Big City, Big Kids: What To Do With Tweens And Teens In NYC

We just got back from a trip to New York City with our 12- and 15-year-olds, and it might be our favorite family adventure yet. NYC is fast, loud, and full of energy, kind of like teens themselves, so maybe that’s why it worked so well for us. My kids absolutely loved it.

If you’re wondering how to navigate NYC with tweens or teens, Allegiant has an affordable flight from Knoxville to Newark, which is what we chose. From the airport, we took a Lyft into the city to save time and hassle (especially with luggage), and it was much cheaper than a cab. Our hotel stored our bags when we arrived early, and we hit the ground running.

Times Square: Big Lights, Big Energy

We ended up in Times Square nearly every night. Yes, it’s chaotic, but it’s also electric and full of that “only in New York” buzz. Street performers, flashing billboards, and open-late restaurants; it’s also free to explore and full of energy, no matter the hour. Go late when the lights are brightest and the vibe is pure NYC magic. My son couldn’t get enough of it. 

Biking Central Park

One of our favorite activities was renting bikes and riding through Central Park. We booked for two hours and rode the full 6.1-mile loop, which includes a few serious hills — consider yourself warned! It’s a one-way loop for bikers, and once you’re in, you have to complete the full circle. Along the way, we stopped to walk through areas like Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge. It was a great way to balance the nonstop city noise with some greenery and calm.

NYC Sports: High-Energy Fun

My family loves sports, so we always check for games when we travel. On this trip, we scored tickets to an NYC FC soccer match at Yankee Stadium and a Mets game at Citi Field, both on the same day! It was our first pro soccer experience, and the fans were next-level. Even if you’re not a die-hard sports fan, attending a live event in NYC is exciting. We wore Mets hats and had strangers on the subway shout, “Go Mets!,” which was a fun way to connect with the city like a local.

The High Line to Hudson Yards & The Vessel

We walked the High Line, an elevated park that runs through parts of Manhattan and ends at Hudson Yards. The path offers cool views, street art, and a calm break from the hustle below. At Hudson Yards, we explored The Vessel, a massive, honeycomb-like structure with tons of stairs and unique photo spots. It was affordable, visually stunning, and perfect for some cool photo opts.

NYC Eats: Pizza, Bagels, and Chelsea Market

You can’t go to NYC without eating pizza and bagels. Our favorite pizza spots were Joe’s, Angelo’s, Lazaro’s, and Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn. Bagels lived up to the hype too. We especially loved Liberty Bagels, known for its colorful rainbow bagel and its red, white and blue, liberty bagel.

Since our kids are foodies, we also visited Chelsea Market near the High Line. It’s a great indoor spot with a huge variety of food. It’s ideal for picky eaters or adventurous ones alike. You name it, they probably have it! We tried tacos from Tacos No. 1, tanghulu grapes, boba tea, and iced coffee. We also browsed some of the unique little shops inside.

Exploring Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of my favorite spots in NYC. While walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a popular tourist activity, our kids weren’t up for it, so we took the subway from Lower Manhattan instead. Brooklyn has a laid-back, artsy vibe that’s a welcome change from the intensity of Manhattan. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the skyline. We also visited the famous Washington Street viewpoint where you can see the Empire State Building framed by the Manhattan Bridge. We wrapped up our Brooklyn visit with ice cream from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, which I highly recommend.

Final Thoughts

NYC with tweens and teens isn’t exactly relaxing, but it’s packed with unforgettable moments. From biking through Central Park and cheering at live games, to grabbing late-night pizza in Times Square or bagels on the go, we got to see our kids lean into their independence and curiosity. If you’re considering a big city trip with big kids, NYC is the perfect place. It’s a giant playground full of excitement, discovery, and energy, and teens are at the perfect age to soak it all in.

Have you ever explored NYC with your tweens or teens? What was their favorite activity?