Because I’ve traveled frequently for work over the years, my niece and nephew grew up hearing about my adventures—and eventually, they both asked to tag along. We made that happen.
My husband and I took our nephew to New York City when he was in 8th grade. A couple of years later, my mom, aunt, and I brought my niece when she was in 10th grade. Although their interests were a bit different, we made sure to visit a few iconic NYC staples on both trips.
When visiting any big city, I’m a fan of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours (or something similar). It’s an efficient and engaging way to take in a lot of landmarks while getting a sense of the layout, history, and energy of the place.
Some of our favorite classic attractions:
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Times Square
- Empire State Building
- Rockefeller Center
- NBC’s “Today Show”
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Grand Central Terminal
Each trip had a unique highlight tailored to their personalities. My nephew? He wanted to see the Yankees play. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, seeing a game at Yankee Stadium is a memorable, atmospheric experience. For a bit of history: the New York Yankees were established in 1903 and have won more World Series championships than any other MLB team.
Yankee Game Tips:
- I compared tickets on MLB.com and resale platforms, ultimately going with StubHub. Prices were fair, and I felt secure booking there.
- If you’re coming from Manhattan, the subway is still your best bet—fast, affordable, and easy. Just account for extra time due to crowds, especially if it’s a night game.
- Arrive early! There are restaurants and shops outside the stadium, plus plenty to explore once inside. Soak up the vibe—it’s one of a kind.
- Dress in layers, especially for an evening game. I thought I was dressed warmly enough and just about froze. I ended up needing an expensive sweatshirt onsite but didn’t ever wear it again.
As for my niece? She wanted to see Hugh Jackman in The Music Man on Broadway. And we did! That particular show isn’t playing anymore, but there are so many great shows to see. I’m a big fan of any of the Disney shows on Broadway, especially if you have a younger person with you. We’ve seen The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins—all of them were spectacular. Teens will likely have some context with a Disney show (and that’s always helpful), and the costuming, the sets, the music, and the dancing are second to none.
Broadway Tips with Teens:
- Tickets can be purchased through the show’s official site, Ticketmaster, TodayTix, or the TKTS Booths. TodayTix and TKTS are discount ticket sites that offer day-of tickets, sometimes up to 50% off. Note that these sites don’t have access to every show, and there’s always a chance that they don’t have tickets for the day you want to go.
- Arrive at the theatre early if you plan to buy concessions. They’re pricey and the lines can get long.
- Some of the older theatres don’t have enough restrooms for a sold-out performance. If you’re going to the restroom at intermission, move quickly to get in line.
- Immediately following the show, many actors and actresses exit out a side or back door. If your teen is interested in meeting them or getting a Playbill signed, head to the cast exit right after the show.
🎟 Bonus Tip:
Many theaters now offer digital Playbills, so bring a phone charger or external battery just in case!
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