14 Fun And Exciting Things To Do In NYC For Teens

Free things to do in NYC for teenagers include a tour of the Ford Foundation Building. This place is located on East 43rd Street in Murray Hill, a hidden tropical jungle.  

The outside of the Ford Foundation Building is a typical NYC scene with honking cars, racing taxis, and crowding pedestrians; however, once you step inside, you are transported to a different world.

The building is a 12-story high greenhouse with lush plants and trees growing throughout. The outside is a chaotic and noisy world, while the inside is a peaceful and tranquil oasis.

Isn't it enough to consider it as one of the must-visit places in New York? You can simply visit the public gallery and explore the exhibits related to social justice and human rights.

Open to the public all year; visitors can relax and unwind on the garden terraces or reflect by the water pools. Make sure to visit the place just once.

Teens things to do in New York has to be an actor in a play that is produced by a maker of their age. Firebird Youth Theater is a place for teens by teens.

In case your youngsters are more interested in getting on stage rather than watching one from the audience seat, Firebird Youth Theatre is the place you need to visit.  

This 501(c)3 non-profit organization is dedicated to youth, with the mission to help them experience, relish, and perform in the theatre arts. Its mission is to ignite the creative spirit of young people and empower them to use their voices to make a difference in the world.

Moreover, this theater has won a national award for good deeds. The team produces professional-grade plays every year, and youth artists perform on the stage.

For over ten years, this theatre has been running classes for the student ages 8 to 18. Budding actors, writers, filmmakers, improvisers, and youth with any kind of interest are guided here. 

Do you want to try something extra besides the escape rooms, museums, and Broadway shows? How about escaping the reality altogether? VR World can make it happen.

VR World is a cutting-edge entertainment venue that offers a unique and immersive virtual reality experience. The establishment houses a plethora of VR games and occasions, from racing simulators to horror games.

Here, you can experience virtual reality scenarios that allow you to explore different parts of the universe. From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the moon. 

Come with a group of youngsters or family to save money as group discounts are available. However, you don't need to worry about your wallet as you can find a package that fits your budget. 

Address: 10 E 34th Street

Things to do in NYC with teens include a tour of the Museum of Illusions. The whole experience should typically last around an hour and a half. 

The Museum of Illusions New York is an edutainment museum concept ideal for all ages. It features a collection of optical illusions, holograms, and other mind-bending exhibits that challenge your perception of reality.

The museum's exhibits are designed to trick your eyes and mind. You will see rooms that appear to be tilted, hallways that seem to go on forever, and objects that appear to be floating in mid-air.

It makes you question your reality and will leave you amazed and entertained. Rain or shine, the edutainment gallery is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

You can book a ticket for yourself for $24; for children, it is only $19. It is a great place to learn about the science of perception and fun for people of all ages.

Where: 77 Eighth Avenue

Shopping could be the unmissable things to do with teens this weekend. And that reminds me of the Soho neighborhood for some vintage clothing and accessories. 

Teens love to shop. Fortunately, many New York places can be visited according to the youth's cravings. New York City is a shopper's paradise, with something to offer everyone.

Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, affordable clothing, or high-end fashion, you'll find it all in the city.

Besides, I Love NY t-shirts from Times Square; if your teenager is a real shopper, he can find some unique pieces in the city. For instance, the Brooklyn Flea is an excellent market for crafts, vintage attires, and quirky finds. The market features over 100 local vendors.

Thrift stores are great for finding unique souvenirs that won't break the bank. Chinatown has many shops selling everything from traditional Chinese souvenirs to trendy clothing.

ArtsConnections provides exciting teens things to do in NYC. It is a non-profit organization that has served over a million students over the past 45 years.

Arts Connections features arts education and development opportunities for children and youth of the Big Apple. They offer a wide range of programs, including after-school and summer programs that provide hands-on arts experiences in arts, theater, music, and writing. 

The platform aims to help students develop their creativity and self-expression. 

What Youth Can Do Here?

• Take an after-school class or summer arts camp
• Attend a professional development workshop for teachers or artists
• Get involved in a community engagement program that brings the arts to underserved communities.

ArtsConnections is a great place to start if you want to get involved in the arts. As they are a non-profit firm, all their programs are offered at a low or no cost.

Address: 45 West 34th Street, Suite 1210

New York City things to do are not just about vibing in the hustle and bustle of the city. You also need to relax your mind and body. 

People may believe that it is impossible to relax in a busy city. However, Aire Ancient Baths refute this claim. Located in the heart of Tribeca on Franklin Street, this establishment can cleanse your mind and body.

Beginning in the early 1800s, this oasis of relaxation provides exclusive relaxing massages inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman civilizations. They offer an assortment of thermal pools, steam rooms, and massage treatments.

Especially in NYC in winter, this place re-energizes you with the warmth inside and out. Visitors can also wander through the baths on their path or take a guided tour explaining each pool's benefits. 

