Things to do with Teens in New York City - Manhattan
Crazy Stuff to do in Manhattan for Teenagers
Manhattan is a great place for teenagers. There are so many things to see and do. From museums to parks to Broadway shows, there is something for everyone. So get out there and explore all that Manhattan has to offer!
Manhattan, the hub of New York City, is full of crazy and exciting activities that appeal to teens. That's welcome news for teenagers who want to stray from the traditional itinerary of museums, shopping and sightseeing. The city offers options to test the body, mind, pop culture knowledge and the stomach. Teens can venture out on their own or make it a family affair.
Let's Get Physical
Videos of people performing parkour, disciplined movements using obstacles in the environment, have gone viral and captivated audiences. If your teen wants to try it, check out NY Parkour Academy. Kids older than 15 years old can attend the weekly beginner class in the East River Park Amphitheater.
Trapeze School New York also provides an entertaining workout. Teens can try a flying trapeze class like the one that was featured on an episode of "Sex and the City." They also have a silks class, in which you are suspended from the ceiling with scarves, and trampoline lessons.
Scavenger Hunts
If your teen enjoys trivia and a challenge, check out Watson Adventures. They have created several scavenger hunts throughout Manhattan to challenge your brain while exploring the city.
The Whodunnit Family Scavenger Hunt takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Participants are provided with a list of suspects and clues to try and figure out the identity of the killer.
The Ghosts of Greenwich Village Hunt has families searching for clues about creepy places and the ghosts that haunt them. Other options include The Secrets of Central Park and the Ho-Ho-Holiday Midtown Family Scavenger Hunt.
Couch Potatoes
On Location Tours is an option for teens who don't want to step away from the television set. The New York TV and Movie Sites Tour takes you to more than 40 filming locations you might have spotted in "Glee," "Friends," "Seinfeld" and "Spiderman."
Specialized tours focus on specific shows, including "Sex and the City," "Gossip Girl," "The Sopranos" and TMZ hotspots. If you have a teen who enjoys classic films, try the Turner Classic Movies Tour, which includes sites from "King Kong," "Superman" and "Ghostbusters."
Pizza, Pizza!
Manhattan has many options for teenagers who like pizza. Pizza a Casa Pizza School has four-hour workshops that teach the intricacies of crafting the perfect pizza. They cover making dough from scratch, sauce, crust and topping proportions. Each student has the opportunity to make up to four pizzas.
If your teen would rather skip straight to the eating part, try a pizza tour. Scott's Pizza Tours includes the NYC Pizza Bus tour, which starts in Manhattan, but sometimes ventures to the boroughs to hit four of the best pizza joints. Your teen can also take the Greenwich Village Pizza Walk.
Take a Walking Tour of Central Park
Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world. It is a great place to walk, relax, and take in the sights. There are also plenty of places to sit and people watch. Central park is huge and you could easily spend an entire day exploring it on foot . But, why not see it from a different perspective and go on a bike ride ? You can rent bikes from several locations around the park.
Visit the Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in New York City. It is a great place to learn about history and science. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours.
See a Broadway show
Broadway shows are a must-see when you are in Manhattan. There are so many great shows to choose from. You can find a show that appeals to your interests and tastes.
Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Manhattan. It is a great place to eat, shop, and explore. You can find some amazing bargains on clothing and souvenirs.
Visit Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is home to some of the most famous attractions in New York City, including the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Radio City Music Hall. It is also a great place to people watch and do some shopping.
Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Plaza
Ice skating is a great activity for all ages. Rockefeller Plaza has one of the most popular ice skating rinks in New York City. You can skate around and take in the sights of Manhattan at the same time.
Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in New York City. It is worth taking a tour even if you are not religious. The architecture and history are fascinating.
Have Lunch at Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a fast food restaurant that specializes in burgers and shakes. But don’t let that fool you, their food is delicious! They have several locations around Manhattan, but the original location is in Madison Square Park.
Visit the High Line
The High Line is an elevated park that was built on an old railway line. It runs from Gansevoort Street all the way up to 34th street. Along the way, you will get some amazing views of Manhattan.
Even though it may be tempting to stay glued to your phone or binge-watch the latest Netflix show, there’s a whole world of adventure out there waiting for you. If you’re looking for things to do in Manhattan, whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’ve got you covered with this list of activities that are sure to make lasting memories. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!