As one of the top destinations in the U.S., New York City exudes nonstop energy and is a must-do for teens. In a city that never slows down, travel lessons abound, like navigating public transportation. Pack some comfy walking shoes since NYC offers urban trekking at its finest. I lived in NYC for two years, though I didn’t introduce my kids to the metropolis until they could walk all day without whining. Find everything from Top museums to parks and shopping to snacking. New York City offers a week of fun with teens in this NYC 4 Day Itinerary.
Top Things to Do With NYC 4 Day Itinerary
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Castle Clinton and Battery Park
Wall St. and Federal Hall
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Top Of The Rock and Rockefeller Center
Museum of Modern Art–MoMA
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Grand Central Teminal
A Broadway Show
Times Square
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park
Roosevelt Island Tram
Chelsea Market
High Line Park
Scenic Cruise
Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A Baseball Game
Day One Downtown Manhattan
Start at the southern tip of Manhattan and see the oldest part of New York City first. Catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and see some of the best views. A must for families, along with most visitors to NYC.
Tip: All the destinations are walkable, so put on the walking shoes and grab a bottle of water to explore. An umbrella and a rain jacket are great additions to your backpack, too.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Make the effort and visit the Statue of Liberty, especially if you are traveling with kids. When I lived in NYC I never visited it. Instead, I opted to take the Staten Island Ferry to see it from the water. Don’t make my mistake.
As a symbol of freedom and liberty known worldwide, the Statue of Liberty sits on a 12-acre island in the middle of New York Harbor. Learn about its construction in the museum under the pedestal. Then climb the stairs to the top of the pedestal or head to the crown to capture views of downtown Manhattan (additional tickets required). Take lots of pictures and stand at the base and look up at her in wonder.
Operated by Statue Cruises, the ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Explore the Statue of Liberty first, then re-board the ferry to tour Ellis Island, an additional stop. The first ferry leaves at 9:00 a.m., and the last one departs at 3:00 p.m. with extended hours during peak seasons.
Separate reservations are required for Pedestal Access and Crown Access. Adult (16+) Pedestal and Crown tickets are $25.80, kids (4 to 15) ferry tickets are $16.80 and kids 3 and younger are free. Kids younger than 4 are not permitted in the crown. Tickets include a ferry ride.
How to get there: Depart your hotel and grab some breakfast before heading south to the southern tip of Manhattan at Battery Park. Use the MTA subway stop at Whitehall St/South Ferry on the 1 or the R train. Statue Cruises also operates a Statue of Liberty Ferry from New Jersey.
Ellis Island
From 1892 until 1954, Ellis Island welcomed 12 million immigrants to the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum walks visitors through the facility that processed close to 5,000 people a day.
Concessions are available at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Museum, or grab some to-go before boarding the ferry.
To tour both islands, give yourself the morning. A Junior Ranger Booklet is available. All passengers will go through airport-style security screening.
Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Since it’s a separate island in New York Harbor, the only way onto the island is by the Statue Cruises ferry, which is an additional stop. No additional fee is required to tour, and hours are the same as the Statue of Liberty, open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Castle Clinton and Battery Park
After disembarking the Statue Cruises ferry, explore the Castle Clinton National Monument for more immigration history, located steps from the ferry dock. For war buffs in the family, it’s also a fort from the War of 1812 with antique cannons. Junior Ranger booklets are available.
It is located in Battery Park, Castle Clinton National Monument is open seven days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to enter. Battery Park is home to a fabulous playground and a carousel.
SeaGlass Carousel
After the history lesson, walk over to the newest carousel in New York City, the SeaGlass Carousel. Built in 2015, visitors can hop on a fish to whirl around the pavilion to classical music. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is $6 per person.
Top Sites for Walking Tour of Lower Manhattan
Charging Bull and Fearless Girl
Trinity Church
New York Stock Exchange
Federal Hall
9/11 Memorial
Walk up Broadway from Battery Park, a quick .5-mile walk, to take some selfies at the Charging Bull Statue, though Fearless Girl has been moved, Broadway at Morris St.
Continue up Broadway and walk by Trinity Church, located at 75 Broadway at Wall St. The first church was built in 1698 and rebuilt twice. A notable building from the American Revolution and people fleeing the 9/11 attacks found shelter in the church from falling debris.
Next, walk by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), at 11 Wall St., unfortunately, tours aren’t available, so grab another picture. In front, find Fearless Girl, the statue depicting a 4-foot-tall girl urging more women on corporate boards.
