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Are you thinking about visiting New York with teenagers in tow and trying to figure out how to keep them entertained? Don’t worry—the city that never sleeps offers a multitude of different options to keep even the most hard-to-please teenagers happy and moan-free. 

Taking teens to New York doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some suggestions for keeping them entertained and engaged during your trip. 

Inspire them with TikTok 

TikTok is full of viral trends in New York, and using the app to get teens interested in the city is a great way to build excitement. Let them plan a day or afternoon in the city based on what they find on TikTok - whether it's trying out Raising Cane’s or Crumbl Cookies, or visiting one of the viral bodegas. 

Visit the Edge 

There are plenty of different rooftops and observation decks in the city, but when it comes to thrill-seeking teens, the Edge is one of the best. The sky deck is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and is home to a glass floor where you can stand and look down to the streets 100 floors below, as well as angled glass walls that you can lean over. 

For the real thrill seekers in the family, you can also take part in the City Climb—an experience that includes climbing an outdoor staircase to the top of the Edge, before being strapped in to lean out over the city. 

The Museum of Illusions 

Head down to the Meatpacking District and visit the Museum of Illusions. Getting teens interested in museums isn’t always easy—but the Museum of Illusions is unique. Home to the Infinity Room, the Vortex Tunnel, and plenty of optical illusions, the photo opportunities are perfect for any teen’s social media account. 

Take a Graffiti Art Tour 

Graffiti and Street Art can be found all over New York, but Brooklyn and the Lower East Side are home to some of the best. From vibrant murals to incredible graffiti, the street art tours can be both educational and inspiring—teaching teens about the artists behind the works, with some tours even offering the chance to have a go yourself. 

Catch a Broadway Show 

For most families, a trip to New York City isn’t complete without a visit to at least one Broadway Show. If you’re hoping to keep your teens entertained and you’re looking for a Broadway Show they will enjoy, shows like The Book of Mormon and Hell’s Kitchen are great for older teens, while younger teens might enjoy performances like Harry Potter, The Lion King, or Hamilton. Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Try an Escape Room 

Escape rooms aren’t unique to New York, however, they are a great way to keep teens entertained—especially on a rainy day in the city. There are over 200 escape rooms in the city, with some of the best being Escape Room NYC or Mission Escape Games. 

Hire Bikes in Central Park 

If you have active teens with pent-up energy to release, one of the best ways to explore Central Park is on a bike. Bikes can be hired at the bigger entrances to the park and cost substantially less than the horse and carriage rides or the pedicabs. Tour the park and make sure you don’t miss the main attractions like Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland statue, or Belvedere Castle. You can always take a picnic to enjoy and re-energize in the park after your ride. 

Go to Coney Island

If you’re visiting New York between spring and fall, Coney Island should be on your list. The amusement park, Cyclone roller coaster, and the Friday night fireworks are all great ways to keep the whole family entertained. Don’t forget to try a Nathan’s hot dog on the beach! 

Are you thinking of visiting New York? The Hotel Beacon is a family-friendly hotel located on the Upper West Side, just minutes from Central Park. Learn more about our apartment-style suites here.