New York has plenty of appeal for teenagers, from standing on top of the Rock to watching buskers in Central Park, heading to the Garden to watch the Knicks, or taking in a musical on Broadway.
New York has a powerful history to explore, from Ellis Island to the memorial site for 9/11, it’s home to some great neighbourhoods to stay in, such as Greenwich Village, Meatpacking District, and the electric Times Square.
Typical tourist sites are spread out, so no one location is going to be near everything. The major sites are in midtown (which includes Times Square) and the financial district. Those 2 areas are about 20-30 mins away from each other by subway.
New York style pizza comes in large, foldable slices, and it’s worth trying alongside a proper bagel and a hotdog while you’re there. Katz’s Deli and Bleecker St Pizza are both worth the trip for food alone.
Know before you go. Our top New York travel tips
The Big Apple is one of the oldest cities in America, located on the East Coast. The more research you put in before you go, the more you’ll get out of the trip.
Sit your teens down, call a family meeting, open the computer and start researching NYC. Look at different websites, both professional, such as Trip Advisor and personal blogs, to get a rounded opinion on what you might want to do.
Get the kids to jump on YouTube and watch some videos about New York City before you go, it’s usually where they’ll find the best tips. Plan a balanced itinerary with something for everyone and plenty of downtime, so you’ve got room to stumble on hidden gems along the way.
Where to stay in New York with teenagers
Choosing the right neighbourhood can make or break the trip. Look for somewhere with easy subway access, some local charm, good food nearby, and enough going on to keep the teens engaged.
Three of the best areas to stay in New York include Greenwich Village, The Meat Packing District and the Lower East Side.
In Greenwich Village you can explore Washington Square Park, walk past the house at 23 Cornelia Street that Taylor Swift lived in, and catch subway lines (A/B/C/D/E/F/M) to pretty much everywhere.
Two good places to stay are The Washington Square Hotel and the The Marlton Hotel. The Washington Square is affordable with family rooms while the Marlton is a charming hotel in the best west village location.
On the Lower East Side you can stuff yourself with great pizza and donuts while checking out some of New York’s coolest street art.
The Allen Hotel will not break the bank while being close to Chinatown, Little Italy, the Essex and Delancey metro stops. For something more upmarket families can splurge at The Ludlow Hotel
The Meatpacking District has grown in popularity over the last decade, and it’s an easy walk to both the High Line and Chelsea Market.
Those looking for amazing views should try the upmarket Standard, High Line Hotel while those on a more modest budget should try the The Jane Hotel on the Hudson River
Conquer the Big Apple with Go City!
The Go City New York Pass gives access to over 100 attractions and tours for one price, things like the Empire State Building or the American Museum of Natural History. It works out significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets if you’re planning to see more than a couple of things.
Go City offers a few different pass structures for New York, including a choice-based Explorer Pass and an unlimited-access pass, so it’s worth comparing the options against your itinerary before you buy. The Go City app lets you skip most queues once you’ve got it downloaded.
New York City apartment alternative for your stay
If you’d prefer a home-away-from-home setup for your NYC trip, an apartment can be a good option for families. There’s a wide range of choices, from budget-friendly to more upmarket. You can search VRBO for options across the city.
For something more upmarket, Plum Guide has handpicked luxury apartments in good locations across the city.
Getting to New York
New York is one of the best family destinations in North America for family travel with teens. The Big Apple as it is known is connected by highways, long distant buses, trains and planes all bringing people daily to the city. This makes New York one of the easiest family travel destinations to get to in the United States.
New York is served by three major airports: LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). LaGuardia handles domestic flights only, while JFK and Newark both cover international and domestic routes, with JFK generally stronger for transatlantic flights and Newark the primary hub for United’s international routes. Search flights to New York with Trip.com.
- Got a long layover, or just want to relax before your trip? Search now for a Priority Pass lounge pass, giving you access to airport lounges worldwide.
- You can book a private transfer to your New York accommodation with Kiwi Taxis.
How to get around New York City with teenagers
New York has a large, reliable public transport network. The subway runs 24 hours a day across 36 lines, and with Manhattan being an island, ferries get a lot of use too.
The NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry both get you around by water, and buses run 24 hours a day on a grid pattern that’s easy to follow with a map.
As of 2026, the MetroCard has been phased out, so you’ll pay with OMNY instead: just tap a contactless card, phone, or smartwatch at the turnstile or bus reader. Fares are automatically capped after 12 rides in a seven-day period, so frequent riders end up paying a flat weekly rate rather than needing to buy a separate pass. Check the MTA website for more details.
Weather in New York
If you are looking for good weather, July is the hottest month in New York with an average temperature of 24.5°C (76°F) and real-time highs reaching over 30°C (86°F). The urbanization of the city means it is warmer in New York than in many other U.S cities.
The coldest month is January at 1.5°C (35°F) and winter will see an average of 11 days of snowing in New York City. The wettest month is May with an average of 114mm of rain.
Seasonal essentials for travel to New York
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Men’s & Women’s sunhat
- Winter Scarf
- Small Travel Umbrella
- Base Layers for warmth
- Gloves
New York for international visitors
International travel to the United States takes a bit more planning. You’ll want travel insurance, since the US is one of the most expensive countries in the world for medical care.
If you use your bank account from home you’ll likely get stung with high transaction fees, and phone calls will be charged at international rates unless you sort out a local SIM or eSIM.
- For international travellers, travel insurance is a must Get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses
- Load a Revolut Travel Money card with USD for your visit and save on transaction fees
- Make phone calls with aninternational SIM card sim cardor a virtual e-SIM for your mobile phone.
- A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet anywhere on your phone, tablet or computer. Rent or buy a pocket modem.
Travel accessories for teenagers
For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.
Things to do in New York with teenagers
Now that the essential travel tips are covered, here’s the list of things to do in NYC with teenagers.
Fun things to do in New York – Madame Tussauds
The New York branch of Madame Tussauds is a solid bet for teens, life-size wax figures of some of the most famous people on the planet.
Line up for pictures with the stars of Broadway, today’s hottest celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, P.Diddy, and Angelina Jolie and explore the Marvel Universe section. Madame Tussauds, New York City is a great NYC attraction for teens. Grab your entry tickets today.
The Color Factory – teenage hot spots in NYC
Color Factory, near SoHo, is a colourful, highly Instagrammable spot with over a dozen interactive rooms and installations. You get given a map on entry and can wander through at your own pace, there are photo ops everywhere, and it works well for both younger and older teens.
Things to do in NYC for teens – The Nintendo Store
The Nintendo Store in New York is a solid stop for gamers, with a big selection of games, consoles and accessories, plus interactive displays worth checking out even if you’re not buying anything.
9/11 Museum and Memorial
A defining moment in world history took place on September 11 2001, when terrorists struck the heart of the USA.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a tribute of remembrance and honour to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11 2001, at the World Trade Center site, on the Pentagon site, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The museum opened to the public on May 21, 2014.
The design of the Memorial Museum at ground zero is based on the concept that memory is a process of imagining. The museum is organised into three primary sections: before 9/11, during 9/11, and after 9/11. Each section contains artefacts and stories that were curated to represent those who were lost on September 11th.
One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is The Last Column. The column was recovered from Ground Zero after the attacks and was erected as part of the temporary memorial at Battery Park in 2002. Pre-purchase your memorial entry tickets today.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located in New York City on the West Side of Manhattan. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, and a collection of other aircraft and naval vessels.
Admission is free for active military personnel and children under 3, and tickets are available for purchase for everyone else. There’s an interactive flight simulator and a Space Shuttle pavilion, both worth building into a visit with teens.
The Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, seven days a week, and it’s one of the more underrated things to do in the city, it’s free, and you get great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline along the way. If you want to see the statue up close, a sunset cruise is a nice way to do it.
Want to make your vacations with teens a breeze? This is the best guide to epic vacations with teens and how you can do it too!
Fun things to do in NYC with teens – Spyscape Museum
SpyScape is all about espionage, with interactive exhibits that can easily fill an afternoon.
