New York City with Teenagers: 16+ Fun & Teen-Approved Things to Do
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Planning a trip to New York City with teenagers and looking for fun things to do that the whole family will enjoy? We recently spent a week in NYC with our three teens (ages 15-17), and in this guide, I’m sharing their absolute favorites.
New York is packed with exciting attractions, cool neighborhoods, and unique experiences that will impress even the hardest-to-please teens. From world-famous observation decks and filming locations to trendy shops, quirky museums, and local foods, there’s something for everyone. Add in the endless entertainment options – from Broadway musicals to a wide variety of sports games – and you’ve got a perfect destination for families with teens.
In this article, we’ve selected the best things to do in New York City with teenagers, based on our own family trip. You’ll find a mix of top sights and attractions, Instagrammable spots, and plenty of fun activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Good to know: New York has so much to offer that it can feel overwhelming to decide what to see and figure out how to avoid backtracking. So to make it easier to plan your time, I grouped the activities by type and included practical tips based on location.
MOM TIP: Keep things varied when traveling with teens. Their attention span is about as long as a TikTok clip, so avoid packing the day with just one type of activity. Combine major sights with fun shops, local favorites, and evening entertainment to keep everyone happy (and off their phones).
READ ALSO: NYC Travel Tips
Here are some of the best things to do in NYC with teenagers:
1. Observation Decks
Manhattan has several incredible viewing platforms, each offering a different perspective of the city. Most teens will love the thrill and the views, so definitely include at least a few observation decks in your itinerary. Here are my top picks for families with teens:
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is by far the most exciting option. Mirrored floors, light shows, and immersive art make it a dream spot for Instagram and TikTok – and a huge hit with teenagers. I’ve been here several times, and I recommend going in the evening when it’s dark. The lights and reflections are even more impressive than during the day or at sunset.
- Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers the best views of Manhattan skyscrapers and Central Park. It also has fun photo opportunities like the famous “photo on the beam” recreating the iconic skyline image.
- Edge is the ultra-modern outdoor viewing deck at Hudson Yards. It’s a great choice if you are traveling in the warmer season. With older teens (13+), consider the adrenaline-filled City Climb experience at the Edge, where you can lean out from the highest outdoor platform in NYC.
Other great options include the iconic Empire State Building and the One World Observatory at the WTC, which offers the best views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River.
TIP: No matter which observation decks you decide to visit, book tickets in advance. Sunset time slots are the most popular and often more expensive, so if you want to save time and money, go during the day or in the evening. I recommend visiting at least 2-3 viewing platforms, at different times of the day.
LEARN MORE: Best Observation Decks in NYC
2. Times Square & Cool Shops
Times Square is one of the most iconic places in New York and a must on any itinerary. It’s chaotic, colorful, and buzzing with energy – teens will love it.
The area is home to many Broadway theaters and restaurants, and there’s always something happening, from street performers to ever-changing digital displays. You can visit any time of day, but make sure to come back in the evening when the lights are brightest and the atmosphere is at its best.
TIP: Around Times Square, you’ll find plenty of fun stores like M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and the Disney Store. LEGO, Nintendo, and Nike also have flagship stores just a short walk away (about 5–10 minutes). Let your teens pick a few favorites and plan a little shopping time into your visit.
Good to know: The area around Times Square is the most central place to stay for exploring Manhattan. Check out our detailed guide on the best area to stay in NYC for more information and hotel recommendations.
Our experience: Since we stayed in the area and visited several Broadway shows and nearby attractions, we passed Times Square multiple times during our visit. It never gets boring, and our teens took lots of cool pictures every time.
3. Broadway Shows
Seeing a Broadway show is a must-do experience in New York City. From timeless classics to modern musicals, there’s so much choice, so you’ll definitely find something for everyone.
On this visit to New York with our teenagers, we opted for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and &Juliet. Both were perfect for this age group. The energy, stage effects, and live performances were unforgettable.
Good to know: Weekday shows are usually a bit cheaper than weekend performances, and matinees tend to be both more affordable and less crowded.
TIP: If you want good seats and to sit together, book in advance. Alternatively, check the TKTS booth on Times Square for same-day discounted tickets (but keep in mind that there’s often a long queue here, so you may need an hour or even more!).
