360-degree projections that respond to visitors’ movements. At one point, bubbles even cascade down from the ceiling. Audio cues offer a reminder to stay present: "Leave your worries behind," a voice recites. "Remember to look around and appreciate the small details of the world," the voice encourages. Similar to a meditative experience, the audio track also encourages visitors to stay curious, be aware and let the sights come and go.   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan / Time Out With the awakened state achieved inside the d

I didn't expect to feel emotional during a pedal-powered experience called Rail Explorers. But alas, I quickly learned that this unique activity isn't just about seeing scenic views while getting a bit of a workout. Instead, it's about accessibility, inclusivity, and the fulfillment of its founder's dream. Rail Explorers turns railroad tracks into spaces for recreation with rail bikes where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while chatting with your group. Unlike a typical bicycle, which can be difficult or impossible for many, these machines welcome all ages and abilities. Rail Explorers' founder, Mary Joy Lu, recounted touching stories of grandparents using the railbikes with their grandkids and saying they felt empowered by being able to enjoy an active experience with their family.  RECOMMENDED: How to spend 48 hours in Rhode Island I tried out the experience in Rhode Island with a group of journalists of all ages from around the country, and we all had a blast. While our group was all adults, I noticed several families with kids trying out the experience and beaming as they took off down the rails.  Photograph: Courtesy of Rail Explorers Here's how it works: Rail Explorers works closely with railroad companies to share the rails, getting the green light to run railbikes when trains are not operating. The railbikes look kind of like stripped-down, open-air go-karts. There are four steel wheels at the bottom, brakes, and seats with pedals. Each seat is adjust

It was a banner year for museum exhibits in New York City, from sprawling art shows to fascinating historical exhibits. But the year's not over yet. There are still plenty of worthwhile museum exhibits and pieces of public art to check out before they wrap up.  Here are nine exhibitions closing soon that you should check out before they go. We've organized the list in chronological order, so you can see where to go first.  RECOMMENDED: All the free museums days in NYC you should know about Photograph: By Vincent Dilio 1. Abraham Lincoln: His Life in Print at Grolier Club See it through December 28, 2024  Learn how Abraham Lincoln became a lawyer through self-disciplined study, won the White House through the concurrent rise of American popular publishing, and remains one of the most written about figures over the 160 years since his death at the Grolier Club. “Abraham Lincoln: His Life in Print” uses original printings of books and ephemera to create a sweeping, conceptual portrait of the man. The exhibition features important editions of Lincoln’s greatest accomplishments, including the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, the Cooper Union Speech, his debates with Stephen A. Douglass, and many others. More than 150 objects describe the life of Lincoln as he was born in the American West, captivated by literature, shaped by the portentous 1850s, tested by the American Civil War, responsible for the end of slavery, and murdered and mourned at the age of 56. P

A haven for students. Home to a beautiful fountain. A spot for artists and activists. Beloved hangout for skateboarders. Washington Square Park fits all of these well-known monikers and more. But it also fits some lesser-known descriptions that dig into its history and mysteries.  Every day, 50,000 people visit this greenspace, making it one of the most popular parks in the city. But those park-goers likely don't know the secrets beneath the surface. With help from Will Morrison, executive director of the Washington Square Park's Conservancy, we dug into 10 of those lesser-known facts from the park's earliest days through its official founding in 1827 and beyond. RECOMMENDED: Greenwich Village neighborhood guide 1. The park was a gathering place for Indigenous communities  From becoming a site for activists like Jane Jacobs to hosting an annual dog Halloween costume contest, the land has long served as a gathering place. In its earliest known history, the area was a mix of marshland and grassy fields used as a Lenape village called "Sapokanikan," a satellite location away from their main gathering space near the Hudson River. After that, when the Dutch took over, they allowed free African property owners to farm land on the western half of Washington Square Park. When the British arrived, they kicked off all of the people on the property, giving ownership to just two white people. It stayed that way until the land became the United States'.  Photograph: Courtesy of NYC Park

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in America, but it packs a big punch with cultural amenities and fun activities for all ages. It's not uncommon to hear Rhode Islanders talk spontaneously and authentically about how lucky they are to live in the Ocean State. It makes sense, considering the state's rich assets—400 miles of coastline, colonial history, maritime traditions, the dazzling WaterFire, the renowned Newport Folk Festival, and a beloved beverage called Coffee Milk. Thankfully, given the state's petite proportions, you can cover a lot of ground, even if you're only able to stay for 48 hours. For this guide, we're focusing mostly on Newport and Providence with a few stops in between. A heads up that you'll need a car or an Uber account to make the most of your visit. On your next weekend trip to Rhode Island, use our guide on where to eat, drink, play, and stay. Photograph: Courtesy of Rail Explorers Friday late afternoon No matter how you're getting into town—by plane, train, or car—you're probably going to want to stretch your legs after the journey, so let's get right to it. Head to Rail Explorers, which is located between Providence and Newport.  Rail Explorers turns railroad tracks into spaces for recreation with rail bikes where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while chatting with your group. Unlike a typical bicycle, which can be difficult or impossible for many, these machines welcome all ages and abilities.  Expect to spend about 90 minutes

Everything at the Mandarin Oriental, New York is elevated, even from the very first impression. As I stepped off of 60th Street in midtown Manhattan and into the hotel’s foyer for a stay this fall, I was quickly whisked up an elevator to the 35th-floor lobby. Tucked away from the noise of the city on ground level, I noticed a botanical glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly emerging out of a moss garden. As I adjusted my eyes, staggering skyline views came into focus out the window. The 244-room luxury hotel is regularly named among the city's best—and I learned that's for good reason.  RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in NYC After checking in for a comped review, I headed up another elevator to the Hudson River Suite on the 53rd floor. Prices per-night for the suite range from $2,100 to $4,595, bookable here. Once inside, I was struck by the size of the space. Coming in at 800 square feet, the suite is bigger than my Manhattan apartment. There's a spacious living room area with two sofas, a table for working or dining (I did both during my stay), a bedroom, a full bathroom with a robotic toilet, and a powder room. Each space exudes a quiet luxury with thoughtful details. Photograph: Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York | The view from my room. Despite the contemporary artwork, the giant TVs, and even a TV in the bathroom hidden in the vanity mirror, I was most drawn to look at the panoramic views. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the suite boasted both Hudson River and

"Let Me Tell You" is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored how to plan to perfect fall day in NYC. In addition to baking pumpkin pie, eating mashed potatoes and going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I have another Thanksgiving tradition each year: Watching all the Friends Thanksgiving episodes. That’s why I jumped at the chance this fall to finally try “The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City." Get your ticket here. It's basically an immersive museum celebrating the '90s sitcom. As a superfan (one who's painfully aware of the show's faults), I didn't expect much from the experience. I've been to more than my fair share of immersive exhibits, after all. But I left this Flatiron District museum feeling even more charmed by the show and impressed by the work that went into making the sitcom (and the museum) a reality.  For me, the worst part of the experience was actually the beginning. I waited for quite a while in a small room until it seemed enough visitors arrived for the staff to turn on a video of highlights from the show. Then the group had to wait in line again for photos with the iconic orange crushed velvet couch from the show’s credits. After that, though, the crowd of people spread out and we could go through the mu