You can learn about the history of espionage, try your hand at being a secret agent, and take a VR tour of some famous spy locations. It works well for teens and adults alike. Book tickets here.
Things to do in New York for teens – Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is one of the busiest, most popular spots in the city, and there’s plenty to keep teens occupied.
There’s a good mix of restaurants, shops, and occasional events like exhibitions or live music. The food stalls are worth grabbing lunch at, and they’re more reasonably priced than most restaurants in New York.
Chelsea Market is worth checking out, and it’s a short walk from the High Line.
Family travel with teenagers: 42 of the very best things to do in Orlando with teens
NYC teenager activities – Central Park Manhattan
Central Park is a huge public park in the middle of Manhattan, covering 843 acres, almost twice the size of London’s Hyde Park.
The park has several lakes and ponds, walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, a band shell, and playgrounds. The Central Park Zoo is in the southeast corner, worth a stop if you have younger teens along too.
It’s popular with walkers, runners, joggers, cyclists and horse riders, and it’s a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an hour or two.
Viewing platforms in New York City
One of New York’s best experiences is the view from the top of one of its skyscrapers, and there are several observation decks to choose from, each with a different perspective on the city.
For something more extreme, a few buildings have open-air observation decks. The Empire State Building is one of them, where you can step out onto an outdoor platform more than 1,000 feet above street level.
Other buildings with similar decks include Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, The Edge, and Summit One Vanderbilt.
Book tickets to the New York observation decks
The Empire State Building with New York City Teens
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and one of the most famous in New York City.
There’s plenty to see and do in the area, and the views from the top are worth the ticket price alone, with several restaurants and shops nearby too.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is the most famous bridge in New York City, spanning the East River from Downtown Brooklyn to Manhattan. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best free things to do in New York City for teens.
The Brooklyn Bridge has a centre walkway for pedestrians and cyclists, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s 1,595 feet long and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and other New York landmarks. It’s worth building a walk across the bridge into your itinerary.
The Beast Speedboat Ride
The Beast Speedboat Ride takes passengers on a fast lap around New York Harbour, past the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, and it’s a good way to see the city from a different angle. Book tickets here.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun, colourful stop for families and teens, with exhibits on the history of ice cream, interactive games, and a sampling bar. Get tickets here.
Travel with teens: 43 things to do in San Francisco with teenagers
NYC with tweens and teens – Coney Island
Coney Island, in the southern part of Brooklyn, is home to Luna Park, a world-famous amusement park with rides including the Cyclone rollercoaster and the Wonder Wheel, plus plenty of other amusements and food along the boardwalk.
The Phoenix, an inverted coaster, is the highlight for thrill-seekers. It’s a good spot for a full summer day out with the family. Book a Coney Island nostalgia tour here.
New York City Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is at Coney Island in Brooklyn, home to thousands of animals across hundreds of species, with the shark tunnel one of the highlights. There’s also a 4-D theatre with wind, water and other effects built into the experience.
Animal encounters are available too, if you want to get up close. Book tickets here.
Times Square New York with teens
Times Square is one of the most iconic places in New York, and a major draw for families and teens, with its mix of restaurants, theatres, museums and neon signs lighting up at night.
Whether you’re catching a Broadway show, snapping a photo in front of the giant Coca-Cola sign, or just wandering the streets, Times Square is worth building into your trip.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal is a railway station in Midtown Manhattan, and one of the busiest train stations in the world, as well as one of the most visited attractions in the country.
It was built by and named for Cornelius Vanderbilt, founder of the New York Central Railroad, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1976. Worth visiting the Whispering Gallery, Kissing Gallery, and the Main Hall.
It’s a major transfer point for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, with numerous subway lines converging here too, making it one of the busiest transport hubs in the world. There are also shops, restaurants, and a small museum on the terminal’s history.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and a genuine must-see if you’re visiting with kids.
Founded in 1869 and opened in 1877, it’s grown into one of the largest natural history museums in the world, with a collection covering pretty much every aspect of nature and culture.
It’s made up of 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibits. Grab your entry ticket here.