Our experience: We booked all our tickets in advance, which turned out to be a good decision. When we had a free afternoon and looked for last-minute Broadway tickets while already in New York, the selection was very limited. Prices were similar to what we had paid weeks earlier, but the available seats were much worse, and there was nothing left where the five of us could sit together.
LEARN MORE: Best Broadway Shows in NYC
4. Pop Culture & Unique Attractions
If your teens enjoy creative, Instagram-worthy experiences, New York has plenty of fun and unusual attractions to choose from. Here are some of the best options based on the research I did for our trip:
- Banksy Museum – One of the biggest hits of our trip. It features Banksy’s most iconic works and powerful messages, touching on thought-provoking themes like migration, war, and social justice. It’s fascinating, creative, and sparked some really interesting conversations with our kids. If you’re visiting New York with older teens, I highly recommend it. We all loved it.
- Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology – An immersive art space near the World Trade Center that blends light, sound, and digital installations. It’s nothing like a traditional museum and is great for both art and tech-loving teens.
- Museum of Ice Cream – Especially fun if you’re visiting with younger teens or tweens; very visual and playful.
- Color Factory – Bright, creative, and made for Instagram, with fun themed rooms and photo ops.
- RiseNY – An interactive museum that tells the story of New York’s pop culture and ends with a flying theater ride over the city. We really enjoyed it!
TIP: Let your teens help choose the ones that interest them most, then combine them with other attractions in the same area. For example, RiseNY is near Times Square, Mercer Labs is close to the World Trade Center, and the Banksy Museum, Color Factory, and Ice Cream Museum are close to Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo.
Good to know: NYC attractions can be pricey if you buy individual tickets. Depending on which ones you choose, consider getting a city pass. It’s often a lot better value and makes it easier to mix and match experiences without having to worry about your budget. For example, we got the GoCity Explorer Pass, which covers most of the top sights, but also RiseNY and Mercer Labs. Also, if you’re looking for more affordable things to do, the Banksy Museum is one of the best-priced tickets for families.
READ ALSO: Best City Passes for Sightseeing in New York
5. The High Line & the Vessel
The High Line is an elevated park, built on an old railway track, that stretches from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It’s a unique place, full of greenery, street art, and modern sculptures, and one of the coolest places in New York to visit with teens.
At the northern end, you’ll find the Vessel – a unique honeycomb-like architectural landmark that’s great for photos. The earlier-mentioned observation deck Edge is also located here. Tickets for both – the Vessel and Edge – are cheaper if booked online in advance. If you’re looking for a place to eat in this area, Mercado Little Spain has a few nice (but very pricey) options.
In the southern end of the High Line, you’ll find the Whitney Museum of American Art, Little Island, and Pier 57 Rooftop Park (more about these later). Chelsea Market is a great place to grab a snack or do some shopping. Teens might also want to pop into the nearby Google Store.
Good to know: The High Line is 1.45 miles (2.33 km) long, you can start/end at various points, and you can walk it in either direction. It’s free to visit, but it can get very busy, especially on weekends. If possible, go early in the day or visit on a weekday.
Our experience: We started at the Edge and the Vessel and afterwards walked the full length of the High Line, ending at Chelsea Market and Little Island. Exploring the High Line, including all the photo stops, took us about 35-40 minutes. This doesn’t include the time to visit any of the attractions or the museums.
6. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
A visit to the Statue of Liberty is one of the iconic experiences that you can’t miss when visiting New York. Teens will enjoy the ferry ride and the chance to see the skyline from the water. Plus, everyone wants to take a picture with Lady Liberty herself!
The easiest way to visit is by taking the ferry to Liberty Island. You can see the statue and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Sculpture Garden. In addition, if you book early enough, you can also climb to the Pedestal and/or the Crown (both nice to do, but definitely not a must).
All tickets also include Ellis Island, and you can hop off the boat for a short visit here. The Museum of Immigration tells the story of millions of immigrants who arrived in America through New York.
Good to know: Even if it’s not too busy, you need at least 4 hours for a proper visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you’re short on time, opt for a sightseeing cruise instead. You’ll see the statue from the water and get nice views of the Manhattan skyline in 1-1.5 hours.
TIP: For more information and tips to make the most of your visit, please see our detailed guide to visiting the Statue of Liberty from New York.
