Not Into the Super Bowl? From Escape Rooms to Puppy Bowl, Here’s Some Fun Ways to Spend Game Day with Kids.
At a Glance: Super Bowl Alternatives for Families
- Great Big Game Show – Live, TV-style game show in Times Square
- The Escape Game – Kid-friendly escape rooms
- Ice Skating – Glide the night away at Bryant Park and Domino Park
- Bumper Cars on Ice – Fun for kids 7+ and adults
- Great American Rescue Bowl – Football-themed games with adoptable pets
- Puppy Bowl XXII – Pups compete, including a senior dog halftime match
While many look forward to the Super Bowl each year, a lot of people simply don’t.
If you’re one of the many people who dread Super Bowl Sunday, you’re definitely not alone. For some of us, the idea of spending hours watching the game seems like a painfully slow and boring way to spend an evening. It’s enough to make you want to find literally anything else to do instead.
But hey, the good news is, there’s plenty of stuff happening around town (or at home) that doesn’t involve a single touchdown or head injury. Whether you want to get out and explore or just chill with something else on the screen, there are some fun alternatives to watching the Super Bowl.
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Play Your Own Games: The Escape Game and Great Big Game Show
Skip the Super Bowl and head to Times Square. Just opened, The Escape Game and Great Big Game Show sit side by side in the legendary building that was once home to music icons like Carole King and Burt Bacharach. Located in the Brill Building, Great Big Game Show lets groups compete in a live, TV-style game show, while The Escape Game offers a mix of escape room experiences that are challenging but not intimidating, and they’re open until midnight.
Take it to the Ice at Bryant Park and Domino Park
Head to one of the city’s most iconic spots, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, or Domino Park for some ice skating. At Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot rink, you can glide around for free (no admission fee!) and only pay for rental skates. It is opened until 10 pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere. In Brooklyn, Domino Park’s 7,000-square-foot ice skating rink offers a unique winter experience with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Bump Around in the Night With Bumper Cars on Ice
If you and the kids are feeling a little playful, the bumper cars on ice at Bryant Park are guaranteed fun. The ride’s open to both kids and adults ages 7 and up, and it’s perfect for everyone, whether you’re a bumper car veteran or a total newbie. It’s a blast for all ages, and it’s also open until 10 pm, so you can enjoy it well into the evening.
Check Out the Great American Rescue Bowl
Partnering with North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, the Great American Rescue Bowl showcases adorable cats and dogs in a playful, football-themed game as they compete for attention and potential fur-ever homes. The two-hour special not only features cute puppies and kittens but also highlights the inspiring stories of rescued pets and the importance of adoption.
It’s the perfect feel-good way to spend your Super Bowl Sunday while helping raise awareness for pet adoption in your community. North Shore is one of the best animal rescue organizations, located right on Long Island (it’s also where I found my best friend and soul dog, Django).
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Animal homelessness is still a big issue across the country. By sharing their stories, the event helps get pets adopted and raises awareness about the importance of rescue. Want to learn more about adopting or how you can help? Visit North Shore Animal League America. Catch the fun at noon on Great American Family.
Tune Into the Puppy Bowl
Find even more adorable animals at Puppy Bowl XXII. 150 adoptable pups from 72 shelters and rescues will be looking for their forever homes. They’re divided into two teams, Team Ruff and Team Fluff, and battling it out for the Walmart “Lombarky” trophy, all while showing off just how sweet and adoptable they really are.
For the first time, the event will feature a special exhibition game just for senior dogs, with Team Oldies facing off against Team Goldies during halftime. Tune in to watch adorable puppies show off their playful moves on the field, all in the spirit of fun. Catch the action at 2 pm on Animal Planet.
To mark the occasion, Best Friends Animal Society and Puppy Bowl are joining forces to help more adoptable pets find loving homes. From February 2–9, Puppy Bowl XXII will cover adoption fees at Best Friends locations nationwide, including the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center right here in New York.
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