25 Fun Things for Teenagers To Do in New York City
Published March 27, 2025
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Are you organizing a visit to the lovely New York City with teens and searching for memorable activities?
Experiencing NYC with teenagers is actually fun.
From landmarks to activities that teens enjoy, this article makes trip planning easier to guarantee every family member is entertained.
Find out 25 fun things for teenagers to do in New York City!
1. Attend a Match at Barclays Centre
Attending a baseball or basketball game is among the top activities to enjoy in New York even if you don’t follow sports.
So, allow your teenagers to experience a basketball match at Brooklyn Nets’ arena.
They will enjoy a fast-paced, thrilling match and the energy in this stadium is always vibrant.
This place is really ideal for teens and they even provide a big screen to assist beginners.
You can also dine at Shake Shack across from Barclays Centre, though there are other numerous food vendors available.
2. Ascend Summit One Vanderbilt
Bring your teens on an engaging art adventure in the clouds, which is among the best things to do with teenager in New York City.
If you are going for the very first time to New York with teenagers, it’s essential to bring them to one skyscraper at least.
You guys can go to this place, situated in the heart of Manhattan.
A trip to this Summit One isn't solely about the scenery, but also about the chance to undergo an immersive experience and audio display during the lightning-fast, cutting-edge elevator journey to their 91st floor.
It is amazing from the reflective Transcendence chambers and you’ll also enjoy incredible 360° vistas of Manhattan.
Then afterward, enjoy the balloons drifting around or strike a posture for a picture.
Even, you can elevate your experience further with Ascent, a unique journey in the exterior glass elevator.
The entire Summit One experience is fantastic and is truly one of NYC's most enjoyable.
3. Visit Nougatine
For teenagers who enjoy upscale dining, I recommend the 3-course lunch with a fixed price at Nougatine, which is also among the top things to do in New York in December.
However, ensure you secure a reservation in advance, and get ready for an unforgettable treat.
4. Discover the Intrepid Museum
Step inside a nuclear sub-marine with the teenagers.
Here, stepping onto the stunning USS Growler submarine's decks is one of New York's incredible activities.
Also, explore their aircraft carrier Intrepid's decks and view an actual NASA shuttle.
In fact, this Intrepid Museum ranks as one of the top fun things for teenagers to do in NYC.
They also possess a simulator of G-force and the trip to this museum lasts approximately 3 hours.
Since much of the experience takes place indoors, it is an excellent option for activities for teenagers to explore in New York.
5. Eat at Benihana
Treat your teenagers to a one-of-a-kind dining adventure at Benihana which is part of the things to do in NYC night time.
When traveling with teens, they often focus on food and the time they will eat in New York.
One of the favorite dining experiences with teens in NYC is on 56th St at Benihana.
This spot employs the age-old Japanese technique of Teppanyaki (similar to Hibachi).
Apart from the fact that their food is tasty, another standout aspect of Benihana is observing the chefs at work.
Though Benihana isn’t a low-cost eatery, it is quite enjoyable, particularly when dining out with friends.
Your teenagers all appreciate it and consider it one of New York's finest dining experiences.
6. Visit the World Trade Center
9/11 Memorial and Museum and The Oculus are both located here.
Also, if you feel like shopping, there are several levels featuring primarily upscale brands here that are worth browsing.
Begin at the astonishing Oculus architectural wonder as you head towards this Memorial and Museum.
Give yourself a moment to absorb the stunning perspective from within The Oculus.
I recommend visiting the memorial and museum in the morning to give yourself the entire day to reflect on the encounter.
At the museum, a distant version of Amazing Grace usually plays as the posters of the missing persons appear electronically along a wall.
Also, you will see parts of steel that originated from the initial towers, with some sections twisted like origami and others imitating discarded, crumpled paper.
While strolling through the injured remains of the initial World Trade Center's structures, known as Tribute Walk, you will hear names being spoken repeatedly to pay tribute to those who passed away.
7. Attend a Broadway Show
Nothing represents New York better than a performance on Broadway, NYC theater district's center. It’s among the things to do in NYC at night.