I would pick either the Federal Hall National Monument or the 9/11 Museum to tour, depending on interest and time.
Best Museums in New York City
Federal Hall National Monument
Federal Hall served as the first Capitol of the United States, the Supreme Court and the Executive Branch offices. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States at Federal Hall as well.
Junior Ranger booklets are available. There is an interpretive film shown as well.
Located at 26 Wall Street, Federal Hall’s visitor center is at the Pine Street entrance. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free to enter,
To get to the 9/11 Memorial, head north from Federal Hall to Cedar St. Walk a couple of blocks west to Greenwich Street then take a right. The memorial is in the following block.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
As a former American Airlines flight attendant who lived through that horrific day, I visit the 9/11 Memorial to remember my former colleagues. The memorial is a somber space that gives visitors a place to reflect.
For visitors with more time, reserve tickets to the 9/11 Museum, located steps from the memorial. It uses artifacts from the World Trade Center and actual recordings of emergency calls. Touring the museum is an emotional experience, though the area around the WTC has recovered, experiencing a rebirth.
Adult admission is $33, students (13 to 17 and college students) are $27 and kids (7 to 12) are $21.
Tip: Please be respectful of other visitors at the Memorial and Museum. Advance reservations are required.
Located at 180 Greenwich St. The 9/11 Memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is free to visit. The 9/11 Museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Tuesday).
How to get there: For the 9/11 Memorial, head north from Federal Hall to Cedar St. Walk a couple of blocks west to Greenwich Street, then take a right. The memorial is in the following block. Time to eat, so head to a downtown NYC icon. Adult admission is $36, kids ( 7 to 12) are $24, teens, students and seniors are $30.
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Dinner at Katz’s Delicatessen
Katz’s Delicatessen is an NYC icon. The pastrami-on-rye sandwiches are pricey, but I ordered half and got a bowl of Matzo ball soup. This location is as original as it gets, with locals dining alongside the travelers.
Tip: You can order at the counter and seat yourself or sit at a table with table service. Don’t lose the paper ticket the waiter gives you, you will have to hand it to the person working the door.
Located at 205 E. Houston St. Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 24 hours from Friday at 8 a.m. until Sunday at 11 p.m. How to get there: Walk east along Cortlandt St. to the MTA Fulton St. Station for the Brooklyn-bound J train (it will be headed north). Exit the Essex St. Station and walk north along Essex Street to 205 E. Houston St.
Time for dessert so walk to Little Italy.
Dessert in Little Italy at Ferrara Italian Bakery
Open since 1892, Ferrara Italian Bakery is an icon for a reason. This is the place for a cappuccino and cannoli fix with table service. Or grab a gelato on the street and walk around Little Italy as it sparkles at night.
Located at 195 Grand St. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. From Katz’s Deli, walk south on Orchard St. for two blocks until Grand St. and head west eight blocks (about half a mile).
Time to head back to your hotel, so grab one of the three MTA Subways at Canal Street with service on the N, 6, Q, Z trains.
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Day Two – Exploring Midtown and the Theatre District
Fill up your culture tank and head to Midtown. Midtown offers all the big city thrills one expects from a trip to NYC. Wear walking shoes, and the Broadway shows that appeal to families and don’t require dressy outfits.
Rockefeller Center and Plaza
Developed by the Rockefeller family, it’s a complex of buildings and outdoor space in Midtown. In addition to the buildings, find a summertime cafe and a wintertime ice skating rink.
Inside and out, find quick-service food outlets and shopping like the LEGO store. One of the top activities is checking out the NYC skyline from the observation tower.
Located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza. The Plaza is free to enter and open 24 hours a day. How to get there: Take the MTA subway D or F and exit the 47-50th St./Rockefeller Center Stop.
Top of the Rock
After a quick elevator ride, explore three different floors all with incredible views. With the best views of Central Park, this is also the best way to see landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with seasonal hours. Reserved timed entry tickets are required for the Top of the Rock. It offers several different packages, like VIP. General adult admission ranges from $42 to $44, and kids (6 to 12) are $36 to $60. Tickets are based on demand pricing.
Radio City Museum Hall
You can tour the legendary theater, and home to the Rockettes. After the Top of the Rock tour, stay at Rockefeller Center and tour Radio City Music Hall. Art Deco theater features rich architectural details from a bygone era along with some of Bob Mackie’s Rockettes costumes.
