10+ Things to Do in NYC with Teens

Summer in the city never felt so exciting.
By Katie Sagal

From the dizzying fun of Coney Island to touring the locations of their favorite movies and TV shows, New York has activities that will delight the most reluctant of teens. Discover our top picks.

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 you’re looking for things to do in NYC with teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including...

  • Empire State Building Observatory
  • Edge
  • Madame Tussauds New York
  • Rockefeller Center
  • NYC Movie & TV Tours
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Luna Park at Coney Island
  • Yankee Stadium: Classic Tour
  • American Museum of Natural History + more museums
  • and more...

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries
 

Empire State Building
Empire State Building

1. See the city from above

Guests of all ages love visiting the Empire State Building, one of the nation’s most famous landmarks. As long as your teen doesn't have a fear of heights, you can travel right up to the top of the building and see New York City like never before. The building is open to visitors daily, so you should plan to go around when it opens or when it closes to avoid crowds and lines.

The evening views provide especially compelling sights of the city skyline all lit up, so consider a late-night visit, too. For another great aerial view of the city (one with arguably clearer views), check out the Top of the Rock Observatory. This beautiful art deco skyscraper is a must for anyone looking for that perfect Instagram shot of the city below.

Need help to decide? Compare Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building.
 

The Edge
The Edge

2. Don't look down!

If the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock didn't totally satisfy your need for terrifying heights, then Edge certainly will.

Soaring into the heavens at 1,100 feet, you can step out on this open-air viewing deck and look down 100 stories through the glass floor to the city below! You can even lean out over the skyline on angled glass, or drink in the views with champagne in hand for that truly out-of-this-world experience.

This is not one for the faint-hearted, that's for sure.
 

Madame Tussauds New York
Madame Tussauds New York

3. Hang with four favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds New York is a huge hit with teenagers. With over 200 life-like wax figures of their favorite celebrities, movie stars, TV and movie characters, pop-cultural icons, athletes, and more.

You should also plan to spend some time at Madame Tussauds’ immersive exhibits, such as Kong: Skull Island - where you’ll travel deep into the island’s tropical environment and be challenged to find artifacts from Kong: Skull Island the film alongside the 18-foot multi-sensory animatronic Kong and a wax figure of Captain James Conrad. It's also located right in Times Square, making it an attractive destination for teens altogether.

Let them explore this attraction, then roam the neighborhood a bit to soak up the zany Times Square vibes.
 

The Puck Building
The Puck Building

4. See where their favorite TV show was filmed

If you're looking for some more guaranteed interest from your teens, then something that engages their love of media is a smart bet.

Your best option is On Location Tours, which offers exciting tours to thousands of people every week. They're the city’s only official movie/television location tour and have tons of options to choose from. One of our favorites is the wide-ranging NYC TV and Movie Sites bus tour. Other specialty tours include focuses on "Gossip Girl," "Seinfeld," and "The Sopranos."
 

Rockefeller Center Tour
Rockefeller Center Tour

5. Rockefeller Center Tour

Speaking of TV, a trip to the legendary “30 Rock” (30 Rockefeller Center, home of NBC Studios and Radio City Music Hall) is another great idea for traveling with teens.

Though the 67th and 69th floors have outdoor terraces, the 70th floor of the building has an open air 360-degree view. There are GPS-activated audio/visual guides to tell you the names of the places you see. 30 Rock also has many shops and restaurants for before or after your visit. Take a tour of Rockefeller Center to learn all about this historic building and the legendary television that's been filmed there.
 

9/11 Memorial & Museum
9/11 Memorial & Museum

6. Learn about history at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

While your teens are too young to remember the horrific events of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the cultural legacy of this tragedy will still certainly resonate.

A visit to the 9/11 Memorial is an opportunity for them to learn more about this terrible moment in United States history in a way that will surely strike more of a chord than their history textbooks. See relics that remained from the 2001 attacks - including the resilient Survivor Tree -- and learn about the lives lost in both the 1993 bombings and the 2001 attacks. It's sure to both enlighten and move your teens.
 

Coney Island
Coney Island

7. Visit Coney Island

An afternoon spent at historic Coney Island is a must for any traveler to NYC, regardless of age.

Head to Luna Park on Coney Island for a delightful afternoon of classic rides and thrilling experiences. While younger kids will probably get the most out of the traditional rides like the animal carousel, teens will appreciate the old-school vibe and will certainly love the boardwalk feel.

Get an all-day wristband for Luna Park and let them all go wild on the rides, slides, and fun attractions. Don't forget the cotton candy and boardwalk hot dogs!
 

Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden

8. Enjoy engaging tours

Popular tours that will be fun for teenagers include an in-depth look at the iconic Madison Square Garden, home to innumerable concerts and sporting events. This all-access tour is a great way to go behind the scenes and learn more about the legendary franchises of the New York Knicks, New York Liberty, and New York Rangers.

Any sports fan should consider a visit to and tour of Yankee Stadium. Gain a new appreciation for the New York Yankee franchise and baseball history on a guided tour of the legendary Yankee Stadium.
 

