Visiting the Statue of Liberty with kids is one of our favorite US road trip stops on the East Coast.
It’s an obvious choice if you’re in Manhattan, but we actually first visited from the New Jersey side and (hot take?) I think it’s a highly underrated and much easier experience than from the city.
Visiting from Liberty State Park, NJ
When I told Chelsea about our NC to Maine fall road trip, she’s the one who immediately suggested stopping by the Statue of Liberty from the NJ side. We had many other city stops along the way and I already knew I wanted to go back for a full NYC trip when we had more time.
As I was mapping our route, it was quickly clear that she was right (shocker). Liberty State Park is literally less than a mile off of I-95 as we were headed north.
I looked up the Statue City Cruises information and easily grabbed tickets for the 6 of us leaving from NJ and stopping at both Ellis Island and the Statue.
One of the coolest parts about leaving from New Jersey was the terminal and the dock itself. See the historic Immigrant Waiting Room below – are you kidding me?!
Also parking was super easy & there weren’t any crowds or huge lines waiting to get on the ferry.
From either departure point, the ferry ride and the views of Manhattan are truly breathtaking. Our kids especially loved sitting up top on the ferry and pointing out landmarks in the city or tracking the Statue as she got closer or further away.
Stop at both Ellis Island & Liberty Island
Your ferry ticket includes the option to stop at both Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Obviously Lady Liberty is drawing everyone to actually visit the Statue & Liberty Island, but I definitely suggest actually disembarking and visiting Ellis Island as well.
The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is SO well done. Our kids loved it (see the Jr Ranger info below) and it is an incredibly moving & emotional experience as an American.
My husband has family members who actually immigrated through Ellis Island, which makes it even more meaningful and personal for us. Their names are on the walls outside, so getting to share that with the kids (and their grandparents back home) will forever be one of my favorite moments.
Don’t miss the Jr Ranger Program
If you’re visiting the Statue of Liberty with kids, do not skip the Jr Ranger program through the National Parks service. I cannot possibly say enough good things about this – at Ellis Island specifically.
The activities on Ellis Island include imagining yourself as an immigrant coming to America. Thinking through what you would pack, who would go with you and who you’d be leaving behind, what you’re most excited for or nervous about, and all kinds of details.
Our 4 kids (ages 6-10 at the time) absolutely loved it and were happily sworn in as Jr Rangers.
Climbing the Statue of Liberty
When we purchased tickets, only Pedestal tickets were available (vs Crown), which honestly is as high as my husband wants go anyway. The kids & I may go back for the Crown next time if we can snag them! If you’re hoping for Crown tickets, make sure to book early.
If you also choose to do Pedestal, just know that the view from here is INCREDIBLE. We were all obsessed with taking photos and videos, as you can see below. Some of my favorite snaps we have up around the house are the polaroid shots the kids took with their Instax cameras.
One thing to note is that when you are actually climbing the pedestal, you must leave all backpacks (even drawstring) and large purses in the lockers on the island. In order to do that, you must have a quarter to pay for the locker!
You’ll get the quarter back, but you have to either have small bills to exchange at the machine or remember to bring your quarter with you. Just a little head’s up in case you’re like me and only stroll around with your phone and credit card / apple pay these days.
Enjoy the ferry rides
One other benefit to traveling to the statue from New Jersey instead of New York is that when we were ready to leave, the line for the New Jersey ferry was MUCH shorter than the one going to Manhattan.
We got on a boat quickly and easily and without large crowds! I’m not sure if that is always the case, but it was true for us in October.
Again, the kids loved the return ferry ride and continued to watch and photograph the Statue the entire ride back to NJ.
Don’t miss this East Coast stop!
All this to say, visiting the Statue of Liberty with kids isn’t something you have to wait for a big NYC trip to do. It’s a super easy & fun stop off of I-95 if you find yourself on an East Coast roadtrip.
The view of Manhattan, learning about our country at Ellis Island, and climbing the Statue of Liberty herself is pretty much the best way to spend a few hours out of the car.
PS – as always when traveling with kids, don’t forget to bring water and snacks!! You can keep these in the locker while you’re in the Statue, but otherwise you’ll be a sucker for $10 lemonade and whatever the gift shop has to offer.
And even if you bring said snacks, you may still be a sucker for the $10 lemonade, but at least it’s a choice at that point…
Looking for other fabulous East Coast stops?