7. Lower Manhattan & the Financial District
Lower Manhattan is home to some of New York’s most striking architecture, impressive viewpoints, and meaningful landmarks. It’s an area worth exploring before or after visiting the Statue of Liberty, since the ferry to Liberty Island departs from Battery Park.
There’s a lot to see in this part of the city. Here are some highlights:
- Financial District – Take a picture with the famous Charging Bull, check out the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, and explore the narrow streets lined with historic skyscrapers.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum – The twin reflecting pools and the 9/11 Museum are powerful and deeply moving places to visit. The 9/11 Memorial, Survivor Tree, and Memorial Glades are free to visit, but you’ll need timed entry tickets for the museum. If you’re a family of 4 or 5 people, you can get a value bundle. Keep in mind, however, that the museum is best suited for older teens.
- One World Observatory – Located at the top of One World Trade Center, it offers 360° views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Even the elevator ride is an attraction in itself, showing how the skyline has evolved over the years. TIP: This observation deck is completely indoors – perfect in any weather.
- The Oculus – This futuristic white structure serves as both a shopping mall and a major transport hub. Its dramatic design and sweeping lines make it one of the most photographed buildings in New York, and teens will love it for cool photos.
- Mercer Labs – Just across the street from the Oculus, this immersive art and technology space is perfect for teens who enjoy interactive experiences.
There are also plenty of shopping and dining options in this part of town. You’ll find plenty of familiar stores (H&M, GAP, and other teen favorites), plus great food options like Eataly or Liberty Bagels. Our teens loved their rainbow bagels and pizza bagels.
Good to know: Everything in this area is within walking distance, so you can easily see the main sights in half a day. If you also include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, plan to spend a full day exploring this part of the city.
8. Central Park
No trip to New York would be complete without exploring Central Park. It’s the city’s green heart and a fun place for teenagers to relax between sightseeing stops.
You can rent bikes, take a pedicab tour, rent rowboats on the lake, visit the zoo, or simply wander between Central Park’s most iconic landmarks and filming locations. Street performers, artists, and musicians keep things lively all year round.
In the summer, Central Park is a perfect place for picnics or longer bike rides. In the cold season, go ice-skating at Wollman Rink with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. The ice skating rink was already open when we visited NYC in late October.
We spent several hours wandering around Central Park with our teens, exploring the highlights, watching boats, and squirrels. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for a while.
TIP: You can easily combine a visit to Central Park with some of the top museums nearby. It also pairs well with the 5th Avenue shops, MoMA, Rockefeller Center, or taking a short ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
9. Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular things to do in NYC, and it’s good with teens too. The views of the Manhattan skyline are unbeatable, there are plenty of cool photo opportunities, and it’s completely free.
Once in Brooklyn, spend some time exploring DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Teens will love the iconic photo spot on Washington Street with the Manhattan Bridge in the background, and the nearby Time Out Market, which has tons of good food options. Waterfront views from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway are well worth it as well.
Good to know: The bridge can get very crowded. Go very early in the morning or later in the evening for a more relaxed walk.
TIP: If you have more time and want to explore Brooklyn deeper, consider this highly-rated sightseeing bike tour with a local guide. Our teens love bike tours – it’s a great addition to any city trip itinerary. When it comes to NYC, biking in the busiest areas of Manhattan is not ideal, but in Brooklyn, it is totally different.
10. Sports & Live Games Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly fun and uniquely American to do in New York with teens, attending a live sports game is an experience you won’t forget. Even if your family isn’t into sports, the atmosphere alone makes it worth it – loud crowds, music, lights, and nonstop entertainment.
Here are some of the best options depending on the season and your interests:
- Basketball (NBA) – The Brooklyn Nets play at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. Both offer an incredible show on and off the court.
- Hockey (NHL) – The New York Rangers play at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
- Baseball (MLB) – In spring and summer, catch a Yankees or Mets game – a true New York classic. Both stadiums are a bit further from the center, but easy to reach by subway in 30-45 minutes.
- American Football (NFL) – The New York Giants and Jets both play nearby in New Jersey.
Our experience: We watched the Brooklyn Nets play at Barclays Center, and the kids absolutely loved it. Between the game, the music, the dancing, and the constant entertainment during breaks, they were hooked the entire evening. The game itself felt like just one part of the show.
