54 totally sensational things to do in New York with teenagers

Are you looking for a vacation that will keep your teenagers entertained and engaged? Consider a trip to New York with teenagers. It’s the city that never sleeps, of epic food and iconic scenes known the world over. There are plenty of things to do, from seeing the sights to taking in a Broadway show, you will be left breathless from excitement.






Table Of Contents




Know before you go. Our top New York travel tips Where to stay in New York with teenagers New York City apartment alternative for your stay Getting to New York  How to get around New York City with teenagers Weather in New York New York for international visitors Travel accessories for teenagers Get the Go City New York pass Things to do in New York with teenagers Fun things to do in New York – Madame Tussauds The Color Factory Things to do in NYC for teens – The Nintendo Store  9/11 Museum and Memorial Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum The Staten Island Ferry Related travel with teens posts Fun things to do in NYC with teens – Spyscape Museum Things to do in New York for teens – Chelsea Market NYC teenager activities – Central Park Manhattan Viewing platforms in New York City The Empire State Building with New York City teens Brooklyn Bridge The Beast Speedboat Ride Museum of Ice cream NYC with tweens and teens – Cooney Island New York City Aquarium Time Square New York with teens Grand Central Station American Museum of Natural History Central Park electric scooter tour in NYC with teens The Underground doughnut tour Get your sweet tooth on and book a Donut Tour New York City ghost tour of Greenwich Village Teen things to do in NYC – Bryant Park Statue of Liberty and Elis Island Things to do in New York with kids – Scavenger Hunt Superheroes in New York Walking Tour Things to do in New York with a teenager – Walk the high line Greenwich Village NYC Pizza walking tour New York fun places for teenagers -Indoor Skydiving Watch a sporting event in New York Play Laser Tag in New York Teen things to do in NYC – Mini Golf in Manhattan See a Broadway Show Take a scenic helicopter flight over New York Things to do in New York with teenage girls – High Tea New York City Hop on hop off bus Footgolf in New York with teens Have a food experience with a local The most Instagrammable shots in the City of New York Professional photoshoot in New York for families Street Art in New York Get event tickets for New York 10 Pin Bowling in New York with teenagers Axe Throwing in New York City for teens Bike riding in New York with kids Family holidays in New York – Going to the cinema Escape rooms in New York for adventurous teens Going to the gym in New York for young adults Shopping in New York with teens Free things to do with teens in New York Day trips from New York with teens Boston Day trip to Washington D.C Fun restaurants in New York for teens Black Tap with New York teenagers Ellen’s Stardust Diner Street food in New York Frequently asked questions about New York 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 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 More travel inspiration for your trip to the USA





You’ll be able to get close to some of the city’s famous landmarks, and you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to shop. Whether you’re looking for an adrenalin-pumping vacation or something more relaxing, New York City is the perfect destination for your family.



Know before you go. Our top New York travel tips



Travelling to New York City with teens can be such an enriching experience for the whole family and the City of New York is one of the top family destinations in the United States of America. Did you know that the first pizzeria in the United States opened in NYC in 1895?



There are so many things to do in New York for families, and having information on the best place to stay, how to get around, which currency to use and more is extremely important. Below you will find some information for planning a hassle-free family vacation in NYC.



Where to stay in New York with teenagers



Great vacations with teens start with some great vacation planning. When you are planning a trip to the United States with teens you’ll never be short of options for your family accommodation in New York. In New York, you find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday. You will be sure to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget on your family trip to New York.



For luxury family-friendly hotels in New York, you should consider staying at the Gansevoort Meatpacking in Greenwich Village , The Marmara Park Avenue or the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side   All these hotels feature pools, fitness centres and amazing dining options in the hotels. For more midprice and budget-friendly options in New York families should consider staying at The Pod 51 which has an amazing rooftop terrace, Holiday Inn New York City is located in the amazing Time square and the Freehand New York City.



If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Trivago and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in New York for your family vacation to the United States of America.







New York City apartment alternative for your stay



If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your USA trip with teenagers in New York, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation.



There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options in New York as well. You can search VRBO or if you’re looking for something a bit fancier with a view or a pool then Plum Guide will help you find the perfect apartment in NYC for teens on your USA trip with family.



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 its 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.



