Exploring Times Square: More Than Just Neon Lights
Nothing screams “New York!” like Times Square, and no, it’s not just for tourists wielding selfie sticks and getting in the way of your brisk New Yorker trod. For teenagers, it’s a playground of bright lights and endless possibilities. Explore the multi-story flagship stores like M&M’s World or the Disney Store without a shopping guilt-trip from the parental units. But be warned, there are no quick exits. It’s NYC’s version of a black hole, only with more candy and Mickey Mouse ears.
Central Park Adventures
Think Central Park is just for leisurely strolls and horse-drawn carriages? Think again. This massive green oasis smack-dab in the middle of the city offers plenty for teenagers with energy to burn. Rent bikes or blades and race through the park like you’re in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the NYC edition. Feeling artsy? Stop by the Bethesda Terrace to check out the street performers who somehow manage to keep a straight face while juggling eight flaming torches.
Discovery at Museums: More Fun Than It Sounds
Museums for teenagers? You bet. Consider the American Museum of Natural History; it’s more than a bunch of dusty exhibits. From the jaw-dropping dinosaur skeletons (not your average classroom show-and-tell) to the fascinating hall of space, it’s a maze of the past and present. If traditional art is too ‘meh’, try the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where even an unmade bed can be a masterpiece that speaks to teenage angst.
Street Art in Brooklyn: A Hipster’s Paradise
Swap the well-trodden paths of Manhattan for the vibrant street art of Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective. It’s essentially an outdoor museum, but without the ‘no-touching’ signs. Young shutterbugs can polish their photography skills here among murals that rival entry-level Photoshop skills but with more grit and urban flair.
Broadway Shows: Not Just for Parents
Sure, “The Lion King” is a Disney classic, but Broadway has a lineup of shows that even the too-cool-for-everything teenager would enjoy. Catch new, teen-friendly sensations like “Dear Evan Hansen” or the magic of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Don’t tell your friends, but you might experience a feel or two.
Thrills at Coney Island
The iconic Coney Island is a siren’s call to those with a need for an adrenaline rush. Who can resist the vintage charm of the Cyclone’s rattling wooden tracks or the boardwalk’s endless rows of amusement games? Heads up; this is the perfect photo op for your social media persona, especially when you scream mid-loop on the Thunderbolt.
Shopping in SoHo
If what’s listed above seems too much like parental guidance fun, teenagers might just find solace in retail therapy. SoHo offers an abundance of fashionable delights, from exclusive sneaker stores to hip boutiques that appear to be curated by Instagram influencers themselves. Engage in the apparently universal language of “Yasss” as you bag a bargain on the latest streetwear.
Exploring Walks in New-York
If leaping from adventure to adventure sounds exhausting, a walk through the city might be more your pace. Offering options from the classic Brooklyn Bridge Promenade to the serene paths of the High Line, exploring these locations provides moments of peace amidst the hustle and bustle. Suggestions include indulging in philosophical thoughts or simply pondering what pizza toppings to try later.