Central Park electric scooter tour in NYC with teens
Electric scooters are a fun way to get around, and Central Park is one of the best places in the city to try them, full of hills, curves, and landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and Cleopatra’s Needle along the way.
A scooter tour is a good way for families to explore the park with a guide, and teens tend to love it.
Read more: All the very best things to do in Los Angeles
The Underground Doughnut tour
If you’ve got teenagers with a sweet tooth, the Underground Donut Tour is worth booking.
It’s also a walking tour with four stops at some of NYC’s most famous doughnut shops, with free samples along the way and a bit of neighbourhood history from your guide.
New York City ghost tour of Greenwich Village
If your teens like things a bit spooky, a ghost tour is worth doing, New York has a long and colourful history, and there are some genuinely eerie tales attached to it.
Take a walking ghost tour of Greenwich Village with a local guide who knows the area and its history inside out. You’ll hear stories of celebrity ghosts, lost children, myths and legends brought to life right there on the streets.
Book a Ghost Tour
Teen things to do in NYC – Bryant Park
Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, is one of the most famous parks in the city and a popular spot for families and teens.
There’s plenty going on, with over 1,000 free events a year in a park that gets more than 12 million visitors annually. There’s a seasonal ice skating rink, live theatre, music, dance, a playground, and several restaurants. Worth dropping by to see what’s on during your visit.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, and a must for most families visiting the city.
If you want to climb the stairs to the crown, you’ll need to book 4 to 6 months in advance, tickets sell out fast, so it’s worth locking this in early if it’s a priority. Liberty Island itself is worth the trip regardless.
On Ellis Island, the Immigration Museum is a must for history buffs, and the green spaces are good for a relaxing stroll or picnic. Book your Statue of Liberty experience here.
The Blue Man Group’s performance
The Blue Man Group has been performing in New York since 1991, known for their blue paint, bald heads, and drumming performances. They’ve had a resident show at the Astor Place Theatre in Manhattan since it began, a mix of music, comedy and multimedia that’s suitable for all ages. Book tickets here.
Things to do in New York with kids – Scavenger Hunt
A family scavenger hunt is a fun alternative to a traditional sightseeing tour, and there are quite a few different scavenger hunts to choose from.
You’ll uncover both popular and lesser-known sights as you solve clues and tackle challenges along the way. A great, unique way to explore the city with teens.
Europe with teens: Discover Paris and its beauty, culture and activities for teens
Superheroes Walking Tour – adventures in New York
New York has played a part in so many superhero stories from Marvel and DC, it was home to Stark Industries, Spider-Man grew up in Queens, and Captain America started out as a kid from Brooklyn. A superhero walking tour is a good way to keep teens engaged on a walk around the city.
Things to do in New York with a teenager – Walk the high line
In the Meatpacking District, the High Line is a unique elevated park built on an old, abandoned rail line, opened in 2009, with great views over the Hudson River and surrounding neighbourhoods.
It stretches 1.5 miles from Gansevoort Street through Chelsea up to West 34th Street, with gardens, art installations and plenty of seating. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike, so expect it to be busy on a nice day.
You get some of the best views in the city from up there, landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Madison Square Garden. It’s also great for people-watching. A guided walking tour is worth considering too.
Artechouse Immersive Art Experience
Artechouse is an innovative art space that uses technology to create immersive, interactive exhibits, blending digital art, science and interactive experiences in a way most teens find genuinely engaging. Many of the installations let you become part of the art rather than just viewing it, which tends to appeal to tech-savvy teens especially. Grab your tickets here.
Pack like a pro:
Greenwich Village NYC Pizza walking tour
Pizza and teenagers go hand in hand, and some of the best pizza in the world comes out of New York.
This tour is more than just eating pizza, you’ll learn a bit about how it’s made too. It’s a good way to sample three of the best pizza joints in Greenwich Village while picking up some local history along the way. A Greenwich Village Pizza tour is a must for teens.
New York fun places for teenagers -Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving has become a popular option for teens, a safe way to get the thrill of skydiving without having to fly out to a proper drop zone outside the city.
