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Statue of Liberty – The Statue of Liberty is a gift from the French, designed by Frederic-August Bartholdi and built to commemorate America’s 100th birthday. It was unveiled in 1886, and it’s been a big hit ever since. It’s not just size, 305 ft. tall, but she’s very green (the statue is covered with a copper skin). And that’s mom’s face up there – Bartholdi used his mother’s face as inspiration for the statue. |
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To visit the Statue of Liberty, you’ll take the boat from Battery Park, near Castle Clinton, to Liberty Island. In the past, climbing up the inside of the Statue of Liberty on a hot summer’s day was a rite of passage for kids, but now this isn't allowed. Currently, with a timed reservation, families can visit the 10th floor observation pedestal and other museum exhibits (including a full-size replica of Liberty’s face). Click here to reserve your time pass in advance. A reservation isn’t required just to wander around Liberty Island. |
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While gazing up at the Statue of Liberty, here’s some things to look for. Liberty’s crown has seven rays, which symbolize the seven seas and seven continents. The tablet she is holding is inscribed with July 4, 1776 (the 1776 is in Roman numerals). Liberty’s nose is 4 feet, 6 inches long, her mouth is 3 feet wide. |
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Tip: Even with your time pass reservation, you’ll need to take the ferry to Liberty Island, and the lines can get long, so allow plenty of time for the boat ride, so you don’t miss your time slot. |
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Ellis Island – In your family, perhaps your ancestors came through Ellis Island to America. Starting in 1892, twelve million people arrived at Ellis Island, their first step on United States soil, where the fate of immigrants was decided. |
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After you've entered the main building, stop into theater for a 45 min. presentation, “Island of Hope, Island of Tears,” with a 30 min. documentary. Inside the museum, kids can see the Registry Room where immigrants were processed, a dormitory room, clothing and items people brought from their homelands, models of Ellis Island, and most impressive, the Stairs of Separation, three different stairs. The left stair led to the New York ferry, right to the railroad office, and the center stair was for people who were detained (waiting for other relatives to arrive or medical inspections). |
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American Family Immigration History Center – Search to find if your family records are at Ellis Island (1892 –1924). The information to bring with you – name and approximate age at arrival, date of arrival and port of departure. |
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There are loads of picnic tables outside, so if the weather’s nice, bring a picnic. Also, nice views of the Statue of Liberty from Ellis Island. |
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Historical Battery Park - At Castle Clinton, buy your ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (one boat goes to both destinations). Around the Castle is a nice shady garden with benches, and a really great water play area, a water fountain where in summer, the kids can cool off. A new playground is under construction, and there’ll be a great lawn with plenty of grass for picnics. |
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Ferry to Staten Island -- The ferry to Staten Island is a super boat ride around New York harbor, and it’s free! Pick up the ferry at the Whitehall Terminal, and ride to Staten Island, you don’t need to get off, just ride back. The ferry runs every half hour, a one hour ride round trip. Avoid taking the ferry at rush hour, as commuters do use the ferry to get to and from Staten Island. |
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National Museum of the American Indian (One Bowling Green, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House) – An outpost of the Smithsonian, this museum is a treasure trove of art of the Americas – masks from the Northwest, amazing clothing from all over the United States, Navajo weavings, jade from Mexico and gold from Peru. The exhibitions (with goodies from the collections) change each year, but there’s always something fascinating to see. The museum is free and open daily. (If the weather is bad, this is a good place to stop after you’ve visited the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.) |
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Ground Zero – Ground Zero, site of the World Trade Center, is still a hulking hole in the ground, one square mile, but it’s also a hive of construction activity, as the WTC Memorial takes shape . On the eastern end Ground Zero is a glassed in viewing area. It’s worth a visit with kids to Ground Zero – being there in person, the absence of tall skyscrapers in Lower Manhattan speaks volumes. |
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Rockefeller Park - Esplanade (Battery Park City) – Not far from Ground Zero, head over to Battery Park City and one of our favorite parks, Rockefeller Park. This park has an excellent playground, with oodles of climbing structures, sand play area, picnic tables, and chess tables, and bunches of whimsical bronze sculptures (our favorite is the big toe with the little guy). Or you can just sit on the soft green lawn and watch the ferries, tugs and barges out on the Hudson River. |
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Goofy Garden Golf – North Moore and West Side Highway, Pier 25. – Everyone in the family can relax in this neighborhood miniature golf course. Decorated with whimsical mosaics created by local artists, kids and parents, this is a great little break. Golf course is easily accessible from the Franklin St. subway stop. |
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Before you visit the Statue of Liberty, find out about this famous monument, the highest man-made structure in the world when it was completed – who designed the statue, how was it constructed and transported to the United States from France. Gorgeous two-page fold-out of the statue, and other fun facts. (Picture book)
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Kids can read for themselves about the lady – it was first designed as small statues, then bigger ones, 214 crates were used to ship it to the United States, a special pedestal had to be built before the statue was finished. (Easy reader)
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Polish immigrants Krysia Petrowski and her family land at Ellis Island on Christmas Eve. Inside in the Great Hall is an evergreen tree, music and dancing, and a Christmas surprise. Beautiful illustrations capture the adventure and hope of Ellis Island. (Picture book)
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In 1922, eleven-year-old Yehuda Weinstein and his mother and sister left Russia, and came on a ship to the United States. Detained at Ellis Island, the medical inspectors were about to send Yehuda back to Russia, but he proved he was healthy after all. A true story, with photographs and postcards of the time. (Picture book)
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At Ellis Island
Louise Peacock, Walter Lyon Krudop
A young Armenian girl travels alone from to America, but arriving at Ellis Island, since she is under sixteen, she cannot enter the United States. Will her papa come in time to pick her up? Ellis Island experiences comes alive with first person stories, historical photographs and illustrations, like a scrapbook. (Picture book)
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(More children's books on other New York City pages) |
