From museum programs to active adventures, here are the best things to do with teens in NYC
Finding things to do with teens in NYC can feel like a challenge—after all, the too-cool-for-school crowd isn’t always easily impressed. But fear not, because the city is packed with activities that even the moodiest 13-year-old will secretly love.
Kick things off with something competitive, like a few rounds of laser tag or a trip to an arcade where retro games like Pac-Man mix with modern hits. Creative teens might enjoy hands-on workshops at top museums, where art and history come alive in unexpected ways. Or, go big with high-energy activities like trampolining, circus arts or indoor rock climbing. These experiences are all about trading screen time for real-world fun.
With so many options across the city, it won’t take long to find something that makes your teens actually excited to tag along. From interactive museum adventures to full-on thrill rides, here’s how to keep NYC teens entertained—and maybe even smiling.
Playing with fire can be fun. Teens can sign up for workshops to blow, shape and design their own glass art—anything from ornaments to neon-lit sculptures. It’s a hands-on, creative activity that will keep them mesmerized. Working with molten glass teaches focus, patience and confidence, and the result is something real and lasting. The pros there guide you safely through every step, so even first-timers can feel like artists by the end of the session.
Address: 647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Part performance, part workout, ABCirque brings the circus to Brooklyn—with zero clowning around. Teens can learn aerial silks, trapeze, juggling and acrobatics in a supportive, upbeat studio where everyone starts at their own pace. It’s thrilling without being reckless—perfect for teens who want something bold and athletic that’s not your typical gym class. The instructors balance fun and safety, helping students build strength, coordination and courage.
Address: 9413 Farragut Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Brooklyn's premiere destinations for under-the-radar and cult-classic horror films may not seem like your first stop with teens. However, if you’re into sharing off-the-beaten-path experiences with your PG-13+ crew, there’s plenty to enjoy at this theater, now with locations in Williamsburg and Park Slope. Arrive early to grab good seats, and don’t forget to order snacks off the menu from your seat (or an adult beverage, if you happen to be the of-age chaperone).
Address: 136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Your teen will love a little friendly competition at one of these NYC arcades. Check out classic arcade games like Frogger and Pac-Man, or newer options inspired by the latest blockbuster movies. Some of these arcades offer pinball, laser tag, air hockey and other standard games. Plus, these arcades have you covered with on-site food and beverage options.
Dave & Buster’s is basically an arcade gone supernova—bright lights, booming music and endless games packed into the heart of Times Square. Teens can rack up tickets on everything from basketball hoops to VR rides, then cash them in for prizes that actually feel worth it. There’s food, too—burgers, fries and shakes that fuel the fun between rounds. It’s part amusement park, part hangout spot and totally weatherproof. The vibe is energetic but safe, making it a great choice for birthdays or group nights out.
Address: 234 W 42nd St 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036
At Area 53 ($39.99 weekdays, $49.99 weekends), teens step into a futuristic battlefield with fog, lights and pulse-pounding music. The multi-level arena in DUMBO feels like a movie set, with obstacles, ramps and hiding spots that make every round feel epic. It’s the perfect mix of strategy, teamwork and adrenaline without the chaos of real combat. Teens can go solo or squad up with friends, making it ideal for parties or stress release after school. Bonus: it’s indoors, so fun doesn’t depend on weather.
Address: 53 Bridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Curious about life on another planet? Wondering how you'd manage in an alternate universe? Head to The Escape Game NYC to find out! The immersive experience offers a thrilling adventure for all those who visit. Its five escape rooms vary in theme—Rule the School Playground, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, to name a few. No matter which option you select, you're in for a challenging and invigorating task.
Address: 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017
Teens can chase thrills on the Cyclone, chill with friends on bumper cars or snack on Nathan’s hot dogs between rides. It’s old-school fun with ocean views and just enough chaos to feel like summer, no matter the season. The park blends nostalgia and adrenaline perfectly, making it a must-visit for group outings or birthdays. Plus, it’s steps from the beach, so your teen can tackle roller coasters and sandcastles in epic one day.
Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Teens will love the high-energy atmosphere of a Nets game and the chance to see NBA stars up close. Even non-sports fans get swept up in the music, dance cams and hype squads. It’s the perfect night out for friends or families, plus the arena’s food lineup (local vendors and fan favorites) keeps everyone happy. This is an activity that’s fast-paced, electric and totally Brooklyn.
Address: 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Brooklyn Boulders (Daypass $34) turns climbing into a full-body puzzle. Teens get to scale colorful walls that test strength, focus and problem-solving skills in a massive, high-energy space. The staff is welcoming, the gear is pro-grade and the community vibe keeps things inclusive. For teens who don’t love team sports but still want a workout that challenges both mind and muscles, this is the move. Plus, conquering a tough route will make them feel like they can conquer the world.
Address: 23-10 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11101
Brooklyn Bowl is a hot spot for the 21+ crowd, but on weekends it transforms into a teen-friendly hangout during daytime hours—complete with lanes, live DJs and top-notch eats. It’s got the energy of a concert but the chill vibe of a bowling alley. Bowling is always a good time for teens, but when it’s in a cool spot that adults enjoy too, that makes it even better.
Address: 61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
If your teen is an analog gamer (or just curious), The Brooklyn Strategist is the place to be. Teens can dive into everything from chess to Dungeons & Dragons in a social, low-pressure space. It’s part café, part community hub, filled with strategy, laughter and maybe a little friendly competition—without screens. The spot even runs after-school and weekend programs that build focus and teamwork.
Address: 333 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
At the NYPL, teens can check out more than books: there are workshops, zine labs, gaming nights and college prep sessions across branches citywide. The Teen Centers are designed with hangout spaces, tech tools and programs that turn learning into something interactive and inspiring. Whether your teen is into writing, coding or just finding a cool place to chill, the library delivers. It’s free, safe and quite possibly NYC’s most underrated teen space.
Stepping into Brooklyn Farmacy is like time-traveling to a 1950s soda shop. Teens can dig into towering sundaes, egg creams and homemade pie while hanging in a cozy, vintage space that’s Instagram gold. It’s a great low-key hangout after a movie or study session, offering a sweet reward for surviving the week. Everything’s made the old-fashioned way, with local ingredients and a dose of charm.
Address: 513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
The Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design have annual teen nights and other teen programs. The Brooklyn Museum and the Whitney host regular teen programs and activities. Other museums may have specific activities for teens like art programs or movie nights, so check their calendars.
Even non-baseball fans will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at Yankee Stadium. Teens can walk the dugout, visit the press box and stand where legends played. The guided tour mixes sports history with iconic NYC culture, showing how one team helped shape the city’s identity. Whether your teen is a die-hard fan or your hoping to get them as enthusiastic as you are, this tour hits a home run.
Address: 1 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451
Circus Academy gives teens a safe way to test their limits—learning aerial hoops, balance acts and acrobatics from pros who’ve actually performed under the big top. Classes are high-energy but supportive, focusing on strength, flexibility and confidence. Bonus: It’s way cooler to say you’re training in circus arts than “doing gymnastics.” Find it on Pier 40 in the summer and indoors in Brooklyn year-round.
Address:
30 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (year-round)
353 West St, New York, NY 10014 (May–Nov)
If it's skeletons, fossils, pendants and other earthy-yet-unusual accessories you're after, Evolution is certainly a must-visit. Wall-to-wall decor—everything from insects and arrowheads to handmade jewelry and taxidermy—make this unique spot feel just like a visit to a natural history museum.
Address: 687 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Part museum, part spy training ground, Spyscape ($34-$39) offers aspiring intelligence agents the opportunity to test their mettle. Read up on real-life spies like Alan Turing, the mathematician who cracked the Enigma code, and Virginia Hall, the one-legged operative who helped escaped POWs travel to safety during World War II. Sneak through a hallway peppered with laser beams, submit to a lie detector test and test all kind of other Bond-style skills, then get graded on your performance.
Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
With four rooms to escape from (each puzzle must be solved in 60 minutes), Mission Escape Games ($38-$45) is perfect for families in need of a challenge. If you work together, you'll be able to use clues around the room to free yourselves, but you'll have to work quickly before time's up.
Address: 265 W 37th St Suite 802A, New York, NY 10018
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