We got the citypass a few years ago. It’s definitely worth it if you plan to do more than a few things on the list. Could have skipped natural history. We did also do the Met — were interested in the Egyptian stuff and the armor. And did a Broadway show.

For that age group I recommend the Museum of the City of New York and the Museum of the Moving Image.

We were just in nyc in April and again in June w/teen and ES age kids. We did ESB in April which both my kids thought was cool. They have a nice interactive museum about the history of the building, etc. and the view is beautiful. It's a good check the box activity, however compared to Top of the Rock, I think Rock is better. Has better views of Central Park and upper parts of Manhattan. Also, if your kids are into SNL and NBC, then do the studio tour and add that onto your observatory pass. Did that when I was a teen and loved it.
The last time we visited, we walked the Brooklyn Bridge (from DUMBO into Manhattan--take subway to DUMBO and walk the bridge back so you get the views of the city). Kids loved it and the bridge is just so gorgeous. Since yours are older, I would def take them to the 9/11 memorial and/or museum if they would be into that. We also walked the HighLine while were there and my kids loved that and Hudson yards is nice--you can't go up the Vessel but it's a cool sculpture.
We also quickly did the Met bc the younger one wanted to see the Egypt artifacts. We had free passes so we didn't feel like we had to spend all day there. The younger one was mildly into the artifacts, but honestly once you see one hieroglyphic you've seen them all. The temple room is pretty and nostalgic for anyone who likes When Harry Met Sally. The younger one wasn't so impressed. Skip it unless your kids are really into art then yes go.

I went last summer with college DD and teen nieces. We all loved:

MOMA
Wicked (I've also heard good things about Six and the new production of Into the Woods just got rave reviews)
brunch at Mercado, followed by walk down the High Line and then over to Washington Square Park (long walk, I know, but it was fun even on a hot day)

Have fun!

Anonymous wrote:Yes to Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, and The Lion King.
Skip the Natural History Museum.
MoMA would be great for those ages
Times Square, just because
Intrepid Sea/Air/Space Museum

If your lids are into it, there's a huge Harry Potter store in Manhattan, down around 20th and 5th or something like that...can't remember rxact location. We were in NYC for a long weekend back in June and noticed it, but I don't know details.

We just went to the Harry Potter store and my kids loved it. And they aren't even into HP. It's right by Eataly, which could be a fun stop for lunch/dessert.

We also went to the 9/11 Museum. DS11 was fascinated by it. I could have spent hours there if my younger one wasn't trying to drag me out the whole time. It was crowded on Friday around 3pm though so maybe go mid-day in the middle of the week. We did Statue of Liberty on a prior trip and really enjoyed it but you could easily do it on the way out of the city if you are planning to drive to NYC.