TIP: Tickets for major games sell out quickly, especially for popular teams and weekends. Check schedules before your trip, and book early for the best seats. You can find most of the tickets on Ticketmaster or on HelloTickets. Also, don’t bring anything you don’t absolutely need – security is strict, and I even had to leave my camera behind during the game.
11. Cool Neighborhoods & Street Art
In addition to the main tourist sights, I highly recommend that you get a bit off the beaten path and explore some of NYC’s most interesting neighborhoods. It gives you a real feel of the city, and it’s something teens usually enjoy even more than museums or landmarks.
Here are some recommendations:
- Chinatown & Little Italy – Located next to each other, both areas are good for authentic food and snacks between sightseeing. Wander through narrow streets, sample dumplings, NY-style pizza, and finish with gelato or Italian desserts. We did a food tour – it’s a great way to explore this part of the city and discover local favorite spots.
- SoHo – Trendy, artistic, and one of the best areas for shopping and people-watching. Teens will love the mix of designer stores, street fashion, and cool backdrops for photos. It’s just near Little Italy and Chinatown, and you can easily visit all of these areas in a few hours. This popular walking tour covers all three in 2 hours.
- Tribeca – A stylish downtown neighborhood near SoHo, with cobblestone streets, trendy cafés, and great photo spots. Don’t miss the famous Ghostbusters Firehouse – it’s a quick, free stop with some good photo ops for teens.
- Williamsburg – Located in a more offbeat part of Brooklyn, this neighborhood has a completely different vibe from DUMBO near the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s known for its colorful street art, creative atmosphere, and lively weekend markets. We did the Bushwick Street Art tour – a great way to explore this unique area. If you are looking for a more hands-on experience for your teens, check out this highly rated graffiti workshop with local artists.
- Greenwich Village (West Village) & East Village – Both areas are laid-back, full of character, and great for exploring on foot. You’ll find vintage stores, record shops, and quirky cafés around almost every corner. The East Village has a lively, creative vibe with a mix of students, artists, and colorful street murals, while Greenwich Village is a must for Sex and the City fans and foodies. It’s also one of the best places to join a food tour and sample a wide variety of classic New York eats beyond just Italian and Chinese.
- Harlem – A culturally rich neighborhood in the northern part of Manhattan, with great food and music. If you’re visiting on Wednesday or on a Sunday, try to catch a gospel choir performance – it’s a powerful and memorable experience.
Good to know: Each of these areas is easily accessible by subway, and most are located in Manhattan, so it’s really simple to add any of them to your itinerary. Visiting a few different neighborhoods gives you a more complete picture of how diverse New York City truly is.
12. Museums Teens Might Actually Enjoy
Even if your teens claim they don’t like museums, New York might change their minds. That said, if your teenagers are a bit like ours, don’t overdo it. Pick one or two of the top museums, limit your time inside to 2-3 hours, and avoid visiting more than one in a single day.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – My top pick for families with teens. It features an incredible mix of modern and contemporary art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. Even those who usually find art museums “boring” tend to recognize something here. It’s also family-friendly and affordable, as teens 16 and under can enter for free.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – A huge hit with teens interested in science, history, or technology. The museum is housed on a real aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River and includes fighter jets, a submarine, and even a space shuttle. You can walk on the flight deck, climb into the cockpit of a plane, and see what life was like on board.
- The American Museum of Natural History – A classic that never disappoints. From massive dinosaur skeletons to fascinating space and ocean exhibits, it’s educational without feeling like school. It’s also a great place to escape bad weather since you could easily spend half a day here (if your kids are up to it). It also offers good value with discounts for teens.
Other good options include the 9/11 Memorial Museum (more emotional and best suited for older teens), the Whitney Museum of American Art near the High Line, and the Guggenheim Museum, with its unique architecture that teens might even recognize from several movies.
Good to know: Most museums are close to major attractions or Central Park, so you can easily fit them into your itinerary. For example, MoMA is near Rockefeller Center, while the American Museum of Natural History borders Central Park – perfect for combining sightseeing and a bit of downtime.
TIP: If you decide to visit the Museum of Natural History, consider this CityPASS. It includes this museum and four other top attractions (two fixed and three of your choice), and offers excellent value for families exploring several major sights.
13. Little Island & Pier 57 Rooftop Park
Little Island on the west side of Manhattan is one of my personal favorite photo spots by the Hudson River. Located close to Chelsea Market and the southern end of the High Line, it’s very simple to add this quick stop to your itinerary. And I’m sure your teens will enjoy the unique architecture and the views.
