21 Things to Do in New York with Teens: A Complete Guide
New York City, with its ceaseless energy, iconic landmarks, and endless variety of activities, is not just a haven for adults but also an exciting playground for teens. Whether your teenager is an art enthusiast, an aspiring social media influencer, or a thrill-seeker, NYC offers something for everyone. From cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures to Instagram-worthy spots, traveling to New York with teens can be an unforgettable family experience.
If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and wondering how to keep your teen entertained, this article offers the ultimate guide: “21 Things to Do in New York with Teens.” Filled with engaging, educational, and exciting activities, this list ensures your teen has plenty to talk (and post) about at the end of each day. Let’s dive in!
1. Explore Central Park
A sprawling green oasis in the middle of Manhattan, Central Park is perfect for teenagers who love the outdoors. Rent bikes and leisurely explore scenic trails, or if you’re visiting in the winter, enjoy ice skating at Wollman Rink. The Central Park Zoo is another favorite teen-friendly attraction, featuring animals like snow leopards, penguins, and red pandas. Don’t forget to stop by iconic sites like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, and Bow Bridge for photo opportunities.
For adventurous families, rowboating on the lake is another fun option, providing both exercise and an idyllic way to enjoy views of the park. Central Park’s blend of natural beauty and urban charm makes it an essential stop for families with teenagers.
2. Walk the High Line
The High Line, an elevated park built on a former rail line, offers a mix of nature, art, and incredible city views. Teens can marvel at the street art, snap urban-chic photos against the Manhattan skyline, and explore unique installations dotting the 1.45-mile pathway.
After strolling the High Line, head to nearby Chelsea Market to indulge in tasty snacks like freshly baked cookies or artisanal tacos. This trendy, vibrant experience will leave your teenager inspired and energized.
3. Visit Times Square
For teens captivated by bright lights and lively atmospheres, Times Square is the place to be. With its massive digital billboards, street performers, and mix of entertainment venues, the crossroads of the world embodies NYC’s larger-than-life energy.
Attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! allow teens to interact with pop culture icons or dive into strange, mind-boggling exhibits. Times Square also offers some of the best spots for snapping quintessential NYC Instagram photos, ensuring your teen has plenty of envy-inducing content to share.
4. Take a Broadway Show Tour
Broadway is synonymous with New York, and seeing a musical or play is a must for teens who love the performing arts (or even those likely to be converted). Family-friendly productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Wicked provide jaw-dropping performances and unforgettable storytelling.
If budget is a concern, check out discounted tickets from the TKTS booth in Times Square or try entering a show lottery for a chance to secure affordable tickets. Encourage your teen to get dressed up and enjoy the ultimate cultural experience!
5. Climb the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock
For sweeping panoramic views of the NYC skyline, teens will love visits to the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Both observatories provide Insta-worthy views of landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, perfect for capturing iconic skyline shots to post or keep as memories.
The Empire State Building exudes classic NYC vibes, while Top of the Rock offers stunning aerial views with less crowd congestion. Whichever you choose, your teenager is sure to be wowed by the city’s incredible vistas.
6. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Adventurous, curious, or science-loving teens will find the perfect outlet at the American Museum of Natural History. Home to the world-famous dinosaur skeletons, the Hayden Planetarium, and interactive exhibits, this museum offers plenty of excitement.
Teens can explore fascinating displays on space exploration, marine life, and ancient civilizations. The giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life is especially Instagrammable!
7. Discover Art at MoMA or The Met
For those with an artistic streak, NYC’s museums are a dream come true. At MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art), your teen can admire world-famous pieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Warhol’s iconic screen prints, and works by Monet.
For a broader dive into art and history, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) offers ancient artifacts, beautiful sculptures, and globally renowned art pieces. Don’t miss walking up to The Met’s rooftop garden, which often hosts seasonal exhibits with jaw-dropping views of Central Park and the city.
8. Bike Across Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO
A walk or bike ride across the Brooklyn Bridge provides an unforgettable perspective of Manhattan’s skyline. Teens will enjoy snapping photos of the stunning views or stopping to take in the architectural brilliance of this NYC icon.
Once across, head to DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a trendy Brooklyn neighborhood packed with waterfront parks, chic cafes, and street art. Be sure to grab a slice at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizza or treat your teen to dessert from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory along the water.