This 60-minute tour goes behind the scenes, and tourgoers will meet a Rockette. Adult admission is $44, and kids, students, and seniors are $39. Reservations are recommended.
If it’s time to feed the kids, I recommend grabbing a bite at Rockefeller Center. Between the Plaza and the concourse level, I found close to 30 different places to eat.
Museum of Modern Art MoMA
With a city full of the best art museums in the U.S., where should you start? I suggest the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA.
If your kids have short attention spans, head straight for the Fifth Floor. That’s where I found Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, Dance by Henri Matisse, along with works from Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso.
Located at 11 W. 53rd St. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Adult admission is $30 with online tickets. Students get in for $17, and kids 16 and younger get in free. The MoMA hands out guides for family visits. Walk through the gift shop for unique souvenirs. How to get there: From Rockefeller Center, walk .5-mile north along 5th or 6th Avenues to the MoMA, located at 11 W. 53rd St.
After art comes architecture, so head to a grand Gothic Cathedral located on 5th Ave.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Regardless of religion, St. Patrick’s is one of the pieces of architecture. Take a few minutes and walk through the Neo-Gothic Cathedral in the center of Midtown. During my last visit, I saw a girls’ choir performing, and the acoustics were unbelievable.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers a self-guided tour with an iPad. It guides visitors through the architectural highlights of the cathedral along with its history, narrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Located at Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st St. Open daily from 6:45 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Free to enter, though donations are accepted. How to get there: From the MoMA, walk three blocks down Fifth Ave. to 51st St.
Up next, walk a .5 mile to a grand train station and have some dinner.
Grand Central Terminal
Walk through the Beaux Arts Masterpiece, and my favorite building in New York City. As the largest train terminal in the world, Grand Central Terminal is a top destination for locals and travelers, with dining and shopping along with commuter trains and subways.
The ceiling of the main concourse features an astronomical ceiling, a four-sided brass clock and Tennessee marble on the stairs and the floor. The exterior features granite with expanses of divided-light windows and sculptures.
There are lots of options for dining. The Oyster Bar is the oldest business in Grand Central and offers an iconic NYC dining spot. Or walk to the concourse level for more casual dining, with options like Shake Shack. Grand Central Market offers prepared food, coffee, cut flowers and specialty food items.
Located at 89 E. 42nd St. The Terminal is open from 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. It is free to enter. How to get there: From St. Patrick’s, walk down 5th Ave for seven blocks to 43rd St. then walk east for two blocks.
After dinner, it’s time to see a Broadway show. If this is your kids’ first theater production, I recommend a Disney on Broadway show.
Theater District for a Show
With audiences full of families, a Disney on Broadway production is my choice for kids’ first theater performance. Packed with tunes they know by heart, elaborate sets and glittering costumes, kids stay glued to their seats. During one visit, we saw Aladdin. With my sons, we got tickets to Harry Potter.
Tip: Sure, you can hope for last-minute reduced seats, though I reserved my seats well in advance to ensure my family sat together.
The theater district runs from 40th to 54th Streets and from 6th to 8th Avenues. How to get there: Grab an MTA S Train at Grand Central Terminal and exit at Times Square Station.
Times Square
After a show, celebrate a great trip with the brightest lights in the city. The best time to walk through Times Square is after dark. Times Square also features street performers and lots of shopping.
Located at the Intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Times Square is also a major MTA subway stop with service on the N, Q, R, S,1,2,3, and 7 trains.
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Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery
With all the walking, it’s time for dessert. I recommend heading north on Broadway to Junior’s for cheesecake.
Topping the best cheesecake list for years, it’s a dense, not-too-sweet and creamy NY-style cheesecake. I ordered the plain and didn’t share. It also holds for next-day snacks if you have a refrigerator.
Located at 1515 Broadway at 45th St. and 1626 Broadway at 49th St.Open Sunday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Day Three — Central Park & NYC Animals
Animals live in New York City, lots of them. Then find more animals at the Natural History Museum and Central Park, both favorites among kids. After learning the history of New York City and its early residents, it’s time to learn about its famous park.
American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium
A must for families, even my teen daughter spent hours exploring the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium. A sprawling museum that could take all day. Hit the highlights, like the Hall of Dinosaurs, “Lucy,” the early human, the giant blue whale, and the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, along with the Hall of North American Mammals.
Carve out a little time for the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about the world beyond our atmosphere. It’s located on-site and requires an additional timed ticket.
Tip: I recommend eating lunch at the Natural History Museum. The Museum Food Court on the lower level features family favorites.
