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What are things that a teenager on crutches (and thus with limited walking capacity) would find interesting to do in New York City on a weekend in February?
Hello! Thanks for your request for things a sixteen-year-old teenager on crutches (and thus with limited walking capacity) would find interesting to do in New York City on a weekend in February. The short version is that I've created a list of 10 activities with a range of prices. As there was no pre-compiled list, I created one based on researching forums, articles, and New York event websites. A typical Wonder list is 10 items, but if you require more items, please submit another request and we can pick up where we left off. Below you will find a deep dive of my methodology and findings.
I personally loved researching this as I broke my ankle badly when I was 18, so spent 2 months on crutches and then had limited walking ability for about a year after. I wish someone had made me a list for my city!
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METHODOLOGY
My main sources for ideas of activities were online forums, articles with wheelchair and disability accessible options for the city, general articles on the city, and New York City events pages. After identifying ideas, I then independently researched them to confirm that they would be appropriate/available in February and tried to have a mix of prices and indoor/outdoor options. I completely avoided museums and things requiring a substantial amount of walking, as you requested.
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USEFUL RESOURCES/TIPS
METRO- Avoid the metro if possible, as it will be crowded and getting up and down many flights of stairs or finding the elevators will be a challenge. Getting around by taxi, Uber, or Big Bus, is the best strategy
WHEELCHAIR/SCOOTER- Consider renting a wheel-chair or scooter from Scootaround, as being on crutches for long periods of time will be tiring and limit her ability to see as she moves. A transportable scooter starts at $135 for one day to $155 for 3 days; a standard wheelchair starts at $80 for 1 day to $90 for 3 days. Another option is the Scooters Depot. Most tourist attractions and theaters are wheelchair/scooter friendly per ScootAround. I specifically looked for activities that would not require a lot of movement, however.
SAFETY- Keep her backpack in front if/when she is on crutches or in a wheelchair to avoid having items stolen in crowded areas.
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LIST
Here is a list of 10 ideas in no rank order:
To see the city without having to walk consider reserving a pedi-cab to see Central Park or mid-Manhattan.
2) CENTRAL PARK CARRIAGE RIDE
Central Park is such a beautiful location to explore. If the weather is nice, consider wrapping up warm and taking a carriage ride to see the park without walking. You can reserve your tour online at NYC Horse Carriage Rides.
COST: Their most popular ride is the VIP Tour for $130 total that includes stops for photos, narration including history and movie locations, the best scenic views, and warm blankets. A shorter tour of the South East End Corner of the park is available for $80.
Central Park also has "miles of wheelchair-accessible trails and scenic areas" if you choose to rent a scooter or wheelchair. Those are free!
As a TV-lover, she may enjoy sitting down and enjoying a different kind of entertainment. Main shows on this February that may interest her are:
(Note: I didn't include Hamilton, due to the high cost, but that would be wonderful to see!)
Book of Mormon - A comedy show that is "outrageously funny." It may be a bit "risque" for a sixteen year-old, so I recommend reading this article and determining if you find it age-appropriate for her.
The Blue Man Group - A fun, family-friendly show with men painted blue who play percussion instruments and get up to crazy antics- audience interactive and funny!
Cirque du Soleil Paramour - This show is the first time the "renowned Canadian circus troupe" has been on Broadway. The show includes their famous acrobatics, beautiful designs, and storytelling. As she likes gymnastics, she would likely love this show!
STOMP - An amazing show (I've seen it) with eight performers who "who create intricate rhythms from everyday household objects, from garbage can lids and zippo lighters, to buckets and hammers."
The Lion King - Broadway's "third longest-running show" on the Disney classic. A New York tourist attraction in its own right.
Wicked - Another famous musical base on the book by the same name that features the story of the Wicked Witch of the West in Oz. As a book-lover, she would love this one!
You may also be interested in seeing a show at the Radio City Music Hall depending your and her music tastes. There is a Freestyle and Old School show on February 10 and Ms. Lauryn Hill on February 25.
COST: Depends on date and show.
4) IF NOT THE THEATER, THE BALLET
One ballet she may particularly enjoy is "The Sleeping Beauty," a nice one for beginner ballet-goers, as she'll likely recognize the music by Tchaikovsky. The last night for this one is February 19.
