A trip to the Statue of Liberty should be at the top of the
list for any family trip to New York City. It’s an iconic site that your kids
will come across again and again, so how cool would it be for them to be able
to say that they were actually there? On top of that, a visit to the Statue
includes a round-trip ferry ride, and the island itself is a national park, so
it features a Junior Ranger program (find out more about it here).
If you want to get the most out of your experience, however, you’ll need to
plan ahead. Here’s what you can expect.
How Do We Get to the
Statue?
The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, so
you’ll need to hop on a boat to get there. The only ferry company that accesses
Liberty Island is Statue Cruise Lines. No other ferry
docks at the island. There are two departure points – Battery Park in Lower
Manhattan, and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
If you’re visiting NYC, you’ll most likely be departing from
Battery Park. Try to snag a spot on the right side of the ferry to see the NYC skyline and Statue on your way over. Both ferries make two stops during their round-trip
sailing, Liberty Island and Ellis Island (you can stay on the boat during the
Ellis Island stop if you don’t wish to get off). Ferries depart every 20 to 30
minutes; here is the schedule.
The ride to each stop is about 15 minutes, and bathrooms are available on
board.
Do I Need to Buy
Tickets in Advance?
There are three levels to the Statue of Liberty: ground,
pedestal, and crown. (Contrary to popular belief, the torch is not accessible
to the public.) If your plan is to climb to the pedestal or crown, you’ll need
to make
reservations in advance, as they frequently sell out. Tickets will
definitely sell out during the summer, so book as early as possible.
How Long Will the
Visit Take?
Allot at least three hours to visit the Statue of Liberty
(longer if you go after 10am, if you plan on visiting Ellis Island, or if you intend to eat lunch there). Go
as early as possible in the morning. There are lines everywhere – to go through
security, to board the ferry, to rent a locker, to make the climb – and these
lines grow exponentially as it gets later in the day.
What Are the Food
Options?
There is plenty of food available on this excursion. Hot
dog carts abound in Battery Park, the ferries have concession stands that sell
snacks on board, and there’s a decent café on the island that offers everything
from made-to-order hamburgers and paninis to freshly made sushi. If the weather is nice, you can sit at the tables outside
and admire the Manhattan skyline while you eat. You can also bring your own
food.
Can I Bring a
Backpack?
Yes, you can bring whatever bag you’d like, although they
won’t be allowed up to the crown (to the pedestal is fine). All bags, including
purses, must be placed in a locker for a nominal fee just before you enter that
section of the Statue.
How Should We Dress?
Remember that the Statue of Liberty is an outdoor activity
that’s located on the water. If it’s chilly out, it’ll be even more chilly (and windy) on
the ferry ride. Layers are a good idea, since you’ll get hot during the climb.
If it’s warm out, wear hats and bring water, as there’s no shade at the top
level of the ferry or on the grounds of Liberty Island. Water is a good idea in
general, as the climb to the top of the Statue can be tiring and everyone
should stay hydrated.
First, check to make sure crown tickets still available.
They sell out months in advance during the warmer months. If tickets are still available and your kids are able to
handle 126 steps by themselves, then yes, I highly recommend climbing up to the
crown! It’s a fun and memorable experience because the spiral staircase is
long, narrow and tight – a real adventure that you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s so tight, in fact, that you won’t be able to carry your child safely, so
make sure they can make the trip up and down on their own two feet. There are a
few landings along the way for taking a break if necessary.
Should We Visit Ellis
Island?
We did not make the stop at Ellis Island on the ferry ride
back to Battery Park. The climb up the Statue can be exhausting, and the kids
were in no mood to visit a museum afterwards. Mine are also too young to
appreciate the historical significance of Ellis Island.
If you have a personal interest in the history of Ellis
Island or if you have older children who’ve learned about U.S. immigration,
then I’m sure it would make for a very informative and interesting visit.
Otherwise, I would skip it.
What Else Is Near Battery
Park?
Right in the park is the SeaGlass Carousel, an
amazing experience that your kids are sure to remember. The carousel features
30 sea creatures made of fiberglass and steel that glow, rotate, and bob up and
down in a seemingly random pattern. “Aquatic” music composed specifically for
the ride blare from stereo speakers in each fish, and lights within the domed
building add to the illusion that you are swimming through a bioluminescent
underwater world.
A short walk from Battery Park is the Brooklyn Bridge, which
you can walk or bike across into the borough of Brooklyn. Blazing
Saddles on South Street rents bikes for all ages, including trailers
and tagalongs.
A few blocks from Battery Park is the West Thames
Playground, a really well-designed playground that has something for
all ages. It’s located between Albany Street and West Thames Street and
features everything from a sand box to a water play area to several inventive
climbing structures.
For lunch, you could grab a hot dog at one of the numerous
carts that line Battery park – after all, it’s the quintessential New York
experience! But if you want to sit down for a nicer meal, take a 15-minute walk
to Brookfield
Place, an upscale mall that features an amazing food court with a panoramic
view of the Manhattan skyline. It’s an awesome yet casual dining experience,
and everyone in your family will find something they want to eat. Some of the
food stalls include Umami Burger, Fuku, Mighty Quinn’s, and Blue Ribbon.
Definitely save room for the cupcakes from Sprinkles.
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