During our visit, we enjoyed salads, though pizza, burgers, sandwiches and a selection of desserts are available. Reserve tickets to the Hayden Planetarium before arriving to make the best use of your time.
Located at Central Park West at 79th St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $30, students are $24, and kids (3 to 12) are $18. Timed Entry Reservations are required. An additional ticket is required for the Planetarium. How to get there: After enjoying breakfast at your centrally located hotel, take the A or B MTA subway train and exit the 81st / Museum of Natural History.
After exploring the museum, walk across the street to Central Park.
Tip: First load a Central Park map on your phone and find your phone’s compass. Even after living in New York City for several years, I still get turned around in the park since all its paths curve and meander.
Walking Tour of Central Park
Enter Central Park right across the street from the Natural History Museum and grab some water from a street vendor lining the park’s edge.
Head for the Swedish Cottage and stay out of the Ramble, a thicket of woods. I have had to use my phone’s compass to navigate out of it, and I lived in the city for years.
After Swedish Cottage, walk through Shakespeare’s Garden and tour Belvedere Castle (donations accepted for tour) to grab a NYC skyline photo from the top.
Next, head south to Conservatory Water for a charming area dedicated to the young-at-heart. Rent a wind-powered sailboat or just enjoy the scenery.
The Hans Christian Anderson Statue is close to the Alice in Wonderland Statue. Both offer must-dos for families.
If the kids want to paddle a boat, head to Loeb’s Boathouse to rent one. From April through November, boats can be rented by the hour, weather permitting. Rentals are $25 an hour from Monday to Thursday and $30 from Friday to Sunday.
Then, grab an ice cream cone at the Loeb Boathouse Café Express for an afternoon snack. It also serves light meals from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Up next, Bethesda Terrance, Fountain, and Arcade, top for pictures of the park. If the kids need a pretzel, find a street cart near Bethesda.
Bethesda Terrace
Next, walk south along The Mall, a wide sidewalk shaded with trees. Another must for families, the 1908 Carousel. Open daily from April through October from 10 a.m. to dusk. Admission is $4 per person.
After riding the Carousel, walk by the Chess and Checker House and play a game. Then move on to The Diary, a visitor center for Central Park.
Another must for families, the Central Park Zoo boasts a sea lion exhibit that visitors can see while walking along a free path through the zoo.
Find lots of playgrounds sprinkled throughout Central Park so take a minute and let the kids play.
Walk about .5-mile east on 60th St. to the Roosevelt Island Tram.
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Roosevelt Island Tram
Take the family on a tram ride. The bright red tram cars climb up and over the East River to get to Roosevelt Island. Get off and re-board to return to Midtown for some of the best views of Midtown.
Located at the intersection of 59th St. and 2nd Ave.How to get there: From The Plaza Hotel on 59th St., walk five blocks east to Second Ave, about half a mile. It takes the Omny pass or a Metrocard.
After a full day, head back to your hotel. The MTA Lexington Ave./59th St. Station offers service on the N, R, 4, 5, and 6 trains, two blocks from the tram station. Another day of exploring awaits in New York City.
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Day Four More to Explore
After three packed days, NYC still offers more neighborhoods to explore. Start the day in the trendy neighborhood of Chelsea in Lower Manhattan, packed with boutiques, foodie destinations and one of the NYC hot spots–High Line Park.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a food hall and shopping complex across several floors. After grabbing a bite at any number of places for breakfast, wander around the market for unique shopping.
Located at 75 9th Ave. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. How to get there: From your centrally located hotel, take the downtown-bound C or E trains to the 14th St. Station. Walk west on 14th St. to 9th Ave. Chelsea Market is one block north.
Head across the street to the High Line for an urban hike, a top destination.
High Line Park
Next walk High Line Park, an elevated walking path and park created from an abandoned New York Central Railroad Spur on the west side. Created in 2009, High Line is a destination for locals and travelers alike. As a bonus, it’s free, unless you want to grab a snack or a quick coffee along the route.
The High Line runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. How to get there: Located across the street from Chelsea Market, take the elevator to the High Line from the western side of the Chelsea Market Building.
Take the High Line to its northern end at 34th St. After returning to the street level, hail a cab to the next destination, Circle Line Circles for a NYC cruise.
New York City Cruise
Sure, you can take a bus tour, but a scenic cruise is better. No street traffic and lots of fabulous city views, and as a bonus, see NYC’s bridges from the water.
