Planning a trip and finding things to do in New York City with teens can be intimidating and overwhelming. How do you know what to see and what to do with so many fantastic options? I’ve been right where you are but now that I’ve made the trek to NYC with my kids, it’s one place that I am repeatedly drawn too- and so are my teens!”
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I’d always dreamed of visiting New York City but didn’t set foot in Manhattan until my oldest son wanted to see the Big Apple nearly seven years ago.
I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to explore such a great city and now I’m making up for lost time, having visited many times since.
To help you plan a trip you and your teens will both love, it’s important to select your attractions carefully. I’ve put together some ideas of what to do in NYC to get you started.
35 Things to do in New York City with Teens
- Visit your teen’s favorite store.
- Grab a slice of pizza.
- Have your picture taken in Times Square.
- Ride the free Staten Island Ferry.
- Hail a taxi.
- Pose with Dum Dum at the Museum of Natural History.
- Take a stroll through Central Park.
- Wash your hands at Sabon in Soho.
- Ride the subway.
- Walk the Highline.
Ride the Ferris wheel inside Toys R Us.Sadly, this iconic NYC store has closed. Instead, stroll along the boardwalk on Coney Island or rest your feet on a NYC TV & Movie Tour.- Watch a Broadway Show.
- Ride the carousel in Central Park.
- Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Visit the galleries at the MoMA or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Slurp down a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3.
- Get your candy fix at Dylan’s Candy Bar.
- Head to the top of the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center.
- Watch a taping of Good Morning America or the Today Show.
- Visit one of the many cathedrals.
- Pay your respects at the National 9/11 Memorial.
- Watch a parade.
- Skate in Rockefeller Center.
- Experience something new and eat at one of the ethnic eateries.
- Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
- Take your picture with the bull in the Financial District.
- Eat your way through the Chelsea Market.
- Purchase a souvenir from a street vendor.
- Learn about NYC at the Tenement Museum or the Museum of New York City.
- Visit the free Fashion Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
- Take the audio tour at Grand Central Station.
- Grab a Cannoli in Brooklyn.
- Sample chocolates at Max Brenner’s Chocolate by the Bald Guy.
- Check out the latest technology with a visit to The Apple Store.
- And finally, take a tour of Manhattan or one of the other boroughs.
So put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera and hit the streets of New York City with teens and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
THE Resource you shouldn’t Leave Home Without
If you’re going to be traveling in New York City with teens, you’ll need a great map. Frommer’s New York City Day by Day is the best resource I’ve found. This guidebook can provide dining, lodging, and attraction information but THE reason I suggest it is because of the pull out map that is included in the book. I’ve used the map on each of my visits to NYC and have lent my book and map out more times than I can count. This book will be the best $ you’ll spend when planning your trip. Trust me on this.
Save Time and Money on your Trip to New York City with Teens:
- The New York CityPASS can save you up to 40% on the top attractions in the city- click here to learn more and learn how much you could save.
- Want to rest your feet and take in some sights (highly recommended)? Click here to Get the lowest prices on New York City Hop-on Hop-off Tours.
- The New York City coupon book from Entertainment.com can save you money on food, attractions, and lodging- check it out here.
- Relax and take a guided bike tour through Central Park. We have a coupon to save you $20! Learn how here.
If you’re spending a few nights in the city, you may want to Compare New York City Hotel Reviews & Ratings to find the Best Hotel Deal! My daughter and I stayed at The Yotel which was really fun and trendy, but not for everyone. Make sure you read my post to find out if it’s for you. ——> The Yotel: Hip and Trendy Lodging in New York City
Where to Stay in New York City with Teens:
- Save up to 30% off New York City hotels- learn more here.
- Save on New York hotels with Booking.com- click here for savings.
- The Cambria Suites in Chelsea puts you close to the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Macy’s Herald Square. Save on your room with this deal- click to learn more.
More Posts on Things to do in NYC:
3 Days in NYC- an Itinerary with CityPASS and Teens
St. Paul’s Cathedral: the little Chapel that Stood
Things to do in NYC: Forget about Manhattan with a Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
The New Yorker Hotel: New York City
The Library Hotel: a Must Stay for Book Lovers
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© 2013 – 2019, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Bistra | The Magic of Traveling says
Great! SO New York will offer plenty of opportunities to entertain parents with teens, too!