With 41 theaters here, there's something for every teenager’s preferences.
During the day, one can purchase affordable tickets online through Todaytix or visit TKTS at Times Square.
Broadway is ideal for amusing teenagers during a rainy New York afternoon and the performance here is always absolutely amazing.
8. Stop at Mercado Little Spain
A creation of the remarkable chef José Andrés, this Spanish-themed food market offers informal dining options.
There are kiosks and enhanced menu selections here with diverse seating to savor your offerings.
Also, you can engage in other activities here, so be sure to stop by even if just to explore the lively ornamentation.
Mercado is located on Hudson Yards's lower level close to The Shed.
9. Explore Sloomoo Institute
Sloomoo Institute isn’t only on the list of activities in NYC for teenagers — you can also include your younger ones as well as preteens.
Here, you can visit Slime and Sensory Play Paradise, a place where you can engage and have fun with slime through various ways, while also having the opportunity to design your own unique creation.
Feel free to select any texture, scent, hue, and also 3 charms before taking a seat in this vibrant, cheerful area where one can blend, stretch, and froth a DIY slime right to one's soul's content.
Remember to be dressed in casual attire because certain slime colors might stain, and there's additionally an entertaining chance at their exit to take off your shoes and socks to stroll through a slippery obstacle course.
For global travelers who typically fly with just carry-on baggage, note that these slime containers exceed the liquid size limits.
Therefore, airport security might seize it in case you attempt to transport it with your checked luggage.
10. Check Out Liberty Bagels
This place known for its rainbow bagel has a few locations to select from, and is part of the top things to do with teens in NYC.
No matter which bagel you select, ensure to enjoy the incredibly tasty maple bacon cream with cheese spread generously on it.
11. Explore the Museum of Natural History
Introduce your teenagers to some of New York's most ancient displays.
This museum is among the top attractions for teenagers in NYC.
The museum is vast and covers four levels, so make sure to set aside plenty of time.
In case the weather isn’t good, this is a perfect activity for a New York rainy day with teenagers.
12. Dine at Katz's Deli
New York City's oldest deli remains thriving and packed full of meats, making it also part the best things to do in NYC for christmas.
So, if you are feeling hungry, enjoy a sandwich here with your teenager.
Their meats are absolutely equivalent to vast and godly.
13. Explore the Museum of Immigration
Instruct your teenagers about the story of the initial twelve million immigrants to the United States.
A ticket to visit the historic Statue of Liberty also grants entry to the historic National Museum and Ellis Island.
When viewed up close, the statue appears larger and more awe-inspiring than she does from a distance.
In fact, this museum has much to explore and a lot to discover, and your teenagers will definitely find it fascinating.
14. Jacob's Pickles
If you want a fun teenager experience, just go for a Jacob's Pickles brunch above anything else.
When in search of the finest brunch in New York City, this is certainly one of those.
It's uncommon to discover an eatery in the United States that prepares poutine properly, and not only that Jacob’s Pickles hit the mark, but their serving size is really large.
Also, the traditional lemonade served here is the finest you will ever experience, and can also be classified as one of the non-touristy things to do in NYC.
15. Visit Black Tap for Some Giant Shakes
One of teenagers's favorite New York culinary moments is tasting Black Tap's shakes.
This place is a contemporary pub, featuring booths and graffiti.
Even though they offer delicious gourmet burgers, their shakes are really great and they include an extra bonus on top.
Black Tap truly is a paradise of sugar for those who enjoy sweets.
They also provide an entertaining dining experience that teenagers will really enjoy, and if the grown-ups aren't into shakes, they offer beer as well.
Note that Black Tap becomes very crowded, so aim to visit during off-peak times or make a reservation ahead of time.
16. In Common
This is an essential breakfast spot in a beautiful setting at Hudson Commons, close to Hudson Yards, one of NYC’s latest attractions.
Prices here are very favorable given the amount of food.
After sampling their menu, you would surely give them a 5-star review.
17. Museum Modern Art
Regarding New York City's art galleries, the MOMA stands out for me as part of the top indoor things to do in NYC.
