10 of the Best Things to Do in New York City with Teens and Tweens
As one of the most famous cities in the world, New York City is a great place to take teens. But what are the best things to do in NYC with teens or tweens? We’ve got some big-kid-tested suggestions for an epic New York City family vacation.
Few cities have as much teen appeal as New York City. This iconic family vacation destination is renowned for its easily recognizable landmarks, made famous in everyone’s favorite movies.
All that hype proves there’s way more to the city that never sleeps than bright lights and neon signs.
In fact, there’s so much to do here that it can be a little overwhelming.
But, never fear my fellow travel warrior moms. We’ve teen-tested some popular New York City attractions. And we’ve come up with the best things to do in NYC with teens.
We’ve even made it simple.
Because grown-up(ish) as they are, teens and tweens can’t scare us. (Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to until you believe it.)
We know big kids need to sleep.
They have to eat.
And they’re happiest when they’re doing something fun.
We’ve already covered the best places to stay in New York City. You can read about 3 awesome hotels to check out for your trip with teens to New York City HERE.
And we’ve found some great restaurants in NYC with teens. You can find that list of teen tested options HERE.
Now, we’re checking the boxes on things to do in New York City with teens and tweens.
#1 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: See a Broadway play.
My family’s favorite thing to do in New York City is definitely seeing a Broadway show.
There’s just nothing quite like the dazzle of Broadway. The opportunity to see the world’s greatest stage actors in action is something so special and unique to NYC.
And in the heart of Broadway, a couple dozen shows are playing at any given time. So, there’s truly something every theater fan can appreciate.
But, don’t discount off Broadway shows either. Even though Stomp, one of the shows we loved the most, closed, there’s still lots of great off-Broadway options. The Play That Goes Wrong, Blue Man Group, and Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular are on the list for sure.
Check out our post on the best Broadway shows for families HERE.
#2 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Book a Photo Shoot
The teen and tween years are practically synonymous with phone and selfie time. And if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right?
Taking the teen photo shoot to a whole new level is easy in Instagram worthy New York City. On one recent trip, we found a photographer local to our area who does senior portraits in New York City. We booked his NYC photo package and spent a few hours over 2 days traveling around the city to take pictures. It a fantastic way to check the senior portrait box and see parts of the city we had never been.
A Google search or Viator brings up some New York Instagram tours who do the same thing. And it’s not just for senior portraits. Smaller packages are available for a fun way to spend the afternoon … and preserve memories while doing it.
#3 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Get Outside
Sure skyscrapers are a huge part of being in a big city. But that doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside.
Some of the best things to do with teens and tweens in NYC involve getting outside and getting active.
Central Park is one of the best ways to do that. Fountains, statues, picnic spots, and great people watching stops abound in this well known city oasis.
Or, for a different view of the city, plan a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. At just over a mile, the walk rewards pedestrians by ending in Dumbo. Dumbo is synonymous with some of the best views of the city skyline and cute city streets.
The High Line is another fun, interesting place to stroll. It’s a park built on an elevated rail line located on the west side of Manhattan. You and your teen can view art, gardens, or even a performance while seeing a unique side of the city.
#4 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Shop Til You Drop
With flagship stores from almost every major brand, New York City shopping rivals no other. Shopping in Manhattan is perfect for a day out with teens.
And Fifth Avenue is a great place to start a shopping day with your teen. This famous stretch boosts teen-friendly stops. Think things like a massive 68,000 square-foot Nike store and a 6-story H&M, just to mention 2 of many. Fifth Avenue is also known for luxury brands, like Gucci and Prada, which makes fun window shopping for savvy teens.
SoHo (the area south of Houston Street) is another fun shopping place. Stores run the gamete from big department stores, like Bloomingdales, to unique, boutique shops. Cute cafes dot the cobblestone streets too for a nice break from retail therapy.
Shopping in Times Square deserves a mention for a trip to New York City with teens too. Yes, it’s touristy but there’s also something fun about being amid the hustle and bustle. We’ve snagged some great finds and found it convenient too when we’re in for a short weekend.
#5 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Visit a Museum They Won’t Roll Their Eyes At
I think travel is learning, no matter how you slice it. And sneaking in some learning is something we do on every family vacation.
