20 Things to do in NYC with Teenagers
Ah, New York City—the concrete jungle where dreams are made, and teenagers can be notoriously hard to impress. Fear not, fellow travelers, for I’ve crafted a guide to keeping those high-energy, perpetually hungry, and easily bored creatures we call our offspring entertained in the Big Apple. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a bite out of the city that never sleeps, and trust me, neither will your teens.
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Things to do in NYC with teenagers
In no particular order here are some of our family’s favorite things to do in NYC with teenagers. Since they are teenagers they can be quite picky! Hopefully, this list will make things easier for you! If you need to stick to a budget, be sure to read our 16 Free Things to do in NYC post! I also recommend buying The New York Pass to save money or a CityPASS. If you are looking for a NYC itinerary with teenagers we’ve got that too! 3 Day NYC Itinerary with Teens
1. Biking in Central Park
Kick off your adventure with a bike ride in Central Park. It’s like the Instagram story they’ll actually want to post, complete with scenic views and enough paths to ensure they won’t text you about being bored (at least for an hour). The well-paved paths meandered through the parks’ iconic spots, such as the Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. You can rent bikes from one of the many stands around Central Park.
2. American Museum of Natural History
Next, unleash your inner Ross Geller and dazzle them with the wonders of the American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, space, and the human body—oh my! It’s like a WiFi-free zone where they’ll actually learn something.
3. Guggenheim Museum
For a twist on the typical museum visit, the Guggenheim’s spiral layout and modern art will have your teens debating whether they’re looking at art or if someone just left their laundry on the floor. Either way, they’re engaged.
4. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Show them that learning can be cool with a trip to the Intrepid. Planes, submarines, and spaceships—all the ingredients for the perfect Snapchat story.
5. Thrift Shopping
Teenagers love feeling unique, and what’s more unique than thrifting in NYC? It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, they’re searching for vintage tees and retro sneakers. I kind of hate what my kids wear, but I guess that’s just part of raising teens.
6. QC NY Spa
If the city hustle gets overwhelming, a family day at QC NY Spa can be the chill pill everyone needs. They might roll their eyes at first, but wait until they hit that salt room and hot tub over looking the city!
7. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
A visit here is a profound experience that offers a mix of education and reflection. It’s an important reminder of resilience, history, and the spirit of New York. Skip the line tickets.
8. Eating in Hell’s Kitchen
With the myriad of cuisines available, your teens’ hunger (and pickiness) can be curbed in Hell’s Kitchen. From gourmet burgers to authentic Thai, it’s a culinary adventure without the flight.
9. Walking the High Line
An elevated park built on a historic freight rail line; it’s the perfect backdrop for their next viral TikTok dance, plus it’s a great way to digest after Hell’s Kitchen.
Perched a few stories above the hustle and bustle, this verdant runway offers a scenic detour through the concrete jungle, where the only traffic jams are caused by photo-ops and leisurely strolls. Here, you can meander, all while sidestepping the city’s frenetic street life below. It’s like New York waved a magic wand and turned a relic of its industrial past into a green ribbon winding through the skyscrapers, offering both a breath of fresh air and a unique perspective on the city.
10. Top of the Rock
For breathtaking views of the city skyline, head to Top of the Rock. It’s like seeing New York City through the eyes of a superhero, minus the cape and the responsibility. On our last visit here I was stunned how many new buildings have gone up in just six years. If you haven’t been lately it’s worth a re-visit. They’ve added a photo opportunity and a bar.
11. See a Comedy Show
End a day with laughter at one of NYC’s iconic comedy clubs or better yet at Radio City Music Hall. It’s a chance for your teens to realize you’re not the only one with bad jokes. Eden and I got lucky on our last visit and got to see Ronny Chieng and John Oliver at Radio City Music Hall.
12. Broadway Show
No visit to New York is complete without the razzle-dazzle of a Broadway show. It’s where the energy of the city converges into a spectacle of talent, storytelling, and glittering costumes. Watch their eyes light up (and phones go away) as the curtain rises, immersing them in a world where artistry knows no bounds. If you haven’t seen Wicked I highly recommend seeing it. Buy Wicked tickets in advance.
We have a list of lottery tickets to various shows in NYC in our NYC Travel Guide.
13. Have Hot Chocolate or a Milkshake at Junior’s
After the show, meander over to Junior’s for the quintessential NYC hot chocolate experience. It’s like a warm, chocolatey hug in a mug, perfect for discussing the night’s performance and taking bets on how many Instagram likes their Broadway selfies will get.
14. Pier 15
For a change of pace, head to Pier 15 at South Street Seaport. It offers stunning views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and an excuse to take panoramic shots that scream “I’m in New York!” It’s a serene moment amidst the city bustle, where even the most screen-addicted teen can’t help but admire the view.
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15. Bumper Cars on Ice at Bryant Park (winter) or Ice Skating
Depending on the season, Bryant Park transforms into a whimsical playground. In winter, trade traditional skating for bumper cars on ice—an activity so hilariously fun, it’ll have your teens forgetting to check their notifications. In warmer months, the ice rink becomes a lush green space perfect for picnics, movies, and yes, more TikTok content.
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So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of NYC that promises to keep your teenagers entertained, fed, and maybe even enlightened. Remember, in New York City, the adventure doesn’t stop because the city doesn’t sleep—much like your teens during a Netflix binge. Happy travels!
16. Hell’s Kitchen Dessert Tour with “Like a Local Tours”
Sweeten your trip with a Hell’s Kitchen Dessert Tour with “Like a Local Tours”. Eden and I did this the last time we were there and it was a sugar rush of epic proportions. Navigating through the vibrant streets of Hell’s Kitchen, we were treated to an array of indulgent delights, from artisanal chocolates to the fluffiest pastries I’ve ever laid taste buds on. This tour wasn’t just about satisfying our sweet tooth; it was a backstage pass to the neighborhood’s rich history and culture, served up by our knowledgeable and engaging guide. Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or just looking to sprinkle a little fun into your NYC visit, this tour is a must-do. It’s the perfect way to bond over the universal language of sweets, and I can’t recommend it enough for parents and their grown kids or teens—or anyone with a penchant for the sweeter things in life. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Book this in advance.
17. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Both are profound to see an highly interesting. Take a sheet of paper and a crayon so if you find your ancestor on the wall you can make a rubbing of it. Get Tickets.
18. Empire State Building
Completed in 1931 and standing 102 stories tall the Empire State Building is a great place to grab photos and see the city. If it is cloudy, skip this. The New York Pass offers free entry and skip the line at the Empire State Building or you can purchase skip the line tickets separately.
19. The Ride
20. Ice Skating or Roller Skating at Rockefeller Plaza
Read Next:
3 Day NYC Itinerary with Teens
Best Places to Eat in the West Village, NYC
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Get a Lyft
More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.
Save Money on Gas
Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.
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