Two other ballets playing in late February are "Rodgers' Broadway to Ballet" and "All Robbins Hits New York," which are both more modern and creative.
COST: Depends on date and show.
5) THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
The Empire State Building is fully wheel-chair accessible and has ramps for easy getting about on crutches too. It is possible to take a taxi right to the entrance and you can get Express Passes online to skip the lines.
COST: The express pass costs $60-80 depending on if you want to see just the main deck or both the top and main deck. Standard tickets cost $34-$54. There are restaurants in the building if you want to minimize travel to eat.
6) STATUE OF LIBERTY CRUISE
The Statue of Liberty is ranked on many sites as a number one site to see, but unfortunately doesn't seem too accessible for people on crutches. You may be interested in reading more about accessible options here.
However, you can see the statue up close through a cruise, with boats operating rain or shine and with indoor areas to beat the cold. While many boats are wheelchair and crutches accessible, the top decks may not be. That said, as these cruises are designed to feature the Statue, there is still good viewing from inside and the main deck. Your sixteen year old might particularly like seeing the city lit up at night during a night cruise, which could be cooler from a teenager's perspective. Night cruises can also include dinner.
Wheel Chair Traveling recommends the company Above All Cruises, but after repeated attempts I could not open their website. If it also does not work for you, try Big Bus Cruises or Spirit Cruises.
COST:
7) INTERACTIVE DINING
Use meal-times as a fun, entertaining activity by seeing a show while dining. Just be aware that there may be a line for some of these on a weekend. Examples include:
Ellen's Stardust Diner: The waiters and waitresses put on musical performances while you eat and the restaurant has ramps for easier access for crutches.
1650 Broadway (at 51st St.)
Times Square
212-956-5151
Ninja New York: A Japanese restaurants where ninjas "jump through walls, perform magic, and do card tricks while they serve your sushi." Dishes can include dry ice or fire.
25 Hudson St.
Tribeca
212-274-8500
Max Brenner: A dessert-themed restaurant with tons of sweet treats arranged beautifully. This one does not have a show, but may be a great break if she has a sweet tooth!
841 Broadway
Union Square
646-467-8803
Alice's Tea Cup: As someone who likes books, she may enjoy having tea at this Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant. Would be a nice afternoon break too from seeing the city.
Original location:
102 W. 73rd St.
Upper West Side
212-799-3006
Chapter II:
156 E. 64th St.
Upper East Side
212-486-9200
Chapter III:
220 East 81st St.
Yorkville
212-734-4832
Jekyll and Hyde Club: Another book-themed restaurant with spooky effects and live entertainment on stage that makes it feel like you're eating in a haunted house ($3 extra charge for entertainment).
Jekyll and Hyde Club
216 W. 44th St.
Times Square
212-869-4933
COST: Depends on restaurant and food/drinks ordered
The architecture in the library makes it an attraction in its own right, and it has elevators and plenty of areas to sit. Consider taking her here for a few hours to enjoy the books and relax/read.
COST: Free
Take the elevator up 70 floors to see the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center. The building is wheelchair accessible, you can buy tickets in advance, and the entrance is right on the street at 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
COST: Tickets are $34, or for another $15, you can visit it twice in 24 hours to see the view of the city from day and night.
See the whole city from the Big Bus, which includes a narrated tour. Multiple tour options are available including different routes, times, and combinations with the New York city pass and other attractions. You can "hop on, hop off," allowing you to use this as a transportation option to get around the city- this would be useful for stopping for lunch or getting to some of the sights mentioned in this list.
They are currently offering a 15% off promotion on their "most popular tickets." This would be a particularly great option if she'd like to see iconic New York City landmarks that otherwise require walking such as: the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.
COST: A 1 day pass costs $50.20 per ticket, 2 days is $58.70 per ticket, and a night tour costs $33.20. I would recommend buying the 2 day pass, as it is only a little more, and if you like it you have an easy transportation option to see the city! The 2 day pass also includes a river cruise.
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CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, I've compiled a list of 10 activities that a sixteen-year-old on crutches would enjoy in New York in February. I have noted when she may particularly enjoy them due to her interest in gymnastics, books, and TV shows. If you would like more items, please submit another request and we'll pick up where we left off!
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