There are 3 major airports servicing New York City. They are LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). As a rule of thumb JFK handles international flights, Newark handles international and domestic while LaGuardia handles domestic flights. Search flights to New York with Kiwi Flights If your flights have a long stopover, or you just want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass have access to airport lounges all over the world.  Search now for your lounge pass You can book a private transfer to your New York accommodation with Kiwi Taxis









You can catch a train to New York from all over the country. Amtrak services arrive in the bustling heart of Manhattan at Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station. You can book trains to New York with Omio . New York can be reached directly from 35 cities and indirectly from anywhere across the USA. Flixbus tickets are available at great prices. Bus travel with teens in the USA can add so many wonderful experiences for teens on vacation. Book your bus tickets to New York with Flixbus If you plan to road trip with teenagers to NYC you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the USA. Book with rentalcars for the largest options .



How to get around New York City with teenagers



New York is serviced by a large and reliable public transport network. You can use the metro at any of the 472 subway stations in the city, which operates twenty-four hours a day across 36 lines. With Manhatten being an island the use of ferries in New York is widespread.  



You can use the NYC Ferry service and Staten Island Ferry to get from point to point. You will find hundreds of buses crisscrossing the city 24 hours a day, With the help of a map, it’s easy to use the bus as it crosses the city on a grid plan. Check the New Public transport 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. 





Summer essentials for NYC





Winter essential for NYC







Sunscreen Sunglasses Water bottle Men’s & Women’s sunhat.





Winter Scarf Small Travel Umbrella Base Layers for warmth Glove s





New York for international visitors



International travel to the United States requires a bit more thought. You will need absolutely need travel insurance as the United States is one of the most expensive countries in the world for medical care.



If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about when travelling to New York with teenagers.






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 dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees Make phone calls with an international sim card or 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.





Powerbank to keep phones going Action camera Foldable jewellery case for girls Bluetooth travel speaker Travel neck wallet





Lightweight daypack Travel journal Compression packing cubes for luggage Wearable super soft travel blanket Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards






Get the Go City New York pass



Get digital delivery of the Go City New York Pass to your device for easy use when you visit NYC with kids. The Go New York Pass offers the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which is brilliant when you are vacationing with teens.



There are so many things to do in New York for families, and you can save on admission to 100+ top New York attractions and tours including the Empire State Building, Big Bus hop on hop off tour and The American Museum of Natural History.



entry passes such as this are great for families visiting Boston. There are 2 different passes to choose from ranging from 1 day to 10 days of things to do in New York for teenagers.



Buy your Go New York Pass today.




Things to do in New York with teenagers



From exploring the boroughs to taking in some of the city’s top attractions, there is something for everyone. Plus, with so many great hotels and restaurants available, finding the perfect spot to call home for a while is easy. Now that we have covered all of the essential New York travel tips for families here are all the very best things to do in NYC with teenagers.



Fun things to do in New York – Madame Tussauds



This is another fun family attraction in New York that does not fail to entertain teenagers on holiday in NYC. See life-size wax models 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, 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



The Color Factory is a new attraction in New York City that is sure to please visitors of all ages. Upon entering, visitors are given a map and are free to wander through the 17 rooms filled with colourful exhibits.



There are photo ops around every corner, and the space is designed to be Instagram-worthy. Younger visitors will love the interactive activities, while older visitors can enjoy the artistry on display. The Color Factory is a great option for a fun day out in New York with teenagers.







Things to do in NYC for teens – The Nintendo Store 



The Nintendo Store New York is one of the most popular destinations for gamers in New York, and for good reason. The selection of games, consoles, and accessories is vast and there’s always something new to check out. If you’re looking for a place to buy a new game system or just want to hang out with fellow gamers, the Nintendo Store New York is definitely the spot for you.



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 is based on the concept that memory is a process of imagining. The museum is organized into three primary sections: before 9/11, during 9/11, and after 9/11. Each section contains artifacts 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.



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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.



Things for teens to do in NYC should include memorable museums


The museum is a popular destination for tourists and school field trips. Admission is free for active military personnel and children under the age of 3, and tickets are available for purchase for everyone else. The museum offers exhibits and activities geared towards teenagers, including an interactive flight simulator. This is one of the best things to do with teens in NYC.







