From the waters of New York Harbor to world-class museums and parks, New York City offers so many different settings to throw a memorable adult birthday party. Here are 10 great adult birthday party ideas, including sailing, glamping, and exploring. And of course, most of these also would work for such occasions as small corporate group events.
1. Speakeasy Adventure
Explore New York speakeasies, either by visiting one or two as a group or booking a guided Prohibition tour. These relics of a swinging era of boozy rebellion offer vintage cocktails, secret entrances, and an excuse to dress to the nines for an unforgettable night of nostalgia and intrigue. Just leave your Tommy gun at home.
2. Rooftop Soiree
Host a rooftop party with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. If you book a private space, consider a DJ, custom cocktails, and gourmet catering. If you’re feeling more social (or budget conscious), the city boasts plenty of stunning rooftop bars.
3. Scavenger Hunts Around New York City
Follow cryptic clues and answer fascinating questions as you tour museums, explore neighborhoods, solve murders, and more on New York scavenger hunts:
- Enjoy a sunset scavenger hunt on the High Line or uncover hidden history in the East Village.
- Indulge in a snack attack on a Munch Scavenger Hunt in Greenwich Village or Chinatown.
- Suss out surprising secrets at MoMA, the Met, or the Museum of Natural History.
- Or head to Brooklyn for adventures in DUMBO or Coney Island.
One of the best things about our scavenger hunts is that everyone on your team can contribute equally, because you don’t need any particular athletic skills, artistic talents, or prior knowledge. You all just put your heads together and have a fun day.
5. Dinner Cruise on the Hudson
Celebrate with a dinner cruise along the Hudson River, enjoying good food, flowing drinks, live music, and often breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
5. Further River Adventures
Looking for less elaborate waterbound plans? North River Lobster Company is basically a floating seafood joint, and it embarks on several hour-long sailings most days from its Hudson River home at Pier 81. And the South Street Seaport Museum offers a number of options for sailing (and eating and drinking) on historic vessels.
6. Central Park Picnic
Plan a delightful picnic in Central Park, complete with delicious food, games, and good company. Hang out at Sheep Meadow for the day, or gather for light bites before ambling through the Ramble for drinks indoors or on the patio at the Boathouse. It’s an ideal option for a laid-back and nature-filled birthday—made even better when you pair it with one of our Central Park scavenger hunts.
7. Glamping on Governors Island
Feeling a tad more outdoorsy? Believe it or not, you can go spend the night on Governors Island. Collective Retreats offers a unique retreat from the city, only a short walk from the Governors Island ferry. Well-appointed tents, farm-to-table meals, and morning yoga with incredible views of the city skyline and the Statue of the Liberty? It’s perfect—especially when you pair it with our Secrets of Governors Island Scavenger Hunt.
8. Karaoke Night
Rent a private room at one of New York’s karaoke bars, such as the classic Sing Sing Karaoke on St. Mark’s. You and your friends, from the budding songbird to the caterwauling amateur, can belt out your favorite tunes in style with bottle service and themed décor.
9. Brooklyn Brewery Tour
The Underground Brooklyn Brew Tour takes you through three of the borough’s beloved breweries, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy tastings of craft beers. For a shorter trip, join one of Brooklyn Brewery’s Small Batch Tours.
10. Trivia Game
Enjoy a wide array of trivia games just about anywhere—at home, in the office, in a rented ballroom or restaurant space, or Zooming in from multiple places at once. And with audio and visual components, scavenger hunt rounds, and creative photo challenges, as well as many different themes, these aren’t run-of-the-mill pub-trivia games anyone could throw together.
Find More Fun
Contact us to learn more and start planning your team building scavenger hunt or virtual scavenger hunt today.