Sit in a candle-filled room as you soak in various baths at various temperatures.

Things to do in NYC with teenagers consist of an education tour of The Federal Gold Reserve. It offers guided tours every Monday through Friday.

The Federal Gold Reserve is located in the basement of the FRB of New York in Manhattan. It is accessible only by a special elevator that descends 80 feet below street level.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers free tours of the gold vault and its museum. The tours are limited to 25 people per group and must be booked in advance.

What to do here?

• Tour the gold vault and learn about its history and security measures.
• Visit the museum and learn about the history of money and banking
• Watch a documentary about the gold reserve.

If you are interested in learning the role of gold in the global financial system, I highly recommend visiting the museum.

Where: 33 Liberty Street

Showing some magical tricks has been a popular teenage thing to do lately. As days pass, more youths are allured to tricks and illusions.

Tannen's Magic Shop is a hallowed institution in the world of magic. Established in 1925, it is the oldest operating magic shop in New York City.

The shop has been a fixture on 34th Street for nearly a century and has served as a home away from home for generations of magicians. It is packed with an eclectic assortment of magic props and paraphernalia.

Tannen's Magic Shop is a must-visit for any fan of magic. It is a place where you can learn about the history of magic, attend workshops, meet other magicians, and find the perfect prop for your next performance.

P.S. The shop provides discounts on purchases over $100 during the holidays, like Thanksgiving in New York.

Where: 45 West 34 Street, Suite 608

Business Hours: 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Sunday)

Wondering what to do in NYC with the teenagers? Consider joining them to the rock-climbing spots.

Looking for particularly teen-friendly rock-climbing spots within the city? A few of them are Brooklyn Boulders Teen Academy and The Cliffs Gowanus.

Brooklyn Boulders Teen Academy is an after-school program for teens ages 12-17 that is designed to teach them the fundamentals of rock climbing and the values of teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence.

The program is led by experienced climbing instructors passionate about teaching teens the skills they need to succeed. Next in the same neighborhood is The Cliffs Gowanus.

It is a large facility with over 30,000 square feet of climbing walls and a bouldering area with over 100 problems. There is also a top rope and lead climbing area with over 40 routes.

No matter which spot you choose, trying rock climbing is a challenging and rewarding experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.

Playing custom-made arcade games with the youth can be actually fun in New York City. Babycastles make that possible within New York's five boroughs.

Started in 2009, this collective exhibit fosters and amplifies diverse voices in video game culture. The arcade was initially co-located with Silent Barn in Queen, but it has since moved to its location.

Babycastles features a wide variety of classic and indie games and several art installations. It hosts various events throughout the year, including game jams, tournaments, and workshops.

Moreover, the platform supports independent game developers through its mentorship program. Besides video games, other themes include mixed media, visual art, and digital media.

Get ready to play the homemade arcade and interact with the exhibits!

Address: 145 West 14th Street

One of the teenagers things to do in NYC is checking out different types of holographic images. Holographic Studios is the world's oldest gallery of holography.

Founded in 1979, the gallery has been at the forefront of holography for over 40 years. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Hologrpchu Studios offers many experiences for visitors of all ages.

This world-renowned institution on the ground floor features a rotating g exhibition of holographic arts, including works by some of the most celebrated artists worldwide. 

Visitors can also tour the studio's subterranean laboratory to learn about the science behind holography and see how holograms are created. 

Jason Sapan, also known as Dr. Laser, is the gallery's founder and one of the pioneers of holography. He guides the guest as much as possible from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Address: 240 E 26th Street

Phone: +1 212-686-9397

Closed On: Saturday and Sunday

Bowlero Chelsea Piers is a bowling alley, arcade, and laser tag arena located in Chelsea Piers, New York City. It is a popular destination for families and friends alike, offering a variety of activities for all ages.

Why should you go?

The bowling alley features 40 lanes and a state-of-the-art arcade with a wide variety of games. The laser tag arena can accommodate up to 24 players.

What to do?

• Bowl in one of the 40 lanes
• Challenge your friends to a game of air hockey or skeeball in the arcade
• Play a round of laser tag in the state-of-the-art arena
• Relax in the lounge area with free Wi-Fi
• Book a private event space for a party or corporate event

Where: Chelsea Piers-Pier 60

How about considering pasta making as one of the things to do with teens today in NYC? Don't know how to make it? Worry not!

Aunt Jake's, an Italian restaurant, is here to help you. Established in 2015, this is where memories are made, where you feel at home, even if it's your first time.

After a couple of years, Chef Carmine Di Giovanni launched a hands-on class to teach visitors to make pasta from scratch on the property's top floor. Even beginners with zero knowledge can join Aunt Jake's Pasta Lab if interested.

Learn to make your pasta or grab a bite to eat in the house anytime. This cozy little diner serves some delicious homemade fresh pasta and Italian dishes. It is a testament to the power of food to bring people together.

The area: 133 Mulberry Street