The Staten Island Ferry



The Staten Island Ferry connects the borough of Staten Island to Lower Manhattan in New York City. The ferry is the only means of transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan, and it operates seven days a week. The ferry is also a popular tourist destination, with an average of 2 million passengers boarding each year.







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Fun things to do in NYC with teens – Spyscape Museum



If you’re looking for a fun and unique family attraction in New York City, be sure to check out the SpyScape Museum. This museum is all about espionage and offers a variety of interactive exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours.







You can learn about the history of espionage, try your hand at being a secret agent, and even take a virtual reality tour of some of the world’s most famous spy hot spots. The SpyScape Museum is perfect for both adults and children and is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in New York with teenagers.



Things to do in New York for teens – Chelsea Market



Chelsea Market is one of the favourite places to go in New York for tourists. It’s a great spot for teenagers because there’s so much to do, and it’s always packed with people.



Teenagers in NYC will love the food options at Chelsea Market


There are tons of restaurants, shops, and even events such as exhibitions and live music to experience. Make sure you eat lunch at one of the food stalls, and the prices are really reasonable compared to most restaurants in New York. If you’re looking for a fun, new place to explore in the city, Chelsea Market is definitely worth checking out when you are in New York City with teenagers!



NYC teenager activities – Central Park Manhattan



Central Park is a large public park in the middle of Manhattan, New York City. It covers 843 acres (341 hectares) and is almost twice the size of London’s Hyde Park. Central Park is bordered on the north by West 110th Street, on the east by Fifth Avenue, on the south by West 59th Street, and on the west by Eighth Avenue.



The park contains several lakes and ponds, extensive walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, a band shell, and playgrounds that are popular with New York teens. It is also home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s American Wing Sculpture Garden. The Central Park Zoo is located in the park’s southeast corner.



Central Park is popular with walkers, runners, joggers, bicyclists, rollerblades, and horse riders.




Viewing platforms in New York City



One of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City is the view from the top of one of its many skyscrapers. Visitors can choose from a variety of viewing platforms, each with its own unique perspective on the cityscape.



Whether looking out over the bright lights and bustle of Times Square or surveying the wide-open expanse of Central Park, a visit to one of New York’s famous observation decks is sure to be an unforgettable experience.



For those looking for a more extreme adventure, there are also a number of buildings in New York with open-air observation decks offering thrilling views of the city skyline. One such example is the Empire State Building, where brave visitors can step out onto an outdoor platform located more than 1,000 feet above street level.



Other buildings with similar decks include the Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, the Edge Summit, and Summit One Vanderbilt






Book tickets to New York observation decks





The Edge Observation Deck





Summit One Vanderbilt.







The Empire State Building





One World Trade Center







Rockerfeller Observation Deck










The Empire State Building with New York City teens



One of the most iconic buildings in the world and the most famous in New York City is the Empire State Building. It’s a popular destination for tourists and families alike. There are a lot of things to see and do in the area, making it a great place to spend a day or evening in New York with teenagers. The views from the top of the building are stunning, and there are also several restaurants and shops in the vicinity.



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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.



A teenage girl in New York walking across the Brooklyn Bridge


The Brooklyn Bridge has a centre walkway for pedestrians and bicyclists that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The walkway is 1,595 feet (486 meters) long and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and other landmarks in New York City. A New York City itinerary with kids should include a walk over the bridge.



The Beast Speedboat Ride



The Beast Speedboat Ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City for families. The boat ride takes passengers on a journey around some of the most iconic sights in New York, including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and have some fun at the same time. Book your excitement with the Beast today.



Museum of Ice cream



What could be more fun than spending an afternoon walking around a museum devoted to ice cream? The Ice Cream Museum in New York City is a great attraction for families and teens alike. With exhibits that showcase the history of this delicious dessert, as well as interactive games and a sampling bar, there’s something for everyone at this unique museum. Get your Museum of Ice Cream entry tickets.



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NYC with tweens and teens – Cooney Island



Coney Island, located in the southern part of Brooklyn, New York City, is a world-famous amusement park. It’s home to several rides, including the Cyclone Roller Coaster and the Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel, as well as various amusements and food concessions.



NYC for teens can be fun at Coney Island


The highlight is the Phoenix, an inverted coaster. When you visit New York with kids they will love spending their summer days at Coney Island, enjoying the rides and attractions.



