12 Fun And Geeky Things To Do While You’re In New York

NYCC is over, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the fun things in New York! It's not surprising this city is full of geeky adventures, just like it's not surprising that you can save money by switching to GEICO.

1. If you're not tired of walking, you should definitely explore the American Museum of Natural History.

instagram.com / Via Courtesy of The American Museum Of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest scientific and cultural institutions in the world. If you're interested in learning, there's something for everyone! Dinosaurs? They've got 'em. Curious about space? There's an exhibit for you!

2. Get your game on at The Compleat Strategist.

Courtesy of The Compleat Strategist

If you're obsessed with board games, you have to visit The Compleat Strategist, located near the Empire State Building. That expansion pack you've been wanting to get? It's probably there. Prepare to be amazed at how skillfully they fit a zillion games into a modestly sized store too!

3. Get your arcade game on at Barcade.

Courtesy of Barcade

If old-school arcade games are more of your thing, visit Barcade, with several locations in New York City. Most games are only 25 cents a play, so collect your change and party like it's 1989. (Note: Since it's a bar and arcade, it's 21+.)

4. Zip over to Brooklyn and gear up at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Courtesy of 826NYC (2)

It’s a storefront for a good cause! Located in Park Slope, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. sells everything you need to be a superhero, from a can full of “anti-matter” to capes, cloaks, and hideaway books. And the best part about shopping at this storefront is that you get to support 826NYC, a nonprofit that promotes writing and literacy programs for students in New York. That’s right. Not all heroes wear capes.

5. Get a drink with your companions at The Way Station.

Courtesy of Andy (Anders) Heidel/Proprietor. Photographer Gail Heidel

If you're looking for a Doctor Who–themed cocktail, The Way Station is the place to be. Yup. They also have a TARDIS-themed bathroom, and it's super cool! Allons-y!

6. Check out some movie magic at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Peter Aaron/Esto. Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image

If you have time to head to Queens (yes, the place where a certain hero with spider-like powers is from), you must visit the Museum of the Moving Image. You can see screenings of acclaimed films, check out props and artifacts from movies old and new, and make your own stop-motion animations. Lights, camera, action!

They're also hosting a post-NYCC celebration about muppets and sci-fi! You can learn more here.

7. Collect 'em all and visit Toy Tokyo.

fletcherjcm/ CC BY-SA 2.0 / Via Flickr: maryandjc

Dying to see that limited-edition Japanese figurine in person? It's probably at Toy Tokyo. From tiny blind boxes to rare collectibles, Toy Tokyo will make your inner kid giddy with joy the moment you step into the store.

8. If you can escape the dealers room...try some puzzles and see if you can win Escape the Room NYC.

Courtesy of Escape the Room NYC (3)

Escape rooms are awesome, interactive experiences where you can immerse yourself in another world and solve challenging puzzles (with a time limit)! Escape the Room NYC has two locations in Midtown and Downtown that offer a variety of themed rooms. Want to be a spy and fulfill a top-secret mission? Then this game is for you. Bring your friends because this is a fun group activity.

9. If your backpack isn't too full of comic books, head over to The Strand and fill your bag with even more novels (used and new)!

Courtesy of Strand Book Store

Located near Union Square in Manhattan, The Strand is the ultimate book lover's paradise. They have the latest best-sellers, affordable used books, and even a great collection of rare books! If you love to read, carve out a couple hours in your day to visit. They're not kidding when they say they have over 18 miles of books!

10. Didn't find the figurine you wanted? Head to Forbidden Planet to see what's in stock there.

Courtesy of Jeff Ayers/Forbidden Planet NYC

You can never have enough figurines! Or comics! Or random geeky stuff. So after you've visited The Strand, just walk a block over and peep Forbidden Planet, because you gotta finish your collection.

11. Get some nerd cred at Videology in Brooklyn by winning one of their trivia tournaments.

Courtesy of Lisette Poole / Videology

Have you ever wanted to binge a season of your favorite show with 40 strangers just as obsessed as you? Welcome to Videology, a micro-cinema in Brooklyn where you can watch cult classics at midnight, play TV-themed bingo in the evenings, and nerd out about pop culture on their trivia nights. Check out their event calendar to see what's happening in October.

12. Necronomi-nom-nom-nom at Lovecraft, a restaurant and bar that's inspired by HP Lovecraft.

Courtesy of Lovecraft

That's right — a restaurant dedicated to the one and only HP Lovecraft. Come for brunch and enjoy the Lovecraft Beef Burger, and stay for karaoke on weekends from 2–6 p.m.!

Until next year, NYCC!

GEICO