Traveling with teens can be an adventure in itself—equal parts laughter, eye-rolls, and shared memories. As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to find activities that keep everyone engaged, but New York City is an exciting destination for a weekend getaway with teens. Whether your kids are into art, fashion, or TikTok-worthy photo ops, NYC has it all. Here’s a personal guide to a fun-packed weekend in the city that never sleeps!
Where to Stay with Teens in New York
Choosing the right accommodation is key to starting your trip off right. Hudson Yards is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a central but slightly calmer vibe. Here are some great options:
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- Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown West: Spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities.
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- Arlo Midtown: A stylish yet affordable boutique option.
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- Equinox Hotels (@equinoxhotels): Ready to splurge? This luxe option offers amazing perks, including a rooftop patio with stunning city views. The Rooftop at Equinox is called Electric Lemon and you can eat & drink at the rooftop!
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- Bonus: It’s attached to a mall, so teens can explore safely.
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Day 1: City Highlights with Teens
Start the day with an iconic NYC experience.
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Empire State Building for breathtaking views of the city. Encourage your teens to snap Instagram-worthy shots to share with friends.
- Late Morning: Stroll or bike through Central Park. Explore landmarks for some insta-worthy photo spots like Bethesda Fountain or the Alice in Wonderland statue. Central Park is not just beautiful but also a great way to relax amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Lunch: Grab an authentic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. It’ a classic choice that won’t disappoint.
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- Afternoon: Time for some retail therapy along Bleeker and around Ssoho! Start in Soho, where your teens can explore stores like LoveShackFancy. A must-stop is the Levi’s store in Hudson Square Mall, where you can customize your jeans with a button and patch!
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- Another afternoon option: Take your teens to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). They’ll appreciate the contemporary art exhibits and interactive installations. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to expose them to different art styles and interpretations.
- Evening: Hit up Times Square and experience a Broadway show! Teens love Moulin Rouge, ages 12+ recommended to follow the storyline and enjoy the slow singing of the 2.45 hour show. The vibrant costumes and thrilling performances are unforgettable. After the show go for a stroll. Teens re perfect age for this because they are old enough to have the stamina to do all these things with no complaining… just lots of giggling.
Protip: Check out the TKTS booth in Times Square for discounted tickets to popular shows.
@serendipity3nyc is a great place to explore. Made famous by the movie ‘Serendipity’, and Gossip Girl, it’s ‘insta-worthy for photos and the frozen hot chocolate and desserts are amazing!
Check out restoration hardware rooftop that ‘so aesthetic’
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences
- Morning: Kick off the day with a visit to the High Line, an elevated park with incredible city views and modern art installations along the way.
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- Late Morning: Head to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s an emotional and educational stop that sparks meaningful conversations with teens about resilience and history.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at one of NYC’s famous food trucks. Follow popular ones on Instagram to find their daily locations. Roaming Hunger has a great guide for 2025 food trucks.
- Afternoon: Explore fun and interactive spots like:
- Sloomoo Institute (@sloomooinstitute): A slime museum in soho (on broadway) that’s every teen’s dream.
- Museum of Ice Cream (@museumoficecream): Also in soho, and across the street from Sloomoo, it’s a pastel paradise for sweet tooths and Instagram posts. Get your tickets in advance.
- Summit One Vanderbilt (@summitov): An observation deck with thrilling mirrored floors. You need tickets in advance.
- Evening: End your trip with dinner at Tao Downtown (@taodowntown), where the upscale Asian-inspired cuisine and grand decor of 16-foot statues and towering buddhas will leave your teens in awe. The ambiance is dimly lit, and the menu features a fusion of Asian cuisine with a modern twist including sushi, dim sum, and signature dishes like the crispy spicy tuna roll.
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To help your planning: Here’s a map which outlines the main areas & attractions:
Tips for Traveling with Teens
- Let them lead: Give teens some decision-making power—whether it’s choosing a restaurant or the next activity.
- Plan for photos: Make time for photo ops, whether it’s at Times Square or an aesthetic rooftop.
- Prep for walking: New York is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a must.
- Book in advance: Popular spots like the Museum of Ice Cream and Broadway shows sell out fast!