New York City Aquarium



The New York Aquarium is located at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. The aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 400 species of fish, with the Shark tunnel being one of the most popular features. The aquarium also features a 4-D theatre, which offers a simulated experience that includes wind, water, and other special effects.



Like all good aquariums, you can get up and close with animal encounters for that special memory. Book your tickets to the Aquarium today.



Time Square New York with teens



There is no question that Times Square is one of the most iconic places in New York City. The area is a major attraction for both families and teenagers, thanks to its mix of restaurants, theatres, museums and iconic neon signs at nighttime. 



Whether you’re looking to catch a Broadway show, take a picture in front of the giant Coca-Cola sign, or simply wander through the streets. Times Square is definitely worth a visit when you vacation in New York with teenagers.



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Grand Central Station



Grand Central Station is a railway terminal located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is the busiest train station in the world, serving as a major intercity and commuter rail hub for the United States and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.



New York City points of interest for kids on vacation


The station was built by and named for Cornelius Vanderbilt, founder of the New York Central Railroad. Grand Central Terminal has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1976. Visit the Whispering and Kissing Galleries, and Main Hall.



The terminal is used by over 750,000 commuters daily and serves as a major transfer point for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. Numerous subway lines converge on Grand Central, making it one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world. The terminal also contains a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a museum devoted to Grand Central Terminal’s history.







American Museum of Natural History



The Museum of Natural History in New York City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York. With its rich history and a vast collection of exhibits, the museum is a must-see for anyone visiting New York with kids.



Museums in New York City, New York


The Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869 and opened in 1877. Over the years, the museum has grown to become one of the world’s largest natural history museums. Today, its collection represents all aspects of nature and culture.  The museum comprises 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibits for all to see.



Central Park electric scooter tour in NYC with teens



Electric scooters have become a popular way to get around, and one of the best places to try them out is in New York City’s Central Park. The park is full of hills, curves, and other obstacles that make for a fun ride. There are also plenty of history and attractions, such as the Bethesda Fountain and Cleopatra’s Needle.







A scooter tour is a perfect way for families to explore Central Park. Kids will love the excitement of riding through Central Park and it is a great place to spend a day or afternoon in New York for teenagers. Book an electric scooter tour and let your guide show you, Central Park, in a unique way.



The Underground doughnut tour



Do you have teenagers that have a sweet tooth or kids that love a good sugar hit? The Underground Donut tour will hit the sweet spot for sure!



Eating Donuts is definitely a fun thing for teens to do in NYC


Just don’t tell the kids that this is also a walking tour that takes four stops at some of NYC’s most famous doughnut shops. As you’re walking between these amazing doughnut stores, having free samples, you will get a history of the neighbourhoods these shops trade-in.





Get your sweet tooth on and book a Donut Tour





New York City ghost tour of Greenwich Village



Do your teens like things a little spooky and creepy? A ghost tour may just be one of the best things to do in New York that creates a lasting memory. With a history as long and as colourful as New York City there are some ghostly tales waiting to be told.







Take a walking ghost tour of Greenwich Village with a local guide who knows the area and its history inside out. You will hear chilling stories of celebrity ghosts, lost children, myths and legends and your guide brings haunting tales to life on the streets of New York.



Get your Ghost Tout tickets today



Teen things to do in NYC – Bryant Park



Bryant Park is one of the most famous parks in New York City. It is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is a popular spot for families, teenagers, and tourists. There are plenty of things to do at Bryant Park with over 1000 free events each year in a park visited by more than 12 million people annually.



The park also features a seasonal ice skating rink, live theatre, music, dance, a playground, and several restaurants for you to eat at. Drop by Bryant Park in Manhattan and see what is happening during your family holiday in New York.



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Statue of Liberty and Elis Island



The Statue of Liberty is an iconic attraction in New York City that families, teenagers and tourists enjoy visiting. There are many things to see and do in the city, but the statue is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. If you want to climb the stairs inside Liberty to the crown, you will need to book 4-6 months in advance. It’s a fun and exciting place to visit for people of all ages and one of the best things to do in New York City for families.



Iconic New York sites await family vacations in New York


There are several things to see and do on Ellis Island. The Immigration Museum is a must-see for history buffs, while the expansive green spaces are perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic lunch. Book your Statue of Liberty experience today.