9. Adventure at Luna Park on Coney Island
For thrill-seeking teens, visiting Luna Park at Coney Island is a no-brainer. From classic roller coasters like the Cyclone to modern rides and arcade games, this amusement park offers endless fun.
Before leaving, take a walk down the lively Coney Island boardwalk and indulge in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs or funnel cakes. A day at Luna Park combines nostalgia, adventure, and delicious food—perfect for families with teens.
10. Visit SpyScape Museum
Does your teen dream of being a secret agent? Then take them to SpyScape, an interactive museum where visitors can test their spy skills. Activities include dodging laser beams, decrypting codes, and figuring out their own espionage personality type. Teens have a chance to become the hero of their own spy story while learning about real-life intelligence missions.
11. Roam Bryant Park
Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park offers a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere for teens. Depending on the time of year, they can ice skate at the Winter Village, enjoy outdoor movie screenings in summer, or simply grab a treat and relax on the park’s iconic green lawn.
Its proximity to the New York Public Library offers an added bonus—teens can venture inside the library to admire its historic architecture or even snap selfies in iconic rooms like the Rose Main Reading Room.
12. Take ‘The Ride’ Interactive Bus Tour
This isn’t your typical sightseeing bus tour. ‘The Ride’ is an immersive experience that combines humor, music, and surprise performances with incredible views of NYC landmarks. Teens will be wowed by street performers who break out into dance or comedy routines along the way, making it a fun and unforgettable adventure through New York’s streets.
13. Explore Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty
For a mix of history and iconic sightseeing, hop on a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Teens can marvel at Lady Liberty up close and learn the story of immigration in America at the Ellis Island Museum.
If your teen loves great views, climbing up the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is optional but worth the effort. The ferry ride itself offers stunning photo ops of the NYC Harbor and Manhattan’s skyline.
14. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is perfect for teens who love history, science, and hands-on activities. Located on the Hudson River, the museum is housed aboard the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier. Teens can explore fighter jets, climb into a submarine, and marvel at the space shuttle Enterprise in the Space Pavilion.
Interactive flight simulators give families a chance to step into the shoes of a pilot, with realistic aviation challenges for an adrenaline rush. The museum’s exhibits, which focus on innovation and technology, are educational but also highly engaging—ideal for curious teens.
15. Engage in Sports at Chelsea Piers or Hudson River Park
For active teens, a visit to Chelsea Piers or Hudson River Park offers fantastic ways to work off some energy. Chelsea Piers sports complex includes options like rock climbing, golf simulators, and batting cages. Serious thrill-seekers can even sign up for gymnastics or trampoline sessions.
Alternatively, Hudson River Park is an outdoor lover’s dream. Teens can kayak for free along the Hudson River or try out trapeze lessons at the Trapeze School New York. Whether conquering the climbing wall or paddling on the water, these activities add a sporty edge to your NYC adventure.
16. Shop in SoHo or Along Fifth Avenue
Is your teen into fashion and shopping? Let them explore NYC’s most stylish neighborhoods. SoHo provides an eclectic mix of high-end stores and trendy boutiques, along with cool street art in the area. It’s a great spot for fashion-forward teens to find unique clothing, accessories, or even record shops to browse through.
For a more iconic shopping experience, head to Fifth Avenue, where massive flagship stores like FAO Schwarz and Apple’s famous glass cube reside. Whether your teen is window shopping or splurging on a souvenir outfit, SoHo and Fifth Avenue have plenty to offer.
17. Visit Ground Zero & 9/11 Memorial Museum
Although deeply sobering, a visit to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial is an incredibly educational and meaningful experience. The outdoor Memorial, with its twin reflecting pools, resonates with beauty and respect dedicated to the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Inside the museum, interactive exhibits and survivor stories provide teens with a deeper understanding of the event’s global impact. It’s a powerful moment for teens to connect with U.S. history in a meaningful way. While emotional, the experience is profoundly impactful and a must-visit for families with teens.
18. Enjoy Treats at Unique Dessert Spots
New York City stands out as one of the world’s dessert capitals, and your teen will adore indulging in Instagrammable and delicious treats. For a creative twist on ice cream, head to Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, known for flavors like Black Coconut Ash or Burnt Honey Vanilla.