For the best views, head to Pier 57’s rooftop park, where you have great views of Little Island and the Manhattan skyline. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or simply to unwind for a few minutes. If you have more time, take some time to explore the Little Island itself as well.
If you’re looking for something else to do in this area, check out the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Good to know: Pier 57 has a nice food court with several eateries on the ground floor. It’s a lot less busy than the nearby Chelsea Market. Plus, you can grab a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the rooftop while soaking up the views.
14. Roosevelt Island Tramway
If you are looking for something different to do in NYC with teens, check out the Roosevelt Island Tramway. This cable car connects Midtown East in Manhattan with Roosevelt Island and offers great views of the city. It’s a quick, fun, and very affordable activity that’s close enough to the main sights, yet shows you a totally different side of the city.
One of our teens found it on TikTok, and we absolutely had to go. In all honesty, it wasn’t the most exciting attraction, but it was a truly local experience. The views of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and the Manhattan skyline are quite unique, plus, it costs as much as a single subway ride.
TIP: If you decide to go, avoid the rush hour when locals commute to/from work or school. Also, try to stand by the window on the bridge side.
Good to know: The cable car uses the same fare as the subway, and you can simply tap your credit card to pay. You can ride it both ways or take the subway in one direction. We walked to the tramway after visiting Central Park and then took the subway straight to our next stop. In total, it cost less than $15 for our whole family, and the detour took under an hour.
15. Food Teens Will Love
Food is a big part of the NYC experience, and your teens will definitely have their favorites.
Grab a classic slice of New York pizza, try a bagel from one of the many popular shops (our kids loved Liberty Bagels), and enjoy a meal at one of the city’s food halls. Time Out Market in Brooklyn is our favorite – lots of choice, great quality, and amazing views.
For something more local, head to Chinatown or Little Italy for authentic Asian or Italian dishes. This area is also perfect for food tours. We did this food tour and loved both the variety and the atmosphere.
Our teens also really enjoyed experiencing traditional American diners – places like Bill’s Bar & Burger near Rockefeller Center or Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery near Times Square. The size of the milkshakes and burgers completely surprised them; it’s not something we’d find back home in Europe.
Oh, and if you want a truly good Italian pizza, head to Pizza Secret Ristorante in Brooklyn. We had dinner here before the basketball game at the Barclays Center, and it’s by far the best pizza we had in NYC (and the only one that actually tastes like the original one in Naples, Italy).
TIP: Leave room in your itinerary for a few casual meals from street food stalls or takeout spots. It’s part of the NYC experience and a great way to keep things more affordable.
16. Shopping
Shopping in New York is an experience in itself, and something I had to promise my kids that I would plan extra time for in our itinerary. Our teens loved the mix of big brands, themed stores, and unique local finds. Here are some ideas where to go:
I already mentioned all the cool shops around Times Square – from M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Disney – there are plenty of options for teens and tweens. Around Union Square, make sure to stop by the Harry Potter Store and Barnes & Noble – both big hits with teens.
5th Avenue is not only home to high-end fashion boutiques and the luxury Saks department store, but also has some iconic flagship stores, including Nike, Microsoft, and LEGO. If you have a few hours to spare, don’t miss Macy’s on Herald Square, the largest department store in the USA.
For something trendier, head to SoHo for its stylish boutiques or explore the vintage shops and small independent stores in the East Village or around Chelsea Market. And if you’re looking for familiar mainstream brands, you’ll find options in nearly every neighborhood.
TIP: Set a spending limit in advance – there’s temptation on every corner in NYC, and it quickly adds up.
So, this is our guide for tourists visiting New York City with teens. We spent a week exploring the Big Apple with our teens and could have easily filled another week or even more. NYC is one of those destinations where you’ll never run out of things to do. But that also means that there is no way you can do everything, so be selective and don’t overdo it.
Our secret to a great trip with kids of any age is variation and balance. Combine big landmarks and cultural sights with fun, hands-on experiences, diverse local food, shopping, and evening entertainment, and you’re sure to have a truly fun and memorable trip with your family!
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip and shows that visiting New York City with teenagers can be just as exciting for parents as it is for kids. Have a great trip!
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