New York is a fun city to visit with teens but there is so much to see and do in the Big Apple that the thought of planning a trip may overwhelm you. No need to worry, I have suggestions from trips I’ve taken with my own teens.
I first ventured to NYC with my oldest son when he turned 18. Can I admit that I was scared. Yep. This smalltown girl was terrified of traveling to New York City with my son because I’d bought into all the stories about the city being unsafe, full of rude people and difficult to navigate. What I found surprised me.
I found New Yorkers’ to be nice. One gentleman even offered to give up his seat on the bus, so I could sit with my son. That’s not what I’d expected. I also found the subway system easy to navigate. Of course, it didn’t hurt that my aunt accompanied us on our first visit and showed me the ropes. The hardest part about that very first visit was the soaring nearly 100-degree temperatures!
When my daughter chose to go to NYC on her 16th birthday, I was not only ready, I was excited.
I’ve returned several times since that first scary visit and I have grown to love all that the city offers. I’m even keeping my fingers crossed that I can visit with my husband during the holidays to see the Downton Abbey exhibit.
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I’ve gathered the articles I’ve written about my experiences in New York City and shared them below, so they’d be easy to find. If you’re looking for things to do in New York with teens, these posts will give you some ideas.
35 Things to do in New York City with Teens
3 Days in New York City- a sample itinerary with CityPASS (and Teens)
Visiting Times Square with Teens
If you’re looking for general travel information for New York City, that can be applied to a visit with teens, or anyone else you’d be traveling with, read these posts:
5 Tips to Help you Make the Most of a Quick Trip to New York City
4 Reasons you Should Visit Central Park
City of New York Savings Tips for Travel
4 Ways to Visit NYC like a Native
5 Amazing Festivities in NYC during the Holidays
Looking for information on tours in New York City? Here are a couple that we’ve enjoyed and whole heartedly suggest.
A Review of The Super Tour of NYC with On Location Tours
Things to do in New York City: Forget about Manhattan with a Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour
I even include a hotel that my teen loved but make sure you read my review before you book a room. It won’t be comfortable for all family configurations. Read my post. You’ll see what I mean.
The Yotel: Hip and Trendy Lodging in New York City
You can check prices and read hotel reviews here to help you plan your visit.
Finally, maybe it’s not traveling to New York City that scares you, maybe it’s traveling with your teen. I wrote a post just for you.
10 Tips to Keeping the Peace when Traveling with Teens
Have you been to New York with teens? What tips do you have to share?
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© 2017, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
New York City is a wonderful place to visit. There are so many things to see and do, however, traveling with teens (that are always not so easy to please) can be a challenge. Thanks for this article. I will share it with my sister. She’s got two kids, 16 and 14 years old and they are planning a trip to NYC next month.
Perfect timing as we are just starting to plan a NY trip with our two 13 year old girls. I’ll pin your post for a day when I dig into the planning more. Thank you.
I wend there as a teen and I remember having the time of my life. I remember the M&M store so well!
NYC is so much for, esp for teens. With all of the pop culture, they can have an amazing time.
I absolutely love visiting New York City. It’s such a fun place to explore. If I ever take my teen, I will check these thing so out.
We have been wanting to take a family trip to NY for quite some time. I think my girls would really love to see Times Square. I’m sure they would also want to take in a live play too.
My daughter and I have always wanted to take a tip for a girl’s getaway. New York with my teen would be so much fun!
My niece is going to New York next month, and I will have to share this with her. She is 16, and I know her parents are trying o figure out age appropriate travel ideas. The Super Tour and Brooklyn Pizza Slice tours sound awesome!
Teens are definitely different than when you’re traveling with kids. I think it’s good to have an itinerary based on something that they’ll enjoy. This is such a nice guide for that!
I wouldn’t mind going on another New York trip. It would be fun to check out some of the cool tours!
I’ve been to New York one time and it’s time to go back. Teens would have a blast in this big city. I for one would too. I think no matter your age you’re going to find NY very fascinating.
I’m so glad I ran across this! We’ll be in New York with my teen and two tweens in a few months, and this is a big help with planning our trip!