Rush tickets are a little known part of the Broadway culture. Originally, they began as a student discount for tickets the day of the show, but now mostly anyone can win/buy these tickets. This is a very interesting way to include teenagers in what Broadway show to go see. There are different ways to secure tickets. Some are lotteries, some are just discounted tickets for the first in line. The ever popular "Wicked" holds a rush everyday at 4:30 p.m. (or two and half hours before show time), and it's a lottery. The tickets are under $30.
While visiting NYC, traveling to all the tourist spots is a given (the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, Central Park, Macy's, Tiffany's, among others). This could be seen as "boring" to teens, so how about a way to spice it up? Instead of a parent snapping photos all day, present your teen(s) with a digital camera and tell them to take pictures at these places. At the end of the day, settle down at a great New York restaurant (like S'Mac is the East Village), and review the photos. Parents can reward each child with "Most Creative," "Best City Shot," "Best Family Portrait," "Most Unusual" and even "Best Overall." This photography contest is a wonderful way to engage teens in the normal tourist things without them feeling bored.
Whether families are just visiting the city for the day, or staying for a while, a concert is a great way to spend the night hours in NYC, especially with teens. There are plenty of great venues in NYC to see everything from small acts to superstars. Places like Madison Square Garden host everyone from Lady Gaga to Jay-Z to Jack Johnson. If teens like smaller, lesser know bands, a good option is the Bowery Ballroom. Smaller acts like David Gray and Blue October play at this venue. And it being New York, parents must chaperone, but this is the one time teens won't be embarrassed to be seen with them.