The indoor skydiving facility in New York has been attracting many teens who are looking for something a little different and exciting on their vacation to New York City. For more information and prices, click here for iFLY New York.
Expert travel with teens advice: 24 amazing things to do in San Diego with teenagers
Watch a sporting event in New York
New York has no shortage of teams to root for, the Yankees and Mets in baseball, the Knicks and Nets in basketball, and the Giants and Jets in football.
Play Laser Tag in New York
Laser tag is a fun, challenging activity for all ages, whether you’re playing as a team or going solo.
Think of it as a gentle, no-contact version of paintball. Area 53 in New York has an extensive indoor course, plus a café and arcade area, a good option if you’re after something a bit different with teens.
Read more: 10 of the best cities in Europe for the best vacations for families with teenagers
Teen things to do in NYC – Mini Golf in Manhattan
Mini golf is a solid, low-key option if you want something everyone can enjoy together, and New York has a decent range of places to play a round.
Teens looking for a fun activity in New York have a mixture of mini golf courses such as Pier 25 Mini Golf in Manhattan, Shipwrecked in Brooklyn or the new popular Black Light mini golf played in the dark with neon lighting.
Most courses are affordable, making them perfect for a budget-friendly day out in NYC, and you’re sure to have a great time!
Family travel with teenagers: All the best things to do in Toronto with teenagers
See a Broadway Show
A Broadway show is one of the best things to do in New York with teens, and performances run nightly in the Theatre District in Midtown Manhattan.
Broadway shows are popular and can be pricey, so it’s worth booking well in advance.
For shows that genuinely land with teens rather than younger kids, look at SIX (a fast, pop-anthem take on Henry VIII’s wives, runs a short 80 minutes), Hamilton (hip hop and R&B retelling of American history), and The Great Gatsby (Roaring Twenties spectacle with themes teens tend to connect with). The Lion King and Aladdin remain the safest picks if you’ve got a mixed-age group.
Take a scenic helicopter flight over New York
Soaring over New City, the Hudson River, and Manhattan Island and taking in the beautiful views are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Going up high on a panoramic helicopter flight and seeing everything from the Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island can be one of the most exciting things to do in New York with teens. Book a helicopter flight today.
Things to do in New York with teenage girls – High Tea
High Tea started out as a quintessentially British thing. This afternoon tea tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and of course, tea. For mothers and daughters, it’s a cherished ritual that often brings them closer together.
High tea first became popular in the early 1800s, when aristocrats would gather in the late afternoon for a light meal. The spread would typically include cakes, tea, and sandwiches. These days, high tea is still enjoyed by many Britons and people the world over as a special treat.
If you’re looking to experience high tea firsthand, there are plenty of places in New York to have a High Tea. But be warned – it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve had a taste of those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.
Some of the best New York High Tea venues are BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman, Alice’s Tea Cup and The Russian Tearoom.
New York City Hop on hop off the bus
The New York hop on hop off bus is always popular with family travellers. In our opinion it’s a great option in a city the size of New York.
A sightseeing bus tour in NYC with teenagers is a great way to give you an overview of the city. The bus route takes you to all the best attractions in New York, so you can see everything from Greenwich Village and Broadway to Times Square.
This tour bus allows you to get out and visit all the top attractions in New York and hop back on the next bus when it appears. These tours are a great way to get an overview of the city’s attractions, Find tickets here for Hop on hop off the bus today.
Footgolf in New York with teens
A relatively new sport, footgolf is gaining popularity worldwide. This game combines the skills of football and golf, the objective is to kick the ball into the hole in as few kicks as possible.
Footgolf is played with soccer balls instead of clubs and uses your feet instead of your hands to kick the ball into the hole. You can play footgolf at the Winged Foot Golf Club in the suburbs of New York City.
Family travel tips: 9 dark tourism destinations to visit with teenagers
Experience NYC culture through food
A food tour is a good way to get teens into the local culture, not just the sights. It’s a fun way to try new things and pick up a bit of food history along the way.