Tonya Prater says
Yes! There is so much in NYC to entertain people of all ages.
michele h peterson says
Thanks for the great list! It sounds as though there are lots of tasty things to do ( and plenty of chocolate sweets) in New York City!
Tonya Prater says
Sweet treats are a must when traveling with my teen but the pizza was a huge hit as well.
leah says
My best friend heads to NY in January! I’ll definitely be showing her this! x
Tonya Prater says
I hope she gets some ideas! Thanks for stopping by.
Carrick - Along for the Trip says
Hi Tanya!
Thanks for the great to-do list! I’m the only one who’s visited NYC out of the family, so this is a great reference to work from when we finally get there. There are so many musts on the list!
We love the idea of a CityPASS. We used one in Chicago earlier this year and loved it. Have a great 2017 you guys!
Safe travels,
Carrick
Cay says
Forget Dylan’s. Overpriced and really not so “New York-y.” Go to Economy Candy on the border between Chinatown and the Lower East Side. A true NYC institution. You’ve never seen so much candy in such a small space.
a new york Teen says
1.YES! SoHo is great. Supreme, Bape, and Billionaire Boys Club will give a teenage boy happiness.
7. Even better, bike through it. ALSO Riverside Park is BEAUTIFUL.
21. Also recommend Ground Zero Museum. Small exhibit of very powerful photographs.
28. Please don’t do it. If you do, don’t wear your I heart NY shirts in my city.
34. Go try it in any of the hundreds of Apple stores all over the world. Our’s are way to crowded for no reason.
I also recommend Coney Island- Ride the Cyclone and go to the Freak Show.
Grab a Hot Dog at Greys Papaya on the upper west side.
Bike or walk across a bridge.
Go to Rutgers Park and watch some pick up basketball, and play if you have any game. Yes, you will hear bad words but nothing you havent heard before.
Tonya says
Awwww….come on…no shopping at overpriced souvenir shops? Isn’t that what vacation is all about? 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and offering additional recommendations and ideas. It’s great to hear from someone who lives in NYC to know I’m not entirely off-base. You gave me some ideas for next time I visit. 🙂
Felipe Lavalle says
I find that so many families visting NYC end up doing the same old things, over and over again. Like many of the “tourist trap attractions” recommendations made on this list! The beauty of New York is the amazing off the beaten path sites you can visit in ALL the boroughs, not just Manhattan. Beautiful parks, off Broadway performances, fantastic restaurants and cultural institutions. Riding bikes is something I always encourage to get a real perspective of the city. Bike infrastructure has improved exponentially in the past couple of years and there’s a great new company called Get Up and Ride doing small group tours in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Perfect for families, you can check them out at http://www.getupandride.com
Tonya says
Thanks for the tip. I’ve not considered a bike ride through NYC.
Lucy says
Max Brenner not Mel Brenner. The chocolate is AMAZING I recommend it totally I go as often as I can.
Tonya says
I knew that! Duh…thank you for correcting me. I loved the chocolate there. My daughter and I were waiting for a tour so we weren’t able to sit down and really enjoy the experience. We just sampled some chocolates, bought some chocolates and ran out.
Walter says
Do something completely different and take your teen to ROCK STAR CRYSTALS in Chelsea. More than cool, this rock shop is beyond belief, like a crystal cave in the heart of Manhattan. So green it’s also in NYC’s wholesale flower district. On the second floor of an industrial loft with plants in the hallways and thousands of crystals ceiling to floor. Then ask your kid if it was worth it : http://www.rockstarcrystalsmanhattan.com or call 212 675 3065.
Tonya says
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll keep that in mind next time we visit Manhattan!
Jennifer says
My daughter’s 8th grade class has a trip planned to the East Coast for summer 2015. My husband and I will be attending along with her best friend, who we are taking as a gift to her for 8th grade graduation. I’ve never been past Iowa so I’m really looking forward to the trip. Thanks for the awesome tips, I will definitely print this out and share with the kids!
Tonya says
There is so much to do in NYC. What a fun way to celebrate an 8th grade celebration. If you have any further questions, please let me know.
Jennifer Mecurio says
I definitely want to skate at Rockefeller Center one day. Definitely on my to-do bucket list.
Tammy says
We’ve never been to New York as a family before, I’m pretty sure my teen would be freaked out by the hustle and bustle, but a piece of pizza at an authentic joint around Times Square …. I think she’d be all over that!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I’ve been to New York several times but unfortunately it was only for events so we really didn’t get a chance to explore everything. But, I’d love to go back one day!
Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy says
This is a great list of things to do for EVERYONE including NYers! Living in this amazing city we take for granted all the things we can do here. I think I’m going to actually take my kids to the ferris wheel in TRU tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!
Anne says
My teens are dying to go to NY city, because even though we have lived in New York for their entire lives they have never been to the city! Great list of ideas for teens
Julie says
Forget a teenager – most of this stuff *I* haven’t even done yet! 🙂 Luckily my sister-in-law lives in Brooklyn, so we’ve got an excuse to visit.
Natalie @ One busy WAHM says
I’ve never been to NYC – but it’s one place I would so love to visit. This list sounds good to me (even though I left my teenage years a little while ago 🙂 )
Kat B. says
I’ve only been to NY when I had to catch a flight there but I hope to visit one day.
trisha says
Thanks for all the fun ideas if I ever visit! i have only been there on a layover!
Jenny @ MyLittleMe says
I’ve never been to New York but I would love to visit!
Cat Davis says
I’ve never been to NYC but if I ever do get the chance to go, I’ll pull this list back up. Lots of fun to be had!
Melissa says
I went to New York for my first time recently but didn’t have time for anything besides Times Square. I would like to Ride the free Staten Island Ferry.
Chelle @ oh just stop already says
We want to go to NY so bad. My mom grew up there and my teen wants to go to a Broadway show. I would love to take her for her senior year. Thanks for the tips, I’m stashing them away for a hope that we’ll put them to use.
Marina says
What a great round up considering NY is on our travel bucket list.
Maryann says
so many of these revolve around one of my favorite things – food
Lisa Trudell says
I used to live in Long Island many years ago. I have done only a couple of these things and barely remember them. So, NYC is on our list to visit hopefully in the next few years. This is a great and creative list. Thanks for sharing and I will have to “pin” this for later.
Donna says
I hope to go to New York some day, and will try to do as many of these as I can! 🙂
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
I haven’t visited NYC since I was a teen and I’d love to visit again later with my family.
Digna (autumn blues) says
It has been a few years since I have hit New York City with the family. We live only about 2 hours from NYC and most of the time take a bus into NY to avoid all the traffic, stress and parking fees. Although riding the subway would never be on my list of things to do in NYC, the list has some great ideas.
HilLesha says
I’d love to visit NYC there someday. My parents lived there when they were in their early 20s and loved it.
Dianna @ Oy Vey a Day says
What a fun list. It brought back memories of my honeymoon trip to New York. We even stayed at the Marriott in Times Square. It was an amazing trip. My kids are far from teens, but when they do get a bit older, I hope to go back.
Tammilee says
What a great list of things to do in NYC! My Husband has never visited NYC and I hope to surprise him with a trip there this year.
Tonya says
Though I’ve been there a couple times with my teens, my husband never visited until this past summer when we had an unexpected layover when flying to Honduras. I’d like to say that he wants to visit with me again, but I don’t think I’ll ever get him to visit again. Too many people.
Sara Phillips says
NYC is on MY vacation travels list! I think my kids would LOVE it for Christmas one year – and I think we will do just that!
Tonya says
My kids would love to visit at Christmas too. I just need to convince my husband.
Andrew @ Mommy's Busy says
I grew up in the suburbs of NYC and now work in Manhattan and I’m happy to say I’ve probably done at least half of the things on this list. The next huge thing I need to do, though, is go to the top of the Empire State Building!
Tonya says
I’ve visited a couple times with my teens so I’ve made a pretty good dent in the list. A bit of advice, visit the Empire State Building when it’s warm. We went on a cool, drizzly October day and nearly froze. And go first thing in the morning to avoid as many crowds as possible. It gets pretty darn crowded.
Jenn says
Our little ones will probably be teenagers before we make it to NYC again. LOL! I’d like to do some of those things myself.
Heather Lawrence says
I want to go to New York so bad!
My oldest went on a dance field trip {To the Broadway Dance Center} when she was in High School and she had an awesome time.
Great list!
Kara Brandt says
New York is so awesome all year round. It’s a must see state when traveling to the US. I might try some of your suggestions(though I’m a teen anymore..Haha). Thanks
Tonya says
I’d like to think that many of the suggestions appeal to adults as well. 🙂
Kathy says
I am going to be visiting New York in February and I am so very excited. Maybe someday I will take the family with me 😉