NYC for Teens: Conquering the Concrete Jungle with Epic Eats & Insta-Worthy Adventures

When traveling with teens, they are just as interested in capturing pics to post that will make their friends back home super jealous! So, when planning your NYC adventure, look for activities that will not only be fun for you and your family, but also provide them with the Instagram-worthy pictures they crave!

• Sky-High Sights: Soar to the top of the Empire State Building for a breathtaking 360-degree view. Day or night, the views are unforgettable. Buy tickets online in advance to save time!

• Lady Liberty's Torch: Journey to Liberty Island and explore the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and immigration. Climb to the crown (tickets required well in advance) for breathtaking views of New York Harbor, or explore the exhibits that tell the story of the statue and its enduring legacy.

• Bright Lights, Big City: Times Square is a must-do for any NYC visitor. Dazzling lights, street performers and the constant buzz create an electric atmosphere. Grab a snack from a street vendor and soak it all in.

• Lights, Camera, Action!: Yes, it may be a bit cheesy, but let your teen feel like a social media star with a trip to Madame Tussauds. Snap epic photos with their favorite celebrities and create hilarious memories (and social media posts!) that will have everyone thinking you rubbed elbows with A-listers. Imagine the double-takes when they see you posing with Beyoncé or hanging with Ryan Reynolds!

• Musical Magic on Broadway: You can't go to New York without checking out the Great White Way! Catch a show on Broadway! With options from classic musicals to modern hits, there's something for everyone. For teens, high-energy productions like Wicked or Hamilton are sure to be a hit (my daughter may be blasting the soundtracks on repeat now)!

• Central Park Escape: Rent bikes and explore the sprawling beauty of Central Park. Take a boat ride on the lake, relax on the Great Lawn or people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. Consider visiting during events like Shakespeare in the Park for a unique NYC experience.

• Shop Til You Drop: Hit the shops at the Oculus, a stunning architectural marvel with upscale shops and a breathtaking oculus at its center. For a quintessential NYC experience, visit the iconic Macy's on 34th Street to experience its holiday windows or grab a souvenir t-shirt.

• Charging Bulls and Fearless Girls: Head down to Wall Street and visit two powerful sculptures! The iconic Charging Bull sculpture sits just north of Bowling Green on Broadway and is the quintessential symbol of Wall Street. A short distance away, you can find the Fearless Girl sculpture in her new home. This statue caused some controversy when she was first erected opposite the bull, staring it down fearlessly. But now you can find her bravely staring down at the New York Stock Exchange. Both are popular photo opps, but to avoid crowds it is recommended to go early.

• Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bound: Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park for a picnic lunch or visit trendy shops in Brooklyn Heights.

Day Trips:

Remembering with Respect: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum

A somber and important site, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum honors the victims of the September 11th attacks and the heroes who responded. While it can be a difficult experience, it's an important moment in history for teens to understand and see firsthand.

Here are some tips for a meaningful visit:

• Prepare your teens beforehand. Talk openly and honestly about the events of 9/11, focusing on the bravery and resilience shown in the aftermath.

• Encourage respectful behavior. The museum is not a place for selfies or frivolity. Emphasize the importance of silence and reflection.

• Use the visit as a conversation starter. After your visit, talk about what you saw and how it made you feel. Share your own memories of that day, if you have any, and encourage your teens to ask questions.

If your teens are anything like mine, they have seemingly open holes in the bottom of their stomachs and regular stops to eat are a must! Thankfully, NYC has so many great options that both you and your teens will enjoy!

Pizza Perfection: NYC is a pizza haven! Grab a slice at a classic New York pizzeria for a quick and delicious bite. Let your teen explore different styles, from thin crust to deep-dish. Here are a few of my personal favorite recommendations:

• John's of Bleecker Street (Greenwich Village) - John's is known for their coal-fired brick-oven pizzas.

• Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village) - A classic NYC pizzeria experience.

• Lombardi's (Little Italy) - One of the oldest pizzerias in NYC.

Burger Bliss: No trip to NYC is complete without a juicy burger. Shake Shack is a teen favorite with locations throughout the city. For a gourmet burger experience, try The Spotted Pig in the West Village. While not a specialty New York restaurant, my daughter and I also grabbed a burger at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square as an alternative to the traditional pre-theater prix fixe options in midtown that don't always resonate with teens. Plus, my daughter loves music and exploring all of the memorabilia (she was especially excited to find Elton John memorabilia, a current favorite of hers!).

Mac & Cheese Masters: Skip the ordinary and head to a NYC spot known for its gourmet mac and cheese. Try Beecher's Cheese in Flatiron or The Mac Bar in the East Village for unique flavor combinations and toppings.