Tip: Check out the schedule before arriving to see which cruise appeals to you. During peak periods, reservations are recommended.
Circle Line Cruises depart from Pier 83 at W 42nd. First Cruise departs at 10 a.m. Demand pricing with several different cruises. How to get there: You can walk from High Line Park to Pier 83 via 10th Ave., but it’s 13 blocks. Or hail a cab.
After cruising the open water of the New York Harbor, time to explore another ship at the Intrepid Museum. But take a lunch break first.
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Intrepid Museum
As a top destination for kids along with the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Museum is a must for school-age kids. Don’t let the aircraft carrier throw you off. I found more than military aircraft.
Clamber across the deck of the USS Intrepid to see a retired Concorde (I miss seeing her at JFK), and of course, seeing one of the retired space shuttles is a must. The Space Shuttle Enterprise is one of several on display across the U.S.
If you or your group doesn’t have problems with claustrophobia, explore the USS Growler, a submarine.
Located at Pier 86 W.46th St. at 11th Ave. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday). Adult admission (13 to 64) starts at $38, kids (5 to 12) are $28, and kids 4 and under and free. How to get there: From Gotham West Market, walk west on W. 43rd St. to Pier 86.
After exploring the Intrepid and seeing the Space Shuttle, time to switch gears again. This time I offer some choices.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
As the largest art museum in the U.S., you can explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art all day and still not see it all. So check out the map when you enter and concentrate on your interests.
My favorites are The Temple of Dendur, the Medieval Art for its imposing display, and the American Wing. Yet don’t miss the extensive collection of European Masters.
Located at 100 5th Ave. Adult admission is $30, students are $17, and kids 12 and younger are free. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Wednesday).
Tip: Need a break? Grab a snack or light meal at any of the cafes located in The Met.
A Baseball Game at NY Yankees Stadium
The energy at a Yankees game could power a medium-sized city on its own. If you have baseball fans, make the effort and see a game.
If it’s an away game, take the Classic Tour instead. Led by a tour guide, visitors see all the best of Yankee Stadium, like the historic baseball artifacts. (Admission based on age.)
Located at 1 E. 161 St., Bronx. Advance tickets required. How to get there: From Midtown, take the Bronx-bound D train to the 161st St./Yankee Stadium Station. Yankee Stadium is just outside the subway station, and for a game, the subway is the best way to get there
Tip: For baseball fans, this is a must. Check the schedule way in advance and purchase tickets before your trip. Be ready for some fun. Yankee fans are loud, and the energy at the games is electric, even for non-fans.
Using the NYC Subway With Kids
Use the subway to get around, a must-have skill for teens who will be exploring on their own in a few years. To explore NYC via the subway, head to the nearest subway station. Subways take Apple Pay, or use the OMNY app.
The MetroCard will stop being sold after December 31, 2025. Older cards will be accepted through 2026.
Each fare is $2.90. Free transfers between trains at the same station.
If this is your first trip to NYC, stay away from Express trains and buses.
Up to three kids 44″ and under can ride for free with an accompanying adult. Free kids usually crawl under the turnstile before the paying adult swipes their card or use the nearby accessible gate.
Get a card for each person to swipe so you don’t look like a tourist. Kids 12 and older should be able to navigate by swiping MetroCards and moving through turnstiles.
Know if you are traveling Uptown (Bronx/Queens) or Downtown (Brooklyn). Trains and subway platforms will be labeled, and maps will be displayed in each train car along with multiple spots in the subway station.
Since there are lots of stairs to navigate, pack your lightest stroller.
Hold hands if traveling with smaller kids, especially during peak periods.
Make sure your child knows to go to an NYPD officer or MTA personnel if lost. Give kids a card with contact information in case of emergency.
Where to Stay in NYC
What to Pack in Your NYC Bag:
Water bottle
Protein bars
Hand Sanitizer
Bleach Wipes
Hand Wipes
Umbrella
Packable Rain Jacket or Poncho
Phone Battery Charger and Cord
Cash
Something to sit on for parks
Know Before You Go:
Travel like a New Yorker and take the subway. I’ve got the directions for you. Or grab a cab or other car service.
Free public restrooms are hard to find. Pack hand wipes, bleach wipes and hand sanitizer to clean up. McDonald’s is reliable but be prepared to buy a drink to get the key.
Wear comfortable shoes, you’d be surprised how much walking you can do in NYC.
The streets of New York are safe, but be aware of who and what is around you at all times.
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