Central Park
Central Park

9. Wander Central Park

Central Park is the heart of NYC. This urban paradise is acres upon acres of ponds, trails, picnic spots, baseball diamonds, statues, forests -- they've got it all (there's even a zoo!).

For a fun, stress-free way for your teens to enjoy their Central Park meanderings, scope out a bike rental. It allows them to cover more ground and burn off some of that extra energy and is an easy way to get some exercise, some fresh air, and keep all the kids happy.
 

American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History

10. Explore fun museums

For your artsy teens or those who love history, there are plenty of world-class museum options to explore. With everything from one of the world's foremost art museums to the nation's favorite natural history museum, there is a museum for every teen in NYC. The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMa, features works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Warhol. Even the most reluctant teens will be impressed by the works on display there.

The American Museum of Natural History includes a Planetarium, amazing dinosaur skeletons, fascinating exhibits on the human brain, and more. You can catch an IMAX movie, see a space show and shop at the Museum store. On your way out, take a stroll through neighboring Central Park to enjoy the city scenery.

Scientifically-inclined teens will also love a visit to the USS Intrepid, an iconic aircraft carrier that is now a museum. It's a great place to explore your interest in all things aviation, and military history as well. Be sure to also pay a visit to the Space Shuttle Pavilion for a truly exciting experience.

For more information on popular NYC museums, check out our post that covers a bunch more of the top museums in New York.
 

Times Square
Times Square

11. Roam Times Square

For teens who love pop culture, make sure you take a trip to the famous Times Square. The area is filled with shops, restaurants and incredible glowing signs. Your teenager will certainly love seeing MTV Studios, the location of the New Year's Eve ball drop and the New York Hard Rock Café!

Check out our post on things to do in Times Square for more fun ideas in the area.
 

Go City app
Go City app

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New York in January

There’s nothing quite like January in New York – the snow is falling, the streets are bustling, and there’s magic in the air. From delighting in classic winter attractions to exploring the city’s most famed cultural amenities, the city’s 11 regions have an almost intimidating amount to offer. If you’re planning to make the visit, take a look at our list of the best things to do in the city to help you get started. See the Sites One of the best parts about winter in New York is the range of charming ice rinks that crop up all across the city. A beloved winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, Bryant Park is the only rink to provide a totally admission-free ice-skating experience. It doesn’t stop there though - skaters can also enjoy the park’s Winter Village. With over 170 holiday shops and food vendors to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Go for a spin, enjoy a delicious hot chocolate by the rinkside, or browse the stalls – the day is yours! It’s no secret that New York is an incredible destination for art museums. Famed for its beautiful, spiralling structure, the Guggenheim houses one of the most significant collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, modern and contemporary art within the United States. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, the institute displays a comprehensive repository of over 8, 000 famous works. The museum’s assemblage has grown to include selected pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso and Jasper Johns. Those who are travelling with kids should definitely consider checking out the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Situated on the Upper West Side, the establishment is devoted entirely to innovative educational play. At the museum, children and their caregivers can enjoy immersive art exhibitions, fun activities and hands-on workshops. Incredibly joyful and engaging, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a cold January afternoon. Take in the Atmosphere Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck inside! A magical show of color, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is one way to brighten up a damp January evening. Hosted by the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the event features more than 1,000 handcrafted displays of almost anything you can think of. In addition, there is an interactive light display projection, a live DJ, food vendors and a gift shop. As exciting as it is mesmerizing, this festival has everything you need for a perfect winters evening. Another one of our favorite events for the month of January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Taking place in the middle of the month, the federal holiday seeks to honor one of the country’s most influential figures of Black history. Across all boroughs, the annual event is usually celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights leaders and politicians. To truly recognize the struggles and progression of the Black community, we also suggest volunteering activities and checking out the historic walking tours of Harlem. Don’t let the blustery January weather fool you – during the wintertime, the city brings a whole host of great outdoor activities. Offering a fun and relaxing experience, the horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park are an integral part of any New York vacation. Along the ride, you can take in the ethereal landscapes and admire the scenic NYC skylines, which are especially wondrous this time of the year. In addition, your driver will be able to provide more background information about the city’s history. New York is renowned for leading the way in embracing diversity in culture – an attribute which is demonstrated through its remarkable abundance of great festivals. Those who are interested in experiencing this firsthand should check out Three King’s Festival. Dating back over four decades, the traditional event commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Today, Spanish communities celebrate with colorful street parades, vibrant costumes, delicious food, and live music. Combining art, history, and culture, the festival has an incredible atmosphere that’s great fun for all the family. Find Interesting Activities If you’re trying to avoid the sleet and snow, why not warm up with the Winter Antiques Show? Running for ten whole days throughout the month, the festival features a broad selection of decorative arts from around the globe. The eclectic array includes a little bit of everything, ranging from Egyptian antiquities to postwar Italian art glass. Combining bohemian art with a lively atmosphere, the event is perfect for antiques novices, hobbyists, and just those who love shiny things! A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, New York offers plenty of talent to see. Dubbed ‘’the 1 Jazz festival in North America’’, the NYC Winter Jazzfest has become recognized as an important event in New York nightlife. Taking place in the middle of the month, the festival features over 700 artists, with more than 170 groups. With previous performances from Questlove, Angel Bat Dawid and Pino Palladino, this one is a sure winner. With so many great eateries in New York, you’d be crazy to skip out on the next item on our list. As part of the city's annual culinary tradition, New York Restaurant Week offers visitors the opportunity to try out some of the best places in the area at more affordable prices. Those who are interested should be able to choose from a broad selection of around 380 participating restaurants spread across the five boroughs. From trendy Brooklyn sandwich spots to upscale fine dining establishments, there’s a little something for everybody here. Visiting New York in January is a great idea. Whilst the weather can be cold and brisk, the city presents lots of great activities, exciting events, and interesting attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to visit some of the best museums the East Coast has to offer, take a carriage ride through Central Park, or have a night-time skate at the ice rink, this place has it all. Whatever draws you to the area, you’ll find that there are lots of reasons to love wintertime in New York. And now, you don’t have to miss out on a single thing! Discover all that this unique and fascinating city has to offer with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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One Day in New York - Day Trip to New York Itinerary

