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Originally Posted by Skooby
is it better to do things during the weekday or weekend?
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Museums are open all weekend, but less crowded on weekdays. Just be sure to check every museum's website because each has one weekday they close, and it varies by museum. You might bump into a school tour during the weekday, but total numbers of visitors are down.
Live theater is best on Wed,Thurs, Fri or Sat nights. Afternoon matinees (around 2 p.m.) occur Wed and Sat. On Sundays you might find a handful of shows with at 3 p.m. but nothing Sunday night. If you can take in one Broadway musical, after reading up on reviews, most people find that unforgettable and great. Some like an opera or classical concert at the Lincoln Center. Or see what's playing at the Town Hall or Carnegie Hall. One really big event like that makes a big impression on teens.
With teen girls, I'd build it by what interests them. If they like science, astronomy or the history of different kinds of people in the world, head for the Museum of Natural Science. If they are poetic and romantic, try wandering the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Alongside either of those, step out into Central Park a bit to walk around.
If they like modern dance, look up a company like Alvin Ailey and get tickets for a show. For classical music, see what's playing at the Lincoln Center or (nearby and smaller scale) the Kaufman Music Center. If they love books, stop in (on your way to something else..) to walk through the Central Branch of the NYC Public Library (Headquarters), which has its own exhibits and is just stunning to realize how many books can be under one roof.
Just don't get sucked into clothes shopping. Macy's here has nothing that isn't in their suburban malls back home.
You will have a great time, I'm sure. It's the large scale and energy that impresses teenagers who visit here. Also, challenge them to listen for how many languages they hear spoken. On subways, instead of laughing loudly as teens tend to do, encourage them to sit quietly and simply notice all the kinds of people who live here. It's called "people watching" and it's pretty fascinating. Take it in. Eavesdrop. Share notes later with each other. Have a human experience here. It's friendly, except when it isn't.. so stay upbeat and don't let an odd encounter set you back. Most people you'll encounter here will be decent and friendly. The rest are busy, on their way to work, or worn out from a commute. It's a city.
Teenagers from far away have told me they find it upsetting and confusing when people walk through a subway car and beg money. New Yorkers experience this constantly, but it unnerves tourists. One option is to carry chewy/moist granola bars and let the teens offer one, instead of doing nothing and looking away. It's up to you.
I agree with Chava that on a short visit, the best way to see the Statue of Liberty is just sail underneath it using the Staten Island Ferry, a regular commuter run, part of the MTA public transpo system. Don't invest an entire day to book a boat tour of Liberty Island or Ellis Island. Save that for their next visit!
If you notice they are getting overwhelmed by city noise and crowds, be ready to modify your day-plan. A half-day of something quieter or smaller lets them recharge. There are plenty of cafes, or small one-topic specialty museums (Photography; Museum of Art and Design near Columbus Circle; or small Museum of Mathematics near "Eataly" and Legos store all close to the Flatiron building.. for example). If it's not too cold, walkaround time in Central Park, or up along The High Line, is refreshing. It depends on the teens, but if they get cranky from crowds and overstimulation, it's easy to just dial it back for a few hours until they're raring to go again.
Walking shoes, or solid sneakers with athletic socks. Really. Unlike at home, nobody here knows you or cares what you wear. Just be comfortable to walk a lot. It's very liberating, especially for teens. Remind them to pack light; suitcases get carried up and down stairs a lot in train and subway stations, although elevators can be found in the big stations (but they're sloooow).
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