Where To Make A Stop
Make sure you hop off and see Strawberry Fields, the mosaic honoring John Lennon and Bethesda Fountain, one of the most iconic fountains in the world, featured in countless movies and TV shows based in New York City.
Way to spend money: Take a private horse-drawn carriage ride. This is an extravagant experience but a very special one. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a fairytale experience no matter what age you are. Your teenager will remember it forever.
Roosevelt Island: An Unusual Adventure For Your Teenager In Nyc
The Roosevelt Island Tram is an excellent, cheap thing to do in New York City with teens. The tram is an experience in itself, but Roosevelt Island is full of unusual, um, scary activities for teenagers in NYC.
Roosevelt Island is full of beautiful parks and history. If your teen is more into quiet activities, this Island and the tram are a great experience. But, if you want something out-of-the-box, you can explore.
Now a quiet residential island, Roosevelt Island was once an island of institutions inhabited by convicts, social outcasts, patients of an asylum, and the destitute. Government officials filled the island with a smallpox hospital, an almshouse, a penitentiary, and a lunatic asylum.
Today, the remnants of these institutions still stand and offer an interesting and spooky tour. These historical tours are actually fascinating and worth considering.
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Walk Through Street Fairs And Festivals
Visitors to New York City and locals alike can usually find a street fair or festival happening throughout the city during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.
A few of our favorite street fairs and festivals include:
- Great July 4th Festival
- 5th Avenue Street Fair
- 7th Avenue Street Fair
- Atlantic Antic
- San Gennaro Feast
They are FREE to attend but dont forget to budget for food and souvenirs!
To find the dates of all fairs and festivals happening throughout NYC you can visit NYCGO for up to date information.
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Unique Cool Museums In Nyc That Deserve A Stop
| 10 Min Read | Updated: July 30, 2022
New York City has some of the best museums in the country and world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and MoMA. You can easily spend a whole day at some of the larger ones.
However, the citys cultural institutions have far more to offer than just Vincent van Goghs The Starry Night in MoMA or the enormous dinosaur skeleton in AMNH. It is also full of smaller but cooler spots that, though they dont share the fame as their counterparts, also deserve a stop.
Visit One Of Nycs Many Art Museums
If your teenager is into modern art, dont miss the Museum of Modern Art . It features every modern artist from Pablo Picasso to Salvador Dali to Frida Kahlo.
The Museum Mile, is a stretch along Fifth Avenue that is full of art museums. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is very impressive, with famous works by Jackson Pollock and others displayed beautifully.
Other noteworthy museums include El Museo del Barrio, Cooper Hewitt Museum of Design, and the well-known Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met features everything from tribal artifacts to works by Vincent Van Gogh. Art enthusiasts can spend days inside this sprawling museum.
Theres also the Whitney Museum of American Art. Located in the Meatpacking District on the High Line, it is NYCs latest addition to the modern art scene. Its a great place to introduce teenagers to the likes of Edward Hopper and Georgia OKeefe.
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New York Fun Places For Teenagers
Indoor skydiving is a new trend that is catching on with teenagers. It is a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to go through all the hassle of getting on an aeroplane and going to a place that is outside the city centre that may require transportation.
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 foriFLY New York
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Going To The Gym In New York For Young Adults
Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days, and being on a family vacation in New York is no reason to miss a session. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling, that does not mean you need to stop working out.
In New York, you can go to a number of Gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. Search Trainaway Fit for your nearest gym in New York.
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The Resource You Shouldnt Leave Home Without
If youre going to be traveling in New York City with teens, youll need a great map. Frommers New York City Day by Day is the best resource Ive found and its been updated to include post-pandemic reopening information.
This guidebook can provide dining, lodging, and attraction information but THE reason I suggest it is because of the pull-out map that is included in the book.
Ive used the map on each of my visits to NYC and have lent my book and map out more times than I can count. This book will be the best $ youll spend when planning your trip. Trust me on this.
Lefrak Center At Prospect Park
This 26-acre activity center in the southeastern section of Prospect Park is home to seasonal & year-round activities. During the winter season, you can see people enjoying ice and figure skating, curling, hockey, or broomball on ice. Alternatively, when the weather heats up visitors are usually roller skating, biking, and boating.
Ice skatingAdmission : $7.50 weekdays $11 weekends + holidays
Skate Rental : $8.00
171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225 | 718-462-0010 | Website
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Shop & Eat At The Oculus
The Oculus is at the center of the World Trade Center transportation hub. It cost 4 billion dollars to build and was created to rival Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.
There are many things to do at this attraction. Shop at any of the 100 stores located inside including the Apple store, H& M, and Pandora.
Then when you and your teen have worked up an appetite you can dine at one of the numerous restaurants including Eataly and Shake Shack.
Lastly, you can explore art and attend special events inside and outside of the Oculus.
Things To Do In New York City With Teens
So put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera or cell phone and hit the streets of New York City with teens, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
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Shopping And The Museum Of Ice Cream In Soho
Soho offers your little fashionista to shop in the most vibrant shopping districts in Manhattan-Soho. Soho is located in lower Manhattan and is buzzing with energy, high-end and affordable stores for your teen to pick out a trendy outfit or hard-to-find sneakers.
There are also food trucks or vibrant restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Keep an eye out you may see some celebrities or fashion models doing their daily activities.
Additionally, Soho is home to the ever-so-pink Museum of Ice Cream. Even as an adult, you will love this attraction in Soho. Take a dip in the world-famous sprinkle pool and slide down NYCs highest indoor slide and eat as many treats as you want while learning the history of our favorite cold treat. Your teen will absolutely love this museum.