For a retro vibe, check out Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain, where teens can sip on hand-crafted sodas or dive into sundaes topped with whipped cream and cherries. Another favorite is Dō, Cookie Dough Confections, which serves edible cookie dough in flavors like Chocolate Chip or Cake Batter, perfect for a sugar-filled photo op.
19. Experience Urban Adventures in DUMBO or Williamsburg
Brooklyn’s trendy neighborhoods of DUMBO and Williamsburg are a must for teens fascinated by urban culture. Start in DUMBO to explore waterfront parks and cobblestone streets while snapping photos in front of the famous Manhattan Bridge backdrop. Inside Time Out Market New York, teens can sample everything from local pizza to Korean fried chicken.
In Williamsburg, creative teens can enjoy laser tag at Area 53 or visit Brooklyn Boulders for indoor rock climbing. Don’t miss exploring Williamsburg’s street art scene, with vibrant murals that make perfect photo backdrops—turning every corner into an artistic adventure!
20. Participate in Teen Nights at Museums or Art Labs
For a more interactive experience, many NYC museums offer special “teen night” programs or hands-on art labs. At the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, teens can join the Teen Digital Media Lab, where they’ll explore film, animation, and gaming-related workshops.
Institutions like MoMA also host teen-specific events that foster creative expression, ranging from sketching classes to debates on modern art. These programs give teens a chance to connect with their peers while developing new skills or finding inspiration.
21. Take a Movie & TV Show Location Tour
For movie buffs and Netflix-loving teens, exploring filming locations across NYC is a dream come true. Guided tours catered to TV shows like Gossip Girl or Friends take teens to iconic spots like the steps of the Met or the apartment where Monica and Rachel supposedly lived.
Teens can also recreate classic NYC scenes at locations from Home Alone, The Avengers, and more. These tours include plenty of opportunities to take Instagram-worthy photos, making your teens feel like the stars of their own NYC cinematic adventure.
FAQs Section
What are some free things to do in NYC with teens?
New York offers a wealth of free activities that families with teens can enjoy. Explore Central Park’s picturesque trails, take a stroll on the High Line, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking views—all completely free! Teens may also enjoy the Staten Island Ferry ride, which offers great skyline views at no cost.
Are there teen-friendly museums in NYC?
Absolutely! Museums like SpyScape, the American Museum of Natural History, and MoMA are particularly popular with teens for their fun, interactive, and educational exhibits. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum also offers exciting experiences for airplane and space enthusiasts.
What are some adventurous activities for teens in NYC?
Adventurous teens should try biking across the Brooklyn Bridge, kayaking at Hudson River Park, or signing up for trapeze lessons. Luna Park at Coney Island and indoor rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders are also great for thrill-seekers.
Where can teens shop in NYC?
For teens into fashion or trends, SoHo’s boutiques and the big-name outlets on Fifth Avenue provide great options. Iconic stores like FAO Schwarz are an exciting experience for younger teens, while older ones will appreciate the stylish finds in neighborhoods like Williamsburg.
What are must-see landmarks for teens in NYC?
Landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square are quintessential NYC experiences teens will love. Don’t miss out on historical sites like the 9/11 Memorial and Ellis Island, which provide deeper cultural and historical insights.
How can I make Broadway affordable for families with teens?
Affordable Broadway tickets are possible through the TKTS discount booths located in Times Square, South Street Seaport, and Lincoln Center. You can also enter digital lotteries or rush sales for same-day tickets, often at significant discounts.
What are some seasonal activities in NYC for teens?
NYC comes alive with seasonal attractions. During winter, head to Bryant Park or Wollman Rink for ice skating. In summer, outdoor activities like kayaking in Hudson River Park or joining free outdoor movie nights in Central Park offer fun seasonal options.
Conclusion: New York, a Teen’s Wonderland
As this guide highlights, NYC is brimming with activities that suit teenagers’ diverse interests—whether they’re into history, adventure, shopping, or food. From iconic landmarks and interactive museums to trendy neighborhoods and cutting-edge experiences, the city offers a nonstop, unforgettable journey for families traveling with teens.
With the perfect balance of culture, fun, and adventure, you’ll ensure your trip to NYC becomes one your teen cherishes for years to come. So, step out, explore, and make memories in the city that never sleeps!