Likely due to the fact that guests can more likely identify artists and art such as works of Frida, Picasso, Kahlo, Klimt, and Jackson Pollock in this place.
Impressionist enthusiasts should visit the fifth floor to view several of Monet's water lilies exhibited in David Geffen’s Wing.
18. Il Forno
For those attending theatre shows and facing lengthy days, having a restaurant in proximity to Broadway is essential.
Il Forno is one of New York's venues with ample seating, fair prices, and reliably excellent cuisine.
It is just a short walk from Wicked in Gershwin Theater. It's also conveniently in proximity to several other Broadway theaters.
They offer pasta that’s prepared correctly in a setting that will deliver your meal promptly.
19. Explore the Historic Statue of Liberty
Among the top on my New York City list of activities for teens is a visit to see this iconic statue, so bring your teenagers to view this most famous statue in America.
The Statue is very welcoming for teenagers and families and features a range of multimedia exhibits to enhance your visit, which will lead one through the history of this statue from idea to building.
Then, you can step outside and capture a close view of the Liberty statue along with sights of Manhattan.
The vessel to this statue leaves from the busy Battery Park, and you can secure a 9 am ticket ahead of time.
20. Ellen's Stardust
Do not let a trip to New York City with teenagers go by without experiencing this café which is also among the top things to do in NYC in December.
Here, aspiring Broadway stars perform songs as they serve, and their meal servings are affordable.
You may remain for very long and remember to bring along some money for gratuities.
21. Shop at Chelsea Market
ust off the currently upscale Meatpacking District's High Line, Chelsea Market has transformed into a vibrant location that features everything from retro items to sample events to legendary NYC brunch spots.
Whether you are in search of books and stationery, the top cheeses, or a local fishmonger, Chelsea Market unites a variety of sellers under one ceiling.
It draws in over six million visitors each year, so if you're seeking too activities in NYC for teenagers, this is a perfect spot.
22. Cote Korean
If your teenagers wish to claim that they’ve eaten at Michelin-star restaurants, that’s the role of Cote. It’s also part of the best things to do in New York at night.
It combines a traditional American steakhouse with a high-end Korean BBQ, providing a recognized Michelin culinary experience through its nice Butcher’s Feast — featuring all sides and a dessert.
23. Stroll Across Brooklyn Bridge
Go for a teenager stroll across a very old suspension bridge globally.
If you're looking for a cost-free outing in NYC with teens, consider taking them for a stroll across Brooklyn Bridge.
This stroll from Manhattan across Brooklyn Bridge stands 1.1 miles (2 km) long and lasts roughly 25 minutes.
You should begin your stroll on the side of Manhattan, where you will come across many vendors offering a lively atmosphere that teenagers will enjoy.
Then, following your stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, proceed into DUMBO to pause for a snack.
24. Visit Capizzi
This is a favorite pizza spot in Manhattan for teenagers.
At this small family-run pie shop, all the things are fresh and custom-prepared, with orange slices paired with salads that are succinct like raw sliced fennel.
Their pizza in Neapolitan style is created in a traditional brick oven. Also, if you're a fan of mushrooms, be sure to request the pizza with truffled mushrooms.
25. Discover Hudson Yards
Here, The Vessel and The Edge are among the favorite NYC attractions for teenagers.
Hanging in the air, the stunning Edge is essentially a ledge extending from one of the tallest structures in NYC — an engineering marvel that provides the finest skyline vistas of Manhattan.
Here, you can ascend 100 levels and exit onto the tallest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
An engaging, multimedia experience precedes the thrilling elevator ride, making the trip to the stunning Edge more engaging than the traditional waiting areas of other attractions.
Taking an elevator ride at the Edge is among the top things to do in New York at Christmas. It’s incredibly awesome and digital screens in all directions enhance this architectural experience.
Then, on the other hand, the Vessel was inaugurated in 2019 though it's currently closed to pedestrians indefinitely because of safety issues.
However, you may still access it from their ground level (look way up), and it is free, so be sure to stop by.
