Known for its beauty and rich history, the Statue of Liberty is one of those things that you should do at least once in your lifetime (and introduce your kids to this vital part of American history). After all, this iconic tourist attraction is in the backyard of the Garden State, and we consider ourselves lucky to live so close. The best part? You can hop on the ferry, which makes the trip even more exciting for kids. Built in France between 1865 and 1884, this iconic Statue was shipped to New York City in 1885, where it was reassembled on Liberty Island. The crown spikes on the Statue represent the world’s seven oceans and continents and symbolize freedom and opportunity. Read on to learn more about what to expect when you visit the Statue of Liberty for a day of fun, history, and memories. (featured photo credit: stock/Nikada)
Spend The Day At The Statue Of Liberty With The Kids
Hop on a ferry ride
The Statue might steal the spotlight, but kids (and adults!) will find the ferry ride on the Hudson River to get to the island where she stands one of the day’s highlights. On the Jersey side, board the ferry at the Liberty State Park station, a short trip to the Statue. Along the way, you’ll be mesmerized by the views of the New York City skyline. Stand outside and snap some family selfies as you watch the sights and even play a few rounds of I-spy before docking.
Learn the amazing history
Once you embark on the ferry, the Statue of Liberty looms large, and a good place to start is a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum. Opened in 2019, this expansive museum is filled with so much history and knowledge that you could spend so much time just walking around and taking it all in. Inside the museum, you will find a beautiful collection of American heirlooms and interactive exhibits. One of the most impressive parts of the museum is the story behind the sculptures, including her original torch and the passion that helped fuel the Statue’s creation. You can also take a free guided tour around the grounds where a Park Ranger will share everything you want to know about the Statue of Liberty, including how the Statue was a pre-design for the mechanics of the Eiffel Tower in France and the 1980s years-long restoration project.
There is nothing quite like seeing the inside of the Statue of Liberty. Photo Credit: stock/debstheleo
Go inside the Pedestal and Crown
Seeing the Statue of Liberty from the outside is a great way to view the beautiful structure; you can also purchase time entry tickets (sold separately) to go inside the Pedestal and The Crown. Be warned, though—both require a climb, and while the Pedestal has an elevator, the Crown does not. At the Pedestal—the stone structure between the Statue’s bottom and on top of the war fort—climb 10 stories to a platform for beautiful views of Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Manhattan, and the New York Harbor. The Crown is not for the faint of heart—be prepared to climb 162 stairs (equal to a 20-story building) in a tight helix to reach it, but when you do, you’ll be rewarded with 25 windows wrapping around the viewing area, offering the same views of the city and NJ that Lady Liberty has (and you’ll have the badge of honor of saying you did it).
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic site to see. Photo Credit: stock/Sergey Strelkov
What to know before you go
Buying tickets in advance is crucial, and the guided tours include a time-entry ferry ticket, which is the only thing you need because admission to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum is free. Tickets start at $69 per adult and $65 per child. All ferry tickets and tickets to the Crown and Pedestal must be reserved online in advance from our authorized vendor, Statue City Cruises. Beware of unauthorized vendors and ticket sellers who don’t have access to Liberty Island. There are food options on the island; however, bringing your lunch can be cost-effective and allow you to avoid the lines that can form when waiting for food. There are several spots around the island where you can picnic and take in the breathtaking views of Manhattan. You can bring strollers on the ferry and Liberty Island grounds, but not inside the Pedestal or the Crown. There are security checkpoints on the island and entering the Statue with lockers available to store belongings.
For more information about the Statue of Liberty, check out its website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island
New York, NY 12754
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