I raised teenagers in Manhattan back in the 80s and early 90s. Of course, what they liked to do is what teenagers everywhere like to do -- hang out with their friends. In nice weather they did it in the Sheep Meadow in Central Park. They also loved museums, shopping and just walking around the city.

I would also heartily recommend Ellis Island http://www.ellisisland.org and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum http://www.tenement.org Taking the subway to Brooklyn Heights and walking back to Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge is also a great activity.

Also, during the summer there are so many free performances of all kinds in the parks and elsewhere throughout the city -- there's really something for all ages and tastes.

Regards,

Landra in Columbia County, NY