1 Day in New York City - Sample Itinerary with The New York Pass® With The New York Pass, your sightseeing possibilities are endless. Choose from over 90 included attractions and create an itinerary tailored to your interests and what you want to do and see in the city. We put together a sample 1 Day in New York City Sightseeing Itinerary using The New York Pass to give you some inspiration to start planning your trip and to show how The New York Pass helps you save on combined admission to top New York City attractions. With The New York Pass you can get into all of the attractions in this itinerary for less than it would cost to buy tickets at each attraction. But remember, this is just one of the many 1-day itineraries you could create with The New York Pass – follow the itinerary below, or, visit any and as many of the other included attractions as you want. This Sample 1 Day Itinerary Includes: Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off Tour Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Radio City Music Hall Tour Empire State Building Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Get a full overview of New York City by starting your trip off with a narrated tour of it all. On the tour, you’ll have a double-decker view of all the city’s top attractions, landmarks, sights, and layout so you can take note of any areas and attractions you want to go back to and visit. You’ll have access to the tour’s 3 routes: Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown and be able to hop on or off at any of the 25+ stops An on-board tour guide will direct your attention to notable sights while providing entertaining and educational narration along the way, so you’ll learn some NYC history, fun facts, unique culture, and more. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (Seasonal) Get out on the water for some unique New York City views. Your New York Pass lets you choose from 6 Circle Line cruise options, but to get the most out of your day, choose one of the 2 options that will have you back on land before lunch: 30-minute BEAST Speedboat/Thrill Ride: zoom around the Hudson River at speeds of up to 45 mph on the 70-foot BEAST speedboat. You’ll cruise towards the Statue of Liberty while your captain performs tricks like sharp turns, twists, corkscrews, and more—all with Midtown and Lower Manhattan as your backdrop. 1-hour Liberty Cruise: get up-close views of the Statue of Liberty while learning all about the history and cultural importance of the statue and how she became an icon of freedom, hope, and liberty that extends beyond her physical presence in New York City from educational and entertaining narration. You get unbeatable views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, the New York City skyline, and more. No matter which cruise you choose, Circle Line’s knowledgeable guides will narrate your experience with fun facts and information, so you’ll learn some of the city’s fascinating and notable history while seeing the sights from the perspective of the water. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Explore American military and maritime history at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where you can climb on board four important historic vessels: the museum’s namesake aircraft carrier, Intrepid, the submarine Growler, the space shuttle Enterprise, and the British Airways Concorde. In addition to the four vessels, the museum features an Exploreum Interactive Hall, a hands-on exhibition space and education center dedicated to inspiring an appreciation for history, science, and all those who serve our country. Planet Hollywood - Save 15% Grab a late lunch and save 15% off food, beverages, and merchandise with your New York Pass at Planet Hollywood. You’ll get to dine in an atmosphere dedicated to celebrating all things Hollywood and movie magic with a hint of nostalgia for the films and celebrities of yore—a restaurant venue worth a visit on its own! Radio City Music Hall Tour Take a 75-minute tour of this world-famous entertainment venue and walk in the footsteps (or leg kicks) of legends, like its resident headline performers, the Rockettes. On the tour, you’ll get to meet one of the world-famous Rockette performers, see the celebrity-signed guest book, explore the revered Art-Deco interiors, learn some of the secrets of the show biz trade, and more. Empire State Building Finish your day of sightseeing off with a visit to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Empire State Building. You’ll get some of the best views in the entire city from its 360-degree open-air observation deck and after a full day of touring, you’ll be able to put some context to the views you’ll get from above. During your visit, check out the Empire State Building Experience which includes access to the newly restored Art Deco lobby, the historical Dare to Dream and Sustainability exhibits before hopping in the elevator to the observation deck on the 86th floor. From the deck, you’ll have unobstructed views of the city in every direction from 1,050 feet above ground. Free, self-guided multimedia tours are available to help you identify buildings and landmarks along the skyline.
Shashia Mitchell
Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
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Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak

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