Some of the best food tours for teens are the Cup Cake Walking Tour, the Italian Food Tour of New York, and the New York Sandwich Tour.
The Harry Potter Store
The Harry Potter flagship store in New York, officially Harry Potter New York, is at 935 Broadway, near the Flatiron Building.
It’s a genuinely immersive space for fans of the Wizarding World, with exclusive merchandise, interactive displays, and themed areas throughout, plus a fair bit of clothing and collectables you won’t find anywhere else.
Street Art in New York
New York has a lot of street art, from graffiti on building walls to full pieces on bridges and laneways, covering everything from current events and pop culture to portraits. It’s free to see and a popular draw for teens.
Some great street art in New York is found at The Houston Brewery Wall, First Street Green Art Park and The Bronx Wall of Fame.
10 Pin Bowling in New York with Teenagers
If you’re after a bit of friendly family competition, 10-pin bowling is a solid choice, and most bowling alleys these days double as entertainment centres with arcade games, food and drinks too.
Budget travel: 30+ realistic and easy budget travel with teens hacks
Axe Throwing in New York City for teens
Axe throwing has become popular in a lot of cities, and New York is home to Live Axe. No experience is needed, staff run you through the safety basics and give tips before you start.
It’s a genuinely fun, slightly different activity for a family vacation. More info on Live Axe here.
World travel with teenagers: Discover Osaka, Japan with teenagers
Bike riding in New York with kids
Bike riding is a good way to see more of the city, either with a guide pointing out the sights or just following a map on your own. You can also hire bikes here and explore at your own pace.
Family holidays in New York – Going to the cinema
A night at the cinema is a solid low-key option, and New York has plenty of choice, multiplexes, IMAX, and speciality cinemas showing arthouse and indie films across Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx. This Trip Advisor guide is a good starting point for finding one near you.
Escape rooms in New York for adventurous teens
An escape room is a physical puzzle game, you and your team solve clues and riddles to complete the objective within a set time limit, sometimes across multiple connected rooms. If your teens are into this kind of thing, it’s a genuinely fun way to spend an hour. A couple of the best in New York:
- Exit Escape Room – 247 West 36th Street Suite 101 New York, NY 10018 Ph: (917) 837-4129
- The Escape Game New York – 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
Need some expert advice: Our guide to travel essentials for teens will make your family vacation a breeze
Shopping in New York with teens
Whether you need to replace something you forgot to pack or just want to shop in New York with teens, here’s where to go.
New York is a genuine shopper’s paradise, from Fifth Avenue’s flagship designer stores (Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, Gucci) to the independent boutiques of Greenwich Village. For high-end brands, Madison Avenue and Soho are worth a look, and if you’re on more of a budget, Macy’s in Herald Square is the classic go-to.
Times Square is a solid spot for souvenirs, and Rockefeller Centre is worth a visit too, it’s got a good mix of fashion brands and specialty stores for a proper shopping experience.
World vacations with teens: Long haul to Melbourne with teenagers
A Sample 3-Day Itinerary for Teens in New York
With so much to fit in, here’s one way to structure a first-time trip to New York with teens over three days. Mix and match with whatever from this guide catches your family’s interest.
Day 1: Midtown and the Classics
Start at the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock for a daytime view over the city, then walk down to Times Square for lunch and some photos in front of the lights. Spend the afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History or Madame Tussauds, depending on your teens’ interests, then round out the evening with a Broadway show.
Day 2: Downtown and the Harbour
Head down to Battery Park for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then take the free Staten Island Ferry back for skyline views without the crowds. In the afternoon, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO, then visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on your way back through Lower Manhattan.
Day 3: Chelsea, the Village, and Something Different
Walk the High Line from Chelsea down to the Meatpacking District, stopping at Chelsea Market for lunch. Spend the afternoon in Greenwich Village, or pick one of the more unusual options from this guide, a food tour, an escape room, or an afternoon at Coney Island if you don’t mind the trip out to Brooklyn.
This is just a starting point, if your teens have a particular interest (sports, art, food, thrill rides), swap a slot out for whichever section of this guide fits best.
Free things to do with teens in New York
New York offers, some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members.
