Best Things to Do in New York City with Teens

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Advisor - Jennifer DiDonna
Curated By

Jennifer DiDonna

  • New York City

  • Active Travel

  • City Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Teenagers

Skyline of New York City at daytime.
Curator’s statement

As a NYC native, New York City's energy, diversity and endless opportunities have shaped me. The city's fast pace and vibrant neighborhoods taught me the value of acceptance and resilience. From iconic landmarks to the ever-changing cultural scene, NYC will always hold a special place in my heart.

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Where to stay in New York City

The Roxy Hotel New York

A chic and vibrant downtown haven where retro-inspired charm, artistic ambiance and exceptional hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Food / beverage credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Frederick Hotel

Past meets present at this thoughtfully designed luxury hotel in Tribeca. From the outside, the Frederick Hotel looks every inch the grand New York landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1845. But a step through the doors reveals a luxury boutique hotel that, while in touch with its heritage, also looks to the future.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $50-100 hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Thompson Central Park New York

Chic property nearby Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art with sleek rooms and suites.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

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    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Hotel 50 Bowery

A stylish urban retreat in the heart of Manhattan's Chinatown, where modern luxury meets the vibrant energy of downtown New York City.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Edison

A historic hotel with Art Deco-inspired accommodations near Times Square.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Exclusive rates.

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    Waived daily destination fee.

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    Access to Triumph Wine Hours and historic walking tours.

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    An upgrade whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Jennifer to book your trip.

Things to do with teens in New York City

Times Square with colorful boards and screens at night.

  1. Walk Times Square. No visit to NYC is complete without a visit to Times Square. There is no better place to experience the vibrant energy of the city and marvel at the sights and sounds.

  2. Explore Central Park. A relaxing afternoon is always a good idea. You can rent bikes, paddle boats or explore all of the park's hidden gems. Everyone knows about the Central Park Zoo and Strawberry Fields, but did you know there are talking statues all across the park?

  3. See a Broadway show. There are options to please any teen such as "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," "Back to the Future" or "SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw."

  4. Visit an observatory. The most popular are One World Observatory, Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center and the iconic Empire State Building Observatory. But there are newer, lesser-known observatories that teens will also love, thanks to their "Insta" appeal. The Edge at Hudson Yards and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are two that my own teens love!

  5. Visit a museum. NYC has a museum that will appeal to every teen. The Skyscraper Museum, New York Hall Of Science and the The New York Transit Museum are my family's personal favorites.

  6. Explore the High Line. The High Line was formerly elevated train tracks but has since been turned into an urban oasis. Teens can enjoy the ever-changing artwork or balance on the Pershing Square Beams.

  7. Feeling outdoorsy? Spend the day rock-climbing in Brooklyn or visit the Bronx and challenge your teens to an aerial rope course and zip-line.

  8. Walk. Seems simple enough, but exploring NYC neighborhoods by foot is the best way to immerse yourself in the city's diverse culture and unique vibe. Teens will love SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chinatown and the Seaport.

Day trips

This list focuses on Manhattan, but these are the best things to do in NYC's other four boroughs, and they are all perfect for day trips from Manhattan.

The Bronx: Eat your way through Little Italy and visit the Bronx Zoo.

Queens: Flushing Meadows Corona Park (The World's Fairgrounds) and ices from The Lemon Ice King of Corona.

Brooklyn: Take in the Manhattan skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge Park and take in a basketball game at the the Barclays Center.

Staten Island: Take a free ride on the Staten Island ferry and grab a pie at Denino's or Joe & Pat's Pizzeria.

Places to eat & drink in New York City

Bagel with cream cheese on a piece of wax paper.

A list of faves from my own NYC-native teens:

Breakfast

Lunch

  • John's Pizzeria for a classic NY slice

  • Shake Shack, a NYC classic that was once a standalone shack, slinging up some tasty burgers to go, and now has multiple sit-down locations throughout the city

Dinner

Dessert

Advisor - Jennifer DiDonna

Travel Advisor

Jennifer DiDonna

Get in touch with Jennifer

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Must See Attractions In Kauai With Teens.