5 Group Activities in NYC That Are Actually Fun (No Trust Falls Required)
Group Hangouts Are Getting a Glow-Up
Let’s be honest, if you’re planning a group activity in NYC and your first idea is an escape room or trivia night, your friends may mutiny. Group plans today are about more than “just getting together”, they’re about doing something worth remembering (and maybe even posting). The new gold standard? Interactive, low-pressure, high-fun venues that give people a reason to keep their phone down and actually stay present.
5 Ideas Worth Booking (That Won’t Feel Like Forced Fun)
1. High-Tech Sports Lounges
X-Golf Brooklyn hits all the right notes. Simulator bays give everyone something to do; whether they’re seasoned golfers or just here for the vibes. Add in shuffleboard, pool, darts, and a bar that delivers, and it’s group activity gold.
2. Rooftop Karaoke with a View
It’s karaoke, but elevated. (Literally.) Some NYC rooftops now offer heated karaoke domes, skyline views, and private booths with bottle service. For a spot not far from Williamsburg, check out Rooftop 93 or The Ready Rooftop Bar. Both offer great vibes and even better backdrops for belting out your go-to anthem.
Pro tip: Start your night at Birdie’s Clubhouse (inside X-Golf Brooklyn) for shareable apps and pre-karaoke cocktails. It’s the perfect warm-up round.
3. Immersive Art Shows & Interactive Exhibits
NYC is full of Instagram-bait art installations and traveling immersive experiences. These are perfect for groups looking to pair creativity with conversation. If you’re staying local, Brooklyn’s art scene is constantly evolving. Check out this calendar of upcoming exhibits for fresh ideas.
At X-Golf Brooklyn, we’re big fans of supporting the neighborhood vibe. So pair your gallery hop with a hang at our space before or after. Art, apps, and arcade games? That’s a Brooklyn triple threat.
4. Trivia or Game Night at Themed Bars
Pick a theme and go all-in. From ‘90s sitcom trivia to spooky storytelling nights, themed game bars make the night feel like an event.
5. Mixology Battles or Cooking Collabs
NYC’s food scene doesn’t have to be passive. Try a class where you compete in teams to make the best cocktail or dumpling—and then eat (or drink) your work. Brooklyn has no shortage of flavor-forward options, from hands-on classes at Mixology Mixer to dumpling workshops at League of Kitchens.
Want to build your perfect night? Pair a class with another local hangout—like a round of games and drinks at Birdie’s Clubhouse. The more personal your group itinerary, the more memorable it feels.
Why X-Golf Brooklyn Hits the Sweet Spot
It’s rare to find a venue that works for:
Tourists, locals, and groups of friends
Birthday parties, casual hangs, and low-key team outings
Competitive people and chill observers
That’s the magic of X-Golf Brooklyn. It’s fun without being cheesy, social without being loud, and flexible enough to work for just about any occasion.
How to Plan Your Group Event Without Losing Momentum
Choose your vibe: Are you going for competition? Conversation? Both?
Think beyond the activity: Good drinks and flexible space matter more than you think. That’s why we offer a full bar, upscale lounge seating, darts, and a pool table: because the best hangouts happen between the main events.
Book ahead: Fridays and Saturdays go quick—so don’t wait if you’ve got a specific date in mind.
Need help? Our team can help you plan something easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
Ready to Play?
Whether it’s your crew from work or your crew from college, you’ve got better options than “grab a drink and figure it out.”
Book now or explore more group activity ideas here. We’ll take care of the rest.
