Color Factory NYC

Color Factory is an immersive pop-up turned permanent installation in NYC's Hudson Square neighborhood, and it's one of those experiences that sounds gimmicky in description but delivers genuine joy in person — especially for kids.

The concept is simple: 20+ rooms, each centered on a single color, each with a different interactive installation. In practice, this means moving through experiences that include a ball pit filled with pastel orbs (kids have to be physically extracted), a confetti cannon room, a room where visitors interact with hanging color-filtered panels, and a cotton candy station that connects color and flavor in a way kids find delightful.

For kids 5 to about 14, the multi-room format is perfectly calibrated: each room is different enough that interest stays high, and the Instagram-friendly design means the experience feels contemporary rather than dated. Tweens and teens who roll their eyes at 'kid stuff' often find themselves unexpectedly enthusiastic once inside.

The practical considerations: book timed-entry tickets online in advance — Color Factory does not typically sell walk-in tickets and frequently sells out, especially on weekends. Closed Wednesdays. Budget 1.5-2.5 hours depending on how long your kids linger in the favorites (the ball pit alone can eat 20 minutes per family).

Wear white or light-colored clothing — it's not required, but the color rooms are significantly more vivid when they play off a white background.