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Statue of Liberty
Historical Landmark in New York City, New York
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island
Jersey City, NJ 07305
201-915-3400
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Statue of Liberty Description
The ferry takes you from Battery Park to Liberty Island, where you can climb as high as the Statue's feet (the stairs to the very top are currently closed). Statue tickets are free, but you need a time-stamped pass, which is best gotten in advance online. You then re-board the ferry for the 15-minute hop to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum. Though younger kids might get bored once the fun of the ferry ride is over, the older ones (and you) can't help but be moved by hearing immigrants recount their experiences there and seeing the displays showing the possessions people packed, ship manifests, and photographs of the people who made America great.
Historical Landmark
Kid Tips
Pre-Teens & Teens: Have your child type in the name of an ancestor (your grandparents or great-grandparents, perhaps) in the Ellis Island website before you go to do a little family-tree research.
Planning Notes
- Go early, especially in the summer. There are often long lines for the ferry from the New York side (you can also travel from New Jersey), so rouse early and plan to be at the terminal for the first ferry, at 8:30 a.m. Street performers and food vendors make time in the lines less onerous later in the day.
- Buy tickets in advance. They're sold on the ferry's website.
- Consider packing a picnic lunch. There are limited food selections available on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, but prices can be high. Picnicking is allowed in both locations and lets you enjoy the striking views.
Just the Facts
Hours: Ferry: daily 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ferries run every 15-30 minutes.
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: Half day
