Mother-Daughter Adventure: Celebrating a 13th Birthday in NYC
Family trips are my absolute favorite, but as my children get older, I find myself craving more one-on-one time with them. The opportunity to have quality conversations, develop inside jokes, and watch them experience things for the first time is priceless. So, for my daughter's 13th birthday, we jumped on a plane and headed to NYC! This city has been on her travel bucket list for years, so we made it happen. Seeing the city through her eyes was magical and something I hope she remembers forever. I know I will.
Best Places to Stay for 3 Days in New York City
With hundreds of hotels to choose from, it can be tough to know how to plan a trip to New York City. When searching for the perfect spot, I considered these top factors: location, brand, price, Google reviews, and safety. I wanted something near Times Square and Broadway since we planned to be there at night. I didn't want to use the subway or a cab after a show, so finding something within a block or two was a must. I opted for a familiar brand (Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott). After narrowing it down, I read recent Google reviews and compared prices. We chose The Time New York - JDV by Hyatt, but there are many options that might be a great fit for your family.
Top Things to do With Teens in NYC
When you're 13, you want to see all the spots you've seen on TV and learned about in social studies class. Be sure to say yes to all the touristy spots—even if they aren’t on the top of your bucket list. Here are the top spots we visited during our 3 days in New York City:
Best luck with lottery seats for Wicked.
Rockefeller Center - Spend some time walking around, checking out the stores, and possibly taking a tour of the Rock!
Empire State Building - This was our first stop! Getting a bird's-eye view of the city puts it all in perspective. If your kid is a Percy Jackson fan, they can stand where some of the movie was filmed.
Central Park - Walking around Central Park is the perfect way to spend a day. This park is miles long and took us hours (and 20,000 steps) to explore. We grabbed a snack from street vendors, caught a wedding proposal, were entertained by the 100s of birds and turtles and had the opportunity to have hours of time to chat with my teenager (and if you have a teenager you know this doesn’t happen often!).
Times Square - Stay near Times Square for your first trip, especially if you are traveling with teenagers in NYC. The hustle and bustle might not be for everyone, but there's no place like it in the US. Kids love the sights and sounds of this chaotic spot. Watch their faces light up as they walk through the square—day or night!
Statue of Liberty - This popular attraction is a must-see, but make sure to buy your tickets online. Splurge for the ticket that gives you access to the pedestal or crown. This will give you access to a shorter security line and ability to avoid a little bit of the long wait. Also, go early! Pick the first ticket of the day, to allow you to beat the crowds and heat.
A Show on Broadway - See a show or two! The quality and experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you are flexible on the show, check out the lottery process for each show. There are several sites to start from but playbill.com is one option. You join the lottery and then 24 to 48 hours prior to showtime you will get a notification if you were selected. If selected, you have a few short hours to secure your tickets. The catch is you may or may not get them so if you sign up for several shows, you increase your odds. We joined the lottery for several shows and lucked out with great seats to Wicked. We also saw “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” —both are must-sees!
Teen Travels: Navigating NYC's Transportation with Ease
Getting around NYC can be an adventure in itself. Here are some tips on navigating the city:
Walking
NYC is a walkable city, and exploring on foot is often the best way to see the sights. Many attractions are close together, especially in Manhattan, so put on comfortable shoes and enjoy the cityscape. We logged 20,000 steps a day but it was by far the easiest (and cheapest) way to get around town.
Subway
The subway is an efficient and cost-effective way to travel longer distances. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but apps like Citymapper or Google Maps make it easier to navigate. Just be sure to check the service status, as there can be delays or maintenance. Paying for the ride is also super easy, simply have Apple Pay set-up on your phone. You scan your phone and your in! You can also buy a ticket at the kiosk. We used the Subway on the ride home from the Statue of Liberty since this attraction sits at the far end of the island.
Cabs and Ubers
Yellow cabs are iconic in NYC and easy to hail. Just make sure the light on top is on, indicating they’re available. Ubers and Lyfts are also plentiful and convenient, especially if you're not comfortable with the subway or if it's late at night. We took an Uber to and from the airport and hailed a cab when needing a quick break from walking. Tip: you can schedule an Uber to take you back to the airport - especially great if you have an early morning flight home.
Savor the City: Must-Eat Spots for 3 Days in New York City
Carbs, carbs, carbs! Teens love the basics—pizza, pasta, bagels, and ice cream! Ask them what they want to eat. New York City is filled with amazing options, but your teen might just want what they want. They might not appreciate that trendy five-star spot where Taylor Swift ate last week, so make sure you ask and go from there. During our 3 days in New York City, these places hit the spot:
Joe’s Pizza - Classic New York pizza that’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
Pick A Bagel - One of the several bagel spots we enjoyed. This spot would be great for breakfast or lunch. We stopped by on our way to Central Park and were not disappointed.
Bond 45 New York Italian Kitchen & Bar - A cute Italian spot close that is located right near our first Broadway show. We enjoyed bowls of pasta and caesar salads.
Angelina Bakery Times Square - This spot is right off of Time Square and the perfect place for a late night pastry or ice cream. The cream filled pastries were our favorite!
Final Thoughts
Our mother-daughter trip to NYC was everything I hoped it would be. We explored the city, shared laughs, and created memories that I hope my daughter cherishes as much as I do. With only 18 summers before they’re grown, it’s so important to make the most of these moments. Time flies, and each experience is a precious opportunity to connect and create lasting memories. If you’re considering a similar trip, NYC offers endless opportunities for bonding and adventure. Cherish the journey, and happy travels!
Make sure to explore our 3 days in New York City Itinerary Here: Full Guide
