'Bluey,' 'Squid Games,' and more immersive pop-ups in New York City
Meet Bluey and Bingo at Bluey x CAMP 5th Ave. Credit: CAMP
Movies and television can transport the viewer to places that let their imaginations run wild. But, why watch your favorite shows when you can immerse yourself in them? Several pop-up events are happening in New York City that allow visitors to have adventures inspired by popular TV shows and movies. Some, so lifelike, you'll feel like a character in the series. From solving crimes like Mabel, Oliver and Charles of "Only Murders in the Building" to spending the day in the colorful world of the kooky Australian cattle dog, Bluey, here are new excursions happening now and coming soon worth the trip to the Big Apple:
Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonightmares’ at Rockefeller Center
630 5th Ave., Manhattan
Jimmy Fallon's nightmares come to life at this 10 room haunted maze at Rockefeller Center. Credit: NBC UNIVERSAL
A Halloween maze based on the scariest dreams of "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon, players will move through 10 rooms, encountering creepy characters along the way, such as a werewolf, homicidal robots and a mad scientist. Guests can stroll the spooky haunt through Oct. 31
Cost Tickets start at $36.90; not recommended for kids younger than 14.
More info jimmyfallonstonightmares.com
‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ at New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
See Oogie Boogie and other characters at the 'Nightmare Before Christmas' immersive walk at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Credit: Avery Brunkus
Taking its cues from the classic film by director Tim Burton, this immersive outdoor light trail is made up of scenes featuring characters and songs from the movie. Open through Nov. 30, you’ll spot stars like Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and Zero on the trail — all backed by the garden’s vivid vegetal attractions. The trail should take 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Cost Timed-entry tickets are $49, $39 ages 12 and younger.
More info 718-817-8700, thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
‘Squid Game: The Experience’
100 W. 33rd St., Manhattan
'Squid Game: The Experience' features the 'Red Light, Green Light' game with the large robotic doll, Young-hee. Credit: Netflix
If you want to get a taste of the trials that contestants on the Netflix drama endure, you can try simulations of its challenges at this experience beginning Oct. 11 through March 9. Participants can play the "Red Light Green Light" game — and yes, Young-hee the gigantic doll will be watching. Once you and your crew have made it through, visit a market space that sells Korean snacks. There is also vending machines selling boba and ramen and a bar serving 'Squid Game'-inspired signature cocktails. Guests can purchase clothes and collectibles, or pose for photo-ops.
Cost Tickets start at $29
More info tickets.squidgameexperience.com
‘Only Murders in the Building’ escape game
295 Madison Ave., Manhattan
Solve the mystery at the 'Only Murders In The Building'-inspired escape room. Credit: Bucket Listers
Inspired by the adventures of the "Only Murders in the Building" gang, contestants will find themselves within an Arconia of their own looking to solve a mystery. Participants get an hour to explore the setting while digging up secrets. The excursion takes attendees along secret passages and through hidden doorways to find answers while discovering items and props notable to the show. Crime stoppers can participate in the escape room through Dec. 30.
Cost $48.99
More info 917-970-1360, theescapegame.com
‘Bluey x CAMP’ at CAMP 5th Avenue
110 5th Ave., Manhattan
Play in Bluey and Bingo's blanket fort at Bluey x CAMP 5th Ave. Credit: CAMP
Families and fans of the cartoon will get a chance to step into a 5,000-square-foot scene inspired by the house where the characters live from Dec. 6 through May 4. Visitors can dance in Bluey's playroom and climb through a two-story pillow fort and a castle fashioned from a cardboard box in Bandit's office.
Explore Bluey's house at the Bluey x CAMP 5th Ave. Credit: CAMP
Kids can also search for items from the show like garden gnomes and tennis balls that have been hidden around the space. Attendees can play games like "Keepy Uppy," "Grannies" and "Magic Asparagus" and take photos with Bluey and Bingo during a selfie session.
Cost Timed-entry tickets start at $46.
More info 917-997-0439, camp.com