My husband and 13 yr old daughter and I are staying in a family member's company's apartment on Central Park West/62nd St from Tues nite til Saturday afternoon. 1st time for my daughter, first time since family trips as kids or college group stuff for my husband and me. (We're from NH)We'll do our turkey and watch the parade from the front window(!) and then watch football/and or walk in the park for the holiday. Trying to make plans for dining, shopping and sightseeing on Wednesday and Friday. Any tips or suggestions?? Thanks....

While Thanksgiving is a wonderful time in NYC, be forewarned that that Friday is the most hectic shopping day of the year! You're staying in a great location, especially for watching the parade.
As for things to do, it might be a little cold for the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan. But, if it's warm for the season, definitely take it! Your 13-year-old (as well as you and her husband) will probably enjoy the New York City Ballet's version of the Nutcracker and the Christmas show at the newly refurbished Radio City Music Hall. Get tickets in advance for both of those productions!
Don't let my warning about the crowds stop you from shopping at Macy's or along Fifth Avenue. Just be prepared for crowds. If the holiday windows are are done yet, don't miss those at Lord & Taylor and Saks. Unfortunately, you'll be too early to see the big decorated tree in Rockefeller Center.
You're right at Lincoln Center, so certainly look around there.

Forgot one thing: Make sure you watch them blowing up the giant parade balloons the night before (i.e., Wednesday) on the upper West 70s, just of Central Park West.

Excellent advice from Howard (the balloon inflating is a lot of fun and I don't think many tourists think to go to it). As for shopping, if it's not bitterly cold I'd suggest either SoHo and NoLiTa (a name I swore I'd never endorse, but it's everywhere-stands for North of Little Italy) which are full of small boutiques as well as the more mall-like stores (Banana Republic, etc.). A 13 year old might especially like French Connection and Anthropology, both on West Broadway, Tocca on Mercer, J. Crew on Prince (or is it Spring?), Yellow Rat Bastard on Broadway, Betsy Johnson and Anna Sui on Greene. Plus there's a great toy store on Mercer, called The Enchanted Forest, that leans toward older kids. If you go up Broadway a few blocks, into NoHo, there's teenage girl heaven with shops like Tower Records, Antique Boutique, Blades Board and Skate, Urban Outfitters, and more, more, more (with the accompanying crowds to boot). Or, a more convenient shopping excursion would be Columbus, Amsterdam and Broadway Avenues all in the 70's and 80's. Not my neck of the woods so I can't be more specific, but it would complement a trip to the Museum of Natural History, if that appeals.

As for sightseeing, there's the standard list of museums (Natural History, Met, MOMA, Frick, Whitney) of which perhaps the Guggenheim is best for teens since it has edgy yet accessible art and is basically skate boarding heaven (which, of course, is prohibited, but it does make it fun). I think the Statue of Liberty is overrated but the Staten Island ferry gives you a great view of it for free, if it's a must see. The top of either the World Trade Center or Empire State. A movie at a classic theater is another option-the Ziegfeld on 54th comes to mind.

And for dining, Serendipity 3, on either 60th or 61st on the East side, is great for kids and ice cream-loving adults. Go for the frozen hot chocolate or hot fudge sundaes. If shopping takes you to Saks at lunchtime, try the SFA cafe on one of the top floors, and try to get a window seat so you can look down on Rockefeller Center and the ice skaters. If you like that sort of thing (and at 13, I did) there are all the theme restaurants on 57th: Hard Rock Cafe, Jekyll & Hyde, Planet Hollywood. I've heard a lot about Mars 2112 (or Mars some date, I'm sure someone else knows for sure) as a good place to take teens for dinner. And, finally (whew!) you can just stroll up Columbus. You're bound to find something you'll all want to eat before you hit 80th St. Have a wonderful time!

The Friday after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day in New York, and that's saying something, but if you get an early start it won't be as bad. Try SoHo before noon when the crowds get thick. My 13 year old stepdaughter Juli loves South Street Seaport---there's lots of little stores, great views, and both food courts and full service restaurants. She even liked touring the historic ships.
If you're interested in show tickets, Juli is a big fan of Annie Get Your Gun and Rent.

Thanks for the quick replies and all the great ideas!

I don't think anyone has mentioned the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show-it is somewhat corny but really does get one in the Christmas mood. And the hall was just renovated so it should look gorgeous. Another recently renovated place is Grand Central Station-the ceiling alone is worth a trip to see, plus there are now lots of shops and restaurants there. Your daughter might enjoy the Virgin Records Megastore on Times Square.