One of the best ways to do that is by visiting museums that aren’t your typical type of museum.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art could be considered to be in that category. Even though they’re traditional museums, chances are your teen just might think they’re cool. For one thing, they’ve been the setting for thousands of movies.
But, two museums have stood out even more to my teens and tweens as favorites.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum personalizes an event so important to our country. It’s somber yet inspirational because of the stories of courage and humanity. It paints a picture to those who weren’t alive on that fateful day, yet who have grown up in world shaped by it. (TIP: Don’t skip the audio tour. It’s so worth hearing about the individuals who were there that day. And since this isn’t a “typical” museum, there’s not as much to see otherwise.)
The Tenement Museum is another favorite museum. It shows what it was like to live in Manhattan as an immigrant during the 19th and 20th centuries. It brings history alive by offering tours of historically accurate tenement apartments.
#6 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Make Them Feel Special
The cool-factor is high in NYC, so what better place to make sure teens and tweens get a little pampering?
A visit to a day-spa, blow-out bar, or full-service make-up counter makes for a truly special day.
One of our favorite spots is Sephora on 34th Street. They offer make-up and facial service appointments by super attentive staff and classes on everything beauty related.
And don’t forget about pampering your teen or tween guy. A visit to a NYC barber makes for a happy teen of the dude variety.
#7 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Bring Out The Kid In Them (and You)
I love all the fun things to do in New York City that keep us all young. The City has a plethora of things to do that bring out the kid in everyone.
It’s hard to wander into the 3-story FAO Schwartz store without remembering your favorite childhood toys.
Gamers will appreciate the decked-out Nintendo NYC.
Girls by age or just at heart love the American Girl Place New York City.
You certainly don’t have to be still eating off the kids’ menu to be enthralled by the massive flagship Lego Store Fifth Avenue.
And the M&M Store in New York is fun rolled in chocolate for all ages.
But, it’s not just the retail category that will bring out the pint-sized version of your teen in New York City. Lots of options exist for more fun.
For example, at Central Park, visit the zoo or ride the carousel. Bryant Park also has a carousel, as well as bumper cars on ice, chess, bingo, and even movie nights.
#8 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: See the City Skyline
Whoever said steel and concrete can’t be truly beautiful? Because it surely is in NYC. And the massiveness and grandeur of the New York City skyline just can’t be appreciated without seeing it in person.
Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge each offer distinctive views. Or check out one of the many observation decks in NYC.
Multi-tasking by enjoying a great meal with cityscape views is another fantastic way to check off this NYC must-do. The View Restaurant and Lounge offers a fine dining experience in a space that rotates. It’s a perfect chance to see the skyline from different vantage points.
There’s lots of restaurants that offer views too though with a slightly smaller price-tag. Check out our list of some favorite restaurants in New York City for teens HERE.
#9 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: See the Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty is not just iconic to New York City but to our country as a whole. So, seeing her for yourself is a must-do during an NYC trip.
The great thing about planning to see the Statue of Liberty is there are so many ways to do it.
Some kids and families will enjoy taking the trip to Ellis Island. There you’ll learn all about not just the Statue of Liberty, but also how immigration built our country. It’s a worthwhile trip that takes at least half a day.
Other families and kids just want to take a peak at the famous gift France bestowed to our country. One to three hour cruises offer glimpses for brunch, dinner, or just to sightsee. Or you can catch view from places like the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, or Battery Park.
#10 Fun Thing to Do in NYC with Teens and Tweens: Add one other city attraction
Speaking of One World Observatory and Battery Park …
New York does have so much to offer, like the places mentioned above.
I’ve learned (the hard way) not to try to cram too much into family vacations. But, there’s so much to do in NYC that it makes a great city for fitting in a little something. (I use the term “little” lightly here. Truthfully, there’s nothing “little” about New York City, so “world famous” might be more appropriate.)
At a little less than 23 square miles, Manhattan packs a ton into a relatively small footprint. That makes it a bit less daunting to fit more into a trip.
So if you happen to be shopping on 5th Avenue, why not stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral? It’s a beautiful and serene spot between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue. The Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center are also all practically within a stone’s throw.
Wherever your New York City adventure takes you, chances are there’s an easily accessible top-rated thing to do in NYC nearby.
