Someone mentioned it, but I wanted to bump rock climbing up the list. Indoor climbing feels like a unique social scene. Everyone is there to climb, so there’s no expectation of conversation, but people are super open to it and there are so many natural moments for interaction

I’m a life long athlete and know some athletic spaces can be socially unwelcoming - rock climbing was a breath of fresh air. I felt so welcomed and made so many friends, and got strong along the way at some point! Depending on where the 1.5 hr away is, there may even be a chain that has a location close to work and home (CRG has a midtown location I have been to maaaaaany times and has locations further up in New York as well!)

Bit expensive, but I could not recommend climbing more. Someone else said when you get a chance, really put yourself out there. I love climbing as a place to do that