NYC Travel Tip: This event, as well as Summit One NYC, is likely to sell out. We book all of our travel events through Get Your Guide. Travel plans change, and they offer skip-the-line tickets and refunds if you cancel your event up to 24 hours before. Most tour companies or booking directly do not offer this!
/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.
Want to make your vacations with teens a breeze? After visiting 42 countries with kids, we know how to do it. This is the best guide to epic vacations with teens and how you can do it too!
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Top Of The Rock Observation Deck
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center is a great choice since its generally a shorter wait than the Empire State Building. From the observation decks, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city including midtown, Central Park, and the skyscrapers downtown with the added bonus of seeing the Empire State Building from this vantage point.
The Top of the Rock uses a timed ticketing system which is ideal for planning your visit with minimal waiting. Top of the Rock is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year regardless of weather conditions, however, in the case of inclement weather, portions of the deck may be closed for safety reasons.
Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and is open 8am midnight. Last elevator up is at 11pm.
Embark On A Coney Island Adventure
Chinatown, the East Village, DumboNYC is filled with fascinating neighborhoods to explore. But if we have to pick the best area for teens to check out, it’s Coney Island. Its warm-weather attractions are adolescent catnipthe beach, the thrilling amusement park rides, the glorious junk food. But it’s an intriguing destination even in the off-season, especially if you add nearby Russian enclave Brighton Beach to your itinerary. It’s like taking a trip to another country for the price of a MetroCard swipe.
A version of this article was first published in March 2016, but it has since been updated. Sonia Gonzalez contributed additional reporting.
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Save On Admission To Attractions Teens Will Love
Many of these teen-friendly New York attractions are available on the Go New York pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices Learn more. Consider adding a few of these teen friendly options to your vacation itinerary. Enjoy!
Street Art In New York
Street art is found throughout the world, but it is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges. Street art provides a unique aesthetic for these places, with topics including current events, pop culture, portraits and more. Street art is a very popular free thing to do in New York and attracts tourists and teenagers alike.
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.
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Brooklyn Children’s Museum Crown Heights Brooklyn
What to see: Everything!Best for: Ages newborn-10Plan to: Spend the day
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the self-proclaimed first of the children’s museums in NYCand everywhere elsehaving opened its doors in 1899. Cross the threshold and you’ll enter an all-ages kid haven. The Totally Tots exhibit is a must-visit for the youngest museum-goers. The padded play space includes tons of sensory fun. Graduate from that exhibit and the World Brooklyn awaits a pint-sized replica of the borough allows guests to play baker, pizza maker, shopper, shopkeeper, and more. We’re forever smitten with its ColorLab, which allows for hands-on art-making, sensory experiences, and interactive story times. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission on Thursdays from 2pm-5pm.
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 Citys 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 Cleopatras 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.
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Best Things To Do With Teenagers In Nyc
As a parent of three teens who have visited New York City several times, and aunt to two teens who live just outside of NYC, I have a lot of experience when it comes to teen things to do in NYC. Ive asked all of them to contribute to this article and share the best of NYC for teens. Heres what they had to say.
New York Transit Museum Brooklyn Heights Brooklyn
What to see: A museum in a subway stop, what could be better!?!Best for: Ages 3+Plan to: Spend half a day
No train-obsessed tot can turn down a visit to the New York Transit Museum, housed in an old subway stop below street level in Brooklyn Heights. Old-school subway cars beg to be climbed aboard and explored old-school ads entertain mom and dad. There are buses and trolleys to test-drive, too, and all manner of turnstiles to investigate. Regularly scheduled programming includes rides on its vintage fleet, tours of abandoned stations suitable for tweens and up, and currently, plenty of virtual options. Catch its vintage fleet of buses at special annual events like Atlantic Antic. If you’re in Grand Central, make sure to check out this museum’s annex there.
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National Museum Of The American Indian
Searching for the best free museum in New York City for kids? Look no further than the National Museum of the American Indian! Its in Lower Manhattan right by The Battery, which makes it a perfect place to stop for a quick break or escape the weather. Exhibits explore indigenous cultures native to New York and throughout the United States through a variety of interesting artifacts. You can see examples of Native American art, weapons, and ceremonial clothing throughout the life-size displays when you walk through the installations. One reason this place is popular with families who have young children is due to the Kids Play Area on the lower level. Here, little ones can keep themselves entertained with educational games, toys, and other fun activities as they make new friends. Keep in mind most of these activities are targeted toward elementary-school-aged children.
+ Things To Do In Nyc With Teens
Planning vacations with activities that interest adolescents can be difficult, but there are plenty of things to do that will be fun for them and for the whole family. If youre looking for things to do in NYC with teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including…
- Empire State Building Observatory
- Luna Park at Coney Island
- Yankee Stadium: Classic Tour
- American Museum of Natural History + more museums
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square
- and more…
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Central Park On Electric Scooters
Central Park is, of course, a must-do attraction in New York City with teens on your trip, but make it fun by renting a bike or electric scooter. Electric scooters are exciting on any vacation and a really fun thing to do with teenagers in NYC.
What to do and see in Central Park:
- Have a Central Park picnic. We get our pre-made picnics from Perfect Picnic NYC. You can pre-order a picnic for each person in your party or have a picnic experience delivered and set up in Central Park. You can find the seven best picnic spots here.
- Ice Skate at Wollman Rink.
- Ride the Central Park Carousel
- Attend SummerStage Festival . Purchase tickets here.
- Attend the free concert series . Information here.
