8 New York City school trip activities we know your students will love
With endless opportunities for exploration and learning, planning a school trip to New York City can be, in a word, overwhelming. Between the city’s many museums, hundreds of skyscrapers, and its sheer size, it can be difficult to narrow down which New York City school trip activities to fit into your itinerary.
That’s where we come in. At Equity, our in-house experts know our destinations like the back of their hand. Give them your learning objectives, and they can come up with an itinerary that fits it – and explain why. But there are some group activities in New York City that come up in itineraries again and again. Such is their educational – and entertainment – value that these attractions are recommended for almost all of our trips, and receive rave reviews from our groups upon their return.
In this blog, we reveal these popular NYC excursions for school groups, so you can start your New York City school trip planning with some great ideas already set up for you.
Getting up and close with NYC’s famous landmarks
No trip to New York City is complete without visiting some of the city's famed landmarks, and the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are must-sees for any school group visiting the city.
Offering breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, the Empire State Building is an excellent spot for taking in the enormous expanse of New York. However, it’s not just a popular tourist destination – it also holds cultural and historical significance as a symbol of American innovation and progress.
The Statue of Liberty is another landmark that we consider essential for group travel to New York City. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Take your students on the free Staten Island ferry, which passes right by the statue – ideal if you’re wanting to avoid long queues! We know they’ll appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this world-famous statue up close.
Our tip
For alternative views of the city that include the Empire State Building, groups can also opt to visit Edge, Rockefeller Center, or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – the newest viewing platform which offers several immersive experiences in a single visit.
Making real New York City bagels
Making real New York City bagels is a hands-on, fun, and delicious way for students to experience one of the city's iconic food traditions and at Bagel Market, they’ll get to do just that! Located just steps from Times Square, this excursion gives groups the unique opportunity to roll, boil, seed, and bake their own bagels, all while learning about the history and cultural significance of this beloved snack.
During the two-hour workshop, students have the chance to really get creative with their bagels, choosing from a variety of spreads, toppings, and sides, making it a perfect activity for groups with varying tastes. And once the bagels are made, students get to enjoy their creations on-site or take them home – each participant typically makes 6-10 bagels, so there’s plenty to enjoy! This activity is also suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options, ensuring that every student can join in the fun. Whether it's a snack for later or a fun group dinner, this hands-on experience is sure to be a highlight of any school trip to New York City.
Wandering around iconic Central Park
Located in the heart of Manhattan, this sprawling green space offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the warmer months, your students can enjoy a variety of activities in Central Park, such as picnicking, playing sports, or taking a leisurely walk through the park's beautiful gardens or zoo. The park transforms into a winter wonderland for the cooler months, with ice skating being a particularly sought-after activity. The Wollman Rink is a popular ice skating spot in Central Park, and it's a great way for your students to experience some of the city's winter magic.
Regardless of when you visit, Central Park offers great educational value, and students can learn about the park's history and design, as well as the various plants and wildlife that call it home.
Spotting locations from film & television
For decades, New York has been known for its prominence in film and television. Some of the world's biggest movies and TV shows are filmed in the city, which makes finding recognisable filming locations straightforward on cultural trips to New York City. During your visit, your group can take a guided tour of TV and film locations, or you can create your own self-guided tour using a map or app.
Some popular TV and film locations to visit in New York City include the aforementioned Central Park (featured in many movies and TV shows such as Gossip Girl and When Harry Met Sally), the Friends apartment building (featured in the popular TV show Friends), and the American Museum of Natural History (Night at the Museum).
Not only is exploring TV and film locations a fun and unique activity for your students, but it can also be educational. Your students can learn about the history and behind-the-scenes stories of their favourite films and TV shows, as well as the role that New York City plays in the entertainment industry. Seeing these incredible locations in person and commemorating trips with a photo of a memorable place is yet another reason a school trip to New York is so popular among our groups.
Seeing a show on Broadway
The Broadway theatre district is home to some of the world's most famous theatres and productions, and it's a great way for your students to experience the city's vibrant performing arts scene.
There are many ways for your students to experience Broadway on an educational trip to New York City. They can attend a Broadway show, participate in a workshop or masterclass with a Broadway performer, or take a backstage tour of a theatre. There's something for every student group, regardless of their interests or experience level.
By spending time on one of our Broadway excursions, your students can learn about the history and behind-the-scenes stories of their favourite productions, as well as the art and craft of theatre. All in all, this inspiring theatre district is a great way to add some cultural learning and entertainment to your school trip to New York City.
Cheering at an NYC sports game
Sports games are always a hit with students, and New York City has no shortage of thrilling options. The state of New York is incredibly well-served in sport, thanks to the New York Yankees (baseball), New York Knicks (basketball) and New York Red Bulls (soccer), meaning games are seldom empty and the atmosphere at these games is palpable.
Whether it’s a soccer match at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, ice hockey in Madison Square Garden, or basketball game in one of the state’s many boroughs, your students will love experiencing the energy and excitement of live games.
Eating your weight in chocolate at Hershey’s World
Hershey's World in Times Square is a must-visit destination for any chocolate-loving student on a budget-friendly school trip to New York City. This interactive exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Hershey's chocolate-making process, as well as the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and taste some famous chocolates.
Your students can learn about the history of Hershey's chocolate, watch live demonstrations of the chocolate-making process, and even create their own custom chocolate bar or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. They can also explore the exhibit's interactive displays, which offer a fun and engaging way to learn about the science and art of chocolate-making – a great way to add some sweetness to your school trip to New York City.
Taking a bite out of the Big Apple
Described as the cultural capital of the world thanks to its size and ethnic diversity, New York proves its gastronomical prowess through its different neighbourhoods, which each provide their own specialities. One must-visit destination is Chinatown, where you can find all kinds of delicious and affordable Chinese dishes, from dim sum and dumplings to roast duck and noodles. Another popular spot is Little Italy, where you can find authentic Italian restaurants serving up delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato (we can book for your group to dine in either neighbourhood).
Of course, no trip to New York City would be complete without trying a real “New York style” hot dog from one of the city's many street vendors. Whether you opt for a classic all-beef frank or a more creative variation with sauerkraut, spicy mustard and onions, you're sure to satisfy your students' cravings with these tasty treats. Other street side lunchtime options include pizza or pretzels, which are usually no more than a couple of dollars a piece.
Plan your trip to the city that never sleeps
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and plentiful attractions, New York City is an exciting and fascinating destination for teenage students to explore and learn.
From visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, to participating in hands-on workshops and tours, the list of excursions available for a New York City school trip are seemingly endless. However, should you opt to include the excursions above, you can count on a fun, educational and memorable experience for your students.
We hope this list has been a source of inspiration for your next residential, and will assist in the planning stage of any upcoming school trips to New York, where you can discover all that this incredible city has to offer.
To find out more about our school trips to New York, or enquire about booking, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