These free New York City activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free activities in New York for families are as follows.
- Visit the Vessel at Hudson Yards (ticketed, small fee)
- Photograph The Flatiron Building
- Visit Little Island
- Free walking tour of the High Line, run by volunteers throughout the year
- Stroll Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Pier 57 Rooftop Park
- Free Audio tour of ROCKEFELLER Centre
- The Rose Main Reading Room at the NY Public Library (free to enter, stunning architecture)
Annual events in New York that teens will love
A few annual events worth timing your trip around, if you can:
- Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest — genuinely one of the quirkier events in the city, professional competitive eaters and all.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — the most famous street parade in the country, floats and marching bands included.
- New York Comic-Con — one of the largest conventions of its kind in the country, covering comics, anime, video games, movies and TV.
Travel with teens: Things to do in Salt Lake City with teenagers
Day trips from New York with teens
A day trip out of the city is worth building into a longer stay, and there are some good options within easy reach from New York, including a couple of day trip recommendations below.
Boston
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, is one of America’s oldest cities with a rich colonial history.
It’s home to Harvard and MIT, and there’s plenty of historical and cultural ground to cover if you’re doing Boston with teens. It’s about three hours from New York by car, or you can get there by bus or train, though an organised day tour is usually the easiest way to see the highlights in a single day. Book a Boston day tour here.
Day trip to Washington D.C
Washington D.C. is a few hours away by car or train, and there’s a lot to fit into a day, the White House, Capitol Building, the Smithsonian museums, and a walk down the National Mall past the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. A guided day trip to D.C. is usually the easiest way to see the highlights. Search day tours to Washington D.C. here.
Visiting England? The very best things to do in London with teenagers
Fun restaurants in New York for teens
A few restaurants worth building into your trip if you want a proper meal to remember:
Black Tap with New York teenagers
Black Tap is a fresh, fun take on the classic burger joint, upscale but not fussy, and worth a stop if you want something a bit different.
It’s best known for its outrageous milkshakes, loaded with toppings ranging from Nutella and cookies-and-cream to bacon and peanut butter.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Ellen’s Stardust Diner, in the heart of Times Square, is known for its singing waiters, a fun, slightly chaotic dining experience.
The menu covers American classics like burgers and fries, along with more upscale options like steak and seafood.
Street food in New York
Street food in New York reflects the city’s immigrant history, and some of the most popular options are hot dogs, pizza, lobster rolls, and bagels.
The hot dog is quintessential New York street food, and Gray’s Papaya is one of the best-known spots for it, a small stand in the heart of the city. Their Papaya Dog is the one to try, a pork and beef sausage topped with grilled onions, peppers and cheese on a poppy seed bun.
Read more: Why you should consider staying in hostels with teens on your next vacation
Things to do in NYC for young adults 18+
Young adults visiting NYC have plenty to keep them busy, from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the nightlife in Williamsburg and Greenwich Village.
Frequently asked questions about New York
A few of the most common questions families ask before visiting New York with teens:
What is the legal drinking age for teenagers in the United States Of America?
Is New York a safe city for families to visit?
How do I call the Police in New York?
Is tipping required in New York?
Can I drink tap water in New York?
What type of power sockets are used in the USA?
Where are the best places to stay in New York for teenagers
If you want a wider range of accommodation options beyond what we’ve suggested above, here’s an interactive map from Booking.com to help you find the right place to stay.
Booking.comAre you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more for your vacation with young adults? Are you just not sure what travel companies you can trust to book your family travel online? We have a family travel resource page that is full of companies that we personally use, trust and book through for all our family vacation trips from a weekend away to long-term travel with older children around the world. Click here to search our travel resources page.
We hope this has you inspired to visit NYC with teenagers, there’s genuinely enough here to fill a family’s whole stay in the city.
Travelling with teens and tweens comes with its own set of challenges, working out a budget, packing travel essentials, and generally keeping everyone sane on a long trip. Our other Travel with Teenagers destination guides cover plenty more inspiration if you’re planning further afield too.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in the USA, click through to our United States Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.