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The Best of New York · With kids · Things to do with kids

The best things to do in New York City with teens

Updated September 2026. 19 places.

Visiting New York City with teens is actually more fun than people expect. The city is for dreamers! For budding young mind hungry for adventure and stimulation! I’ve spent time showing teens around the city and have picked up on what works best, some structure with plenty of freedom. Think skyline views, interactive museums, shopping breaks, and places where they can take the lead

Oh, and food stops that feel cool enough to post about later. I’ve also included a few quiet corners when you need a breather. New York is an incredible playground for teens when the day is planned right because it’s exciting, walkable, and full of surprises.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do in New York City with teens, 2026

  1. American Museum of Natural HistoryMuseum · Upper West Side
  2. Awoke VintageStore · SoHo
  3. Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · DUMBOWalking the Brooklyn Bridge with a teen is always a win.
  4. CatbirdStore · WilliamsburgGetting permanent bracelets at Catbird has become a rite of passage for many teens visiting NYC.
  5. Little IslandPark · ChelseaLittle Island is the one I recommend visiting while exploring New York City with teens.
  6. Serendipity 3Restaurant · Upper East SideSerendipity 3 is known for over-the-top sweets, especially the frozen hot chocolate, which is as indulgent and photogenic as it sounds.
  7. Times SquareLandmark · MidtownI know Times Square has a reputation, but at night, with a teen, it becomes an experience they won’t forget.
  8. Top of the RockLandmark · Midtown
  9. Beacon's ClosetStore · Williamsburg
  10. Broadway ShowTheater · Theater DistrictBroadway has that rare ability to hold everyone’s attention, even if they don’t think they’re “into theater.
  11. EdgeLandmark · Hudson Yards
  12. Intrepid MuseumMuseum · Hell's Kitchen
  13. L Train VintageStore · Williamsburg
  14. Metropolitan Museum of ArtMuseum · Upper East Side
  15. Nintendo StoreStore · MidtownThe Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Center is always a hit.
  16. No Relation VintageStore · East Village
  17. Pop Culture LandmarksLandmark · Manhattan
  18. Summit One VanderbiltLandmark · MidtownSummit One Vanderbilt leans more artsy and immersive with mirrors and light.
  19. Television TapingEvent · MidtownAttending a live taping is a cool behind-the-scenes experience for teens visiting New York City.
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: Visiting New York City with Teens (Without Losing Your Mind).