A 5-Day Itinerary to NYC with Teenagers

Arrival at JFK: Begin your adventure with a short walk to the iconic TWA Terminal, now a retro-chic hotel. It's the perfect backdrop for some Insta-worthy moments!

Check-In & Freshen Up: After a quick hotel, check-in, freshen up and relax in Midtown East.

Central Park Exploration: Stroll to Central Park, grabbing a quick bite from a food cart along the way. Explore this urban sanctuary with options like bike rentals, horse-drawn carriages, a pedicab ride or simply wander at your own pace.

5th Avenue & St. Patrick's Cathedral: Walk up 5th Avenue to admire holiday-decorated shops and visit the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral. Guided tours are available.

Rockefeller Center: Stop by Rockefeller Center to watch the ice skating. While reservations are needed to skate, watching is free.

Dinner delight: Wrap up your first day in NYC with a delicious NYC pizza. We stayed in Midtown East and enjoyed pizza from the comfort of our hotel.

Enjoy your first night in the Big Apple as the city lulls you to sleep!

Breakfast like locals: Start your day with breakfast from the nearby bodega, embracing the true New Yorker spirit.

Times Square Exploration

Take a walk to the dazzling Times Square. Pro tip: Street performers dressed as characters may charge for photos, so be ready to negotiate. It's all part of the experience but can take people by surprise if they aren't aware.

Subway Adventure

Hop on the subway for your first ride, easily navigating the city with apps like Google Maps, MTA and Citymapper. The kids will love this! Let them take the reins for a lesson in independence.

SoHo, Little Italy, & Chinatown Tour

Head south for a guided walking tour of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. This 2.5-hour tour with a small group offers fascinating insights into the neighborhoods' history, architecture and folklore. Don't miss the chance to sample cannolis from Cannoli World and coffee sodas from Piemonte Ravioli Co.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and prepare for your first Broadway show. If you haven't purchased tickets in advance, you can explore same-day options or discount ticket stands around the city. Check the theater's bag policy and feel free to dress up or down for the show.

Enjoy your second day in the city that never sleeps!

Morning Coffee: Kickstart your day with a quick breakfast at a local coffee shop (Gregory's was a family favorite).

Statue of Liberty Adventure: Use Lyft to reach Battery Park for your Statue of Liberty adventure. Ensure you have advance tickets for the ferry and pedestal access. Statue City Cruises offers round-trip tickets to both islands. Plan for 4-6 hours to explore Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, especially during peak times like the holidays. Consider booking an early morning slot to beat the crowds. Grab a bite from cart vendors in Battery Park if you're hungry while waiting.

Historic Dinner: We ended up skipping Ellis Island this trip and headed for an early dinner at Fraunces Tavern, famous for its role in General George Washington's farewell to his officers. The chicken pot pie is a must-try and was our favorite meal of the trip. Our next trip was more food-driven!

FiDi Exploration

After dinner, explore the Financial District (FiDi) and visit the 9/11 Memorial at night. Take a stroll through The Oculus Mall and visit Trinity Church to pay your respects at the headstone of Alexander & Eliza Hamilton – a nod to your Broadway fandom.

Greenwich Village Ghost Tour

Take the subway to Greenwich Village for an informative but not-too-spooky walking ghost tour. Highlights include Washington Square Park, the NYU/Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire site, and the charming Brownstone-lined streets of the area. This tour was appropriate for teens since it's mostly lore and history, but since it was at night, I recommend being extra vigilant and sticking with the group, especially in Washington Square Park.

Late-Night Return: Wrap up your eventful day with a Lyft ride back to your hotel.

Enjoy your exploration of New York's historic and vibrant side!

Today, head to the west side to explore Hudson Yards and the Chelsea area.

The High Line

Begin your day with a visit to The High Line, a unique public park built on an elevated historic freight rail line above Manhattan's streets. Stroll through this urban oasis and enjoy the views.

The Edge

Make your way to The Edge, an awe-inspiring observation deck inside the 30 Hudson Yard Mall/Residential Building. It boasts the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance for this incredible experience.

The Vessel

Discover The Vessel, an interactive artwork resembling a honeycomb by artist Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio. It's a visually captivating and unique piece of architecture.

Grand Central Station Secret

Take the subway to Grand Central Station, where you'll embark on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic NYC landmark. Your guide will reveal the station's history and share intriguing facts that you wouldn't learn just by passing through. Get a glimpse of the secret bar and even explore the area with tennis courts at Grand Central - a surprising discovery!

Your day will be filled with modern architecture, stunning views and intriguing historical insights. Enjoy!

On our final day in the Big Apple, we wanted to make the most of diving into the world of art and culture. We hadn't explored any museums, so today's plan included visits to both the Natural History Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Full Day Guided Tour

Opt for a full-day guided tour that covers both museums. This semi-private experience ensures an engaging and educational adventure, led by a local artist who actively involves your kids and shares insights about the art and exhibits. Navigating these vast museums is made easier and more enriching with a knowledgeable guide.

Artistic Snack Store

Between museum visits, take a break for a snack on the Upper West Side. Refuel and recharge for the second stop, the Natural History Museum.

Museum Exploration

Our guide helped us embrace a unique perspective as he guided us through each section of the Met/NHM. This immersive approach gave us a fresh appreciation for the museum's collections. Since we were in NYC during the holidays, both museums had exquisite Christmas Trees on display. We loved them so much we brought home ornaments just like the ones from the museums.

Italian Dinner in Little Italy

For your final dinner in NYC, return to the Italian restaurant in Little Italy that you earmarked during Day 2. Savor a delightful Italian meal to wrap up your culinary adventures.

Broadway Show #2

End your evening with a second Broadway show in the theater district. It's a fitting finale to your New York City experience.

Your last day is filled with art, culture and memorable encounters, making it a perfect way to conclude your trip!