Things to do with Teenagers

A comprehensive list that doesn't everything

Manhattan is filled with loads of things for teenagers – this list is not going to address everything for every teen! You can pick and choose what you like, depending on what your teen likes to do.

Obviously that is going to differ widely from family to family, but just some unique ideas that are unique to Manhattan and New York City in general.

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The list of things to do in Manhattan with teens is endless. This roundup will get you started. The weather might be cold, but Manhattan never stops with an endless array of things to do, both indoors and outdoors — if you want to brave the cold. This list provides unique activities that most locals and tourists don’t think about doing! Even me. It’s a good thing we started this website, so I can remember what a perfect place Manhattan is to live, work, and play!!

For the Drama-Loving Teen

If your teen loves everything about acting, there are many things you can do with them! First off:

Broadway Shows: The list of Broadway shows is extensive and constantly evolving. Here are a few teen-friendly shows: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — Magic and spectacle. Wicked — Classic and hugely popular with teens, & Juliet or SIX: The Musical — Pop-centric, fun, empowering, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Outsiders, MJ, Beetlejuice.
The Museum of Broadway – Also has a great shop!
The Museum of NY
The Paley Center
The Museum of Motion Pictures
The Drama Bookshop

For the Teen who Loves Activity

Here are some activities the entire family can enjoy!

Central Rock Gym – there are a lot of indoor rock-climbing places – fun for the entire family ( some amount of danger)
Chelsea Piers – There is a lot to do in Chelsea Piers, ranging from Rock Climbing, a full and beautiful gym with a track, tennis, gymnastics, ice skating, and more. There are also places to eat (not great, but food is there. You can spend an entire day at Chelsea Piers!
Running, jogging, walking – there are beautiful places to run and jog in Manhattan including: The East River Greenway, the West Side Greenway, Central Park, and the Reservoir, Riverside Park. Click Here for a Map of Our Greenways.
Ice Skating: In Manhattan, there are several ice-skating rinks to choose from- Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Chelsea Piers, Bryant Park, and Downtown in Brookfield Place.

Spectator Sports in Manhattan

There is nothing better than Madison Square Garden for sporting events. The home of the New York Knicks is also home to many Hockey games

Museums that teens would like

Some of these are interactive and digital, not the typical things that you think about with the word “Museum”.

Escape Room-Gaming

Take a cruise around Manhattan:

This is my favorite thing to do in the summer in Manhattan. I take a sail from Chelsea Piers and it is simply the best. (Sail-NYC). They also have winter charters. For more winter charters, check out The Circle Line. There are many different cruises – all times and areas.

Tall Buildings: The top 5

Everyone has a different opinion as to which of the tall buildings are the best — and I will say, I don’t think you can go wrong with ANY OF THEM. My favorite time to go is just as the sun is setting so you can get the best view – daytime, sunset, and night. It is truly amazing and after living in NYC for decades, I never get sick of the changing skyline.

One World Trade – Benefit – near the 911 fountains and museum. Great views of the Harbor and the City as well as the Statue of Liberty
The Edge – Also great views and located in Hudson Yards. So, you can see The Vessel – a very unique architecture, Hudson Yards Mall AND the Tall building
The Summit – Benefit – in Grand-Central so you can tour the iconic train station, food court (Huge) downstairs, eat at the Oyster Bar (M-F) or other restaurants.
The Empire State Building – the original tall building in NYC. Has an entire museum and activities including a ride.
On Top Of The Rock – In Rockefeller Center and has amazing views.

Shopping for Teen Girls

You can find all sorts of things for teen girls, with strong price swings in any direction! Here is a list of where to start:

Start at Macy’s and walk all along 34th Street until 5th Avenue – many shops along that route.
Bloomingdale’s Upscale – 59th and Lex
Saks Fifth Avenue Upscale – 50th and 5th
Discount stores: Marshalls, TJ Max – the best is on 18th and 6th.
Nordstrom Rack – off off 34th Street
Soho- starting at Greene street – a ton of upscale boutiques
Urban Outfitters Reclectic – Mid-range