The Statue of Liberty is one of the world’s most popular monuments and a must for family visits to New York City. Read on for my Statue of Liberty tips including what you need to know before you go.
(Note: Due to Covid restrictions, the pedestal and crown are currently closed. Statue of Liberty Museum and theater are open with limited capacity. Ellis Island Museum is open, but theaters remain closed. All visitors must wear face coverings and keep socially distanced.)
Top 5 Statue of Liberty Tips
Everyone rushes to The Statue of Liberty in the summer but fall and spring are also ideal seasons to visit. Be sure to charge your cellphone and bring binoculars for kids.
TICKETS AND PRICING
1- To avoid long lines, buy tickets in advance! Book tickets online at Statue City Cruises, the official operator of ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on behalf of the National Park Service. Prices for the ferry and museum/grounds are $12 for children 4-12, $23.50 for adults and $18 for seniors. Additional charges apply for crown and or pedestal access (NOTE: These options are currently closed due to Covid). Children under 4 are free and you will definitely want to bring a stroller.
Summer and fall are the busiest times to visit so reserve a week or two in advance for pedestal access and four-six months in advance for crown access. Print tickets at home and go straight to the Battery Park security line behind Clinton Castle. Weekdays draw fewer crowds and unless you visit in summer, be prepared for a breezy ferry ride.
WHERE TO GO? CROWN VERSES PEDESTAL AND GROUNDS
2 – Before you book tickets, assess your family’s stamina and patience levels and decide on your viewing plan. To visit the crown, kids need to be at least 48 inches tall and able to climb 377 steps. Keep in mind that the security and ferry lines can be fairly long and it might take an hour or so to arrive on Liberty Island. Be sure to board the ferry at least two hours before your ticket time.
On our first trip, we got pedestal tickets and the views were amazing (I did have to lift my daughter to see over the ledge). With these tickets, you can also walk around the entire star-shaped multi-level base which wasn’t crowded and offered plenty of room to run around and take in the amazing views.
On our second visit with friends, we went up to the crown.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown
STATUE OF LIBERTY TIPS – WHAT TO BRING
3 – This day trip will take at least a few hours so bring snacks and pack lunch if you’re planning an afternoon visit. Food and beverages are allowed on the ferry and on Liberty Island but you will need to store these items in a locker ($2 for two hours so bring dollar bills) if you go inside the statue. Cameras, phones and water bottles are permitted inside. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry, Liberty Island and Ellis Island but choices are limited/fast food and pricy.
GRAB A FREE AUDIO TOUR
4 – When the ferry arrives on Liberty Island, go directly to the audio tour booth and pick up a free audio tour for everyone in your group. Tours are available in multiple languages and there is a children’s version narrated by a bird that even young children will enjoy. You can go at your own pace and still listen to the tours which is nice. This was my daughter’s first audio tour and I was amazed to see her pointing out the information she was hearing and talking about what the bird was telling her.
The Statue of Liberty Museum The Statue of Liberty Museum The Statue of Liberty Museum The Statue of Liberty Museum The Statue of Liberty Museum The Statue of Liberty Museum
DON’T MISS THE MUSEUM AND JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
5 – For families with kids of all ages, be sure to check out the new Statue of Liberty Museum which opened in 2019. The new space features sweeping views, a theater experience, the original torch, historical mementos and more. For kids ages 7-12, print out a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet. Return a completed copy to the Liberty Island information center to receive a Junior Ranger Badge.
If you still have energy, continue on to Ellis Island and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Each return ferry stops here before heading back to Battery Park.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ellis Island Immigration Museum 
Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Have you visited The Statue of Liberty? What was your favorite memory?
Visit City Experiences for other world-class water and land-based experiences across the US including iconic NYC sightseeing cruises and attractions including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory and more.
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Such a comprehensive article. You are always so prepared and make it so easy for other parents to give their children a wonderful experience. Especailly nice that you get to show your daughter at all different ages what a historic place it is to spend time. The older she gets the more she will know. Some New Yorkers have never even gone once. Good for you, giving her such wonderful experiences.
Great article and beautiful pictures! Takes me right back to when I visited a number of years ago and makes me want to go again with expert tips this time! You covered everything.
I really appreciate you writing this wonderful review. It makes me more aware of what lays ahead when my mom comes to visit. Thank you!