New York City can seem like an adult playground for those over 21, and all the playgrounds and parks dotting the five boroughs should occupy and tire out the knee-high crowd, leaving no worry about keeping them entertained at night. But what about tweens and teens visiting the City with their families (or, for that matter, those who live here)? Sure, there are Broadway shows, restaurants, street-level stimuli and people watching galore, but NYC also offers plenty of all-ages entertainment—music, comedy, open mics and the like—to introduce Gen Alpha to the creativity that keeps the City buzzing.
Take note: all-ages is not code for immature. The venues that hold these shows are often intimate spaces where up-and-comers might share the same stage as household names—and acts can skew adult in nature. Head out as a family or let mid-to-older teens experience some independence while the rest of you enjoy an evening out nearby. Read on to find 10 places, each followed by additional recommendations of similar spots, where the vibes are right and kids can get a taste of New York City nightlife.*
Courtesy, Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar
Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar
343 W. 46th St., Midtown West, Manhattan
Best for: Musical theater junkies who break out into “Defying Gravity” on the regular
Ages: All ages allowed, 15+ encouraged after 9pm
This Theatre District restaurant/piano bar mainstay allows those under 21, but recommends younger teens leave before nine. While earlier shows include cabaret-style acts, 9pm is when the party heats up; waiters sing along with the music, while regular folks (and the occasional big-name Broadway star) can request to take the mic.
Also try: Shake, Rattle and Roll Dueling Pianos, 54 Below
The Peoples Improv Theater (The Pit)
154 W. 29th St., Chelsea, Manhattan
Best for: Improv impresarios who have committed classic SNL skits to memory
Ages: No restriction, but 18+ recommended due to R-rated comedy
From class showcases to up-and-coming improv luminaries (Ellie Kemper, Hannibal Buress and Lin-Manuel Miranda are alums), The Pit features a range of improv every night. Teens 18 and up can sign up for a drop-in class or a performance jam. Otherwise, there are often several shows each night.
Also try: Magnet Theater, West Side Comedy Club
Courtesy, Nuyorican Poets Café
Nuyorican Poets Café
Location varies
Best for: Slam poets and literature lovers looking for somewhere to go after the Strand
Ages: No age restriction, best for teens who can handle potentially mature themes
Founded in 1973 by a group of poets including Miguel Algarin, Ntozake Shange and Miguel Piñero, this arts organization was created to foster Puerto Rican and African American talent. For over 40 years, the East 3rd Street headquarters served as an incubator for all sorts of performers, with slam poets and hip-hop artists among those taking the stage. In 2023, the venue shuttered its physical space to being a three-year reconstruction project, but the organization hasn’t gone dark. Instead, events regularly pop up at other Lower East Side spots, like the Bowery Poetry Club. Poets-to-be can take the open mic at the famous Monday night poetry slam.
Also try: Brooklyn Poets Friday Night Open
Market Hotel
1140 Myrtle Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn
Best for: Older teens looking for some parental independence
Ages: No age restriction; best for 16+
This all-ages music venue hosts live music and events almost every night of the week. Under the J/M/Z subway lines, this no-frills club has a sticky floor, zero pretension and great up-an- coming music. Genres range from rock to electronica, with DJ sets as well. A number of events are produced by Pioneer Works, an avant-garde arts organization in Red Hook that is undergoing renovations throughout 2024. The Market Hotel space is small, but there’s enough room that you’ll stay safely out of your teen’s TikTok.
Also try: ABC No Rio, Music Hall of Williamsburg
Trans-Pecos
915 Wyckoff Ave., Ridgewood, Queens
Best for: Teens looking to dance the night away
Ages: No age restriction, though best for 16+
Located on the Queens-Brooklyn border—and in walking distance from Bushwick and East Williamsburg—this all-ages venue has specialized in indie and underground rock for the past decade. Offering musical acts almost every night of the week, it’s an affordable place for a concert—tickets are often less than $20—and multiple acts per night means hours of dancing. Saturday shows typically don’t start until 11pm (the club is open until 4am), so keep that in mind; for those comfortable with the late start, this can be a destination for a mixed-age group of siblings or friends who still have a few under-21 stragglers. Weekday sets usually start at 7pm.
Also try: Racket NYC, Warsaw Concerts
Courtesy, Smalls
Smalls
183 W. 10th St., West Village, Manhattan
Best for: Teens who want to impress their jazz band conductor
Ages: No age restriction, though younger attendees may get antsy
This jazz club lives up to its name—the basement venue itself is tiny; nevertheless, the musical acts are top rate. Every night, skilled (and sometimes well-known) musicians take the stage for sets, which can go into the wee hours. It can be smart to buy tickets in advance; a ticket guarantees you entrance, but not necessarily a seat. Teen musicians may also be intrigued by weekend afternoon jam sessions, typically held between 3pm and 5:45, where all are welcome to play.
Also try: Blue Note, Village Vanguard, The Stone NYC
Courtesy, Brooklyn Music Kitchen
Brooklyn Music Kitchen
177 Vanderbilt Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Best for: Coffeehouse regulars who want to hone their skills
Ages: No age restriction
This restaurant and music venue offers frequent open mic nights. Request your song in advance (even one you wrote yourself), and the house band will be ready to back you up. Also on the calendar: promising singer-songwriters, as well as spoken-word nights every other Sunday. With a restaurant menu featuring snackable light bites (think empanadas, fries, flatbreads and wings) at reasonable prices, it’s a good destination when someone in your party wants dinner with the show.
Also try: Silvana, Rebel
Courtesy, (Le) Poisson Rouge
(Le) Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Best for: Teens who appreciate their folks’ Spotify playlist—and grownups who appreciate their teens’
Ages: Shows have age restrictions that might be 16+ or 18+ (plus a few 21+ shows). Check before you purchase tickets and make sure to bring ID.
(Le) Poisson Rouge is an intimate music venue that hosts bands on the verge of discovery as well as established artists like the Plain White T’s. While main space concerts tend to have age limits, some performances allow younger teens with a guardian. One strong lure of LPR is the space itself: it’s beautifully designed and engineered, with amazing acoustics (many artists choose to record here) that help you feel close to the artist on stage.
Also try: Baby’s All Right, Bowery Ballroom
Courtesy, QED Astoria
QED Astoria
27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria, Queens
Best for: Teens who can’t get enough of #ComedyTok
Ages: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult), with younger teens preapproved and admitted on a case-by-case basis
This comedy spot hosts shows every night of the week and specializes in stand-up. One popular show, Transplants, which runs on the first Friday of every month, focuses on how people made it to NYC—great for young audience members who dream of one day moving here. A relatively small space makes the experience feel like you’re in an old-school club rather than a slick venue, and inexpensive tickets—some under $8—make it accessible to pretty much all comers.
Also try: Café Wha, The Bitter End
Hill Country
30 W. 26th St., Chelsea, Manhattan
Best for: Families with big appetites and who appreciate a bit of a honky-tonk vibe
Ages: No restrictions
This barbecue joint has ribs, tacos and smokehouse favorites on the menu, plus live music downstairs. Some of the music acts require separate ticketing, and genres typically run in the country direction, but not exclusively. A weekly recurrence is Dead Country Tuesdays, when various bands play their favorite covers—as well as creative interpretations—of Grateful Dead classics.
Also try: City Winery, Joanne Trattoria
*Some venues require a form of ID; make sure those under 21 entering on their own or at places with age restrictions come prepared with a student ID or similar. Wherever you go, make sure to check ahead if the particular night or show has specific age restrictions.
