Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with kids: a parent’s guide

A ferry ride, a giant copper statue and an island to explore: the Statue of Liberty is one of the easiest big sights in New York to enjoy with children. It still helps to plan. Security lines, bag rules and a long day on two islands can wear out small legs. Here is what parents need to know before they go.

Ticket ages and prices

Statue City Cruises runs the ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Its ticket ages are simple:

• Ages 3 and under: free, with no ticket or reservation needed.
• Ages 4 to 12: child ticket.
• Ages 13 and up: adult ticket.

The pedestal has no age or height limit. Children must stay with an adult. You can climb the stairs or use the elevator. The crown is different: there is no minimum age, but climbers must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall and able to climb the stairs on their own. Le Way Go doesn’t sell Crown tickets. They’re sold only by Statue City Cruises.

Every ferry ticket includes the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Our Pedestal Access tour starts at $55 per adult, with lower prices for children.

Strollers, bags and the security line

Everyone goes through airport-style screening at Castle Clinton in The Battery before boarding. The time on your ticket is when to join the security line, not the ferry departure. At busy times the wait can be an hour or more, so arrive on time with snacks ready.

What is allowed where

• Ferry and islands: strollers are welcome. Suitcases, carry-on luggage and other large bags aren’t allowed on the ferry.
• Inside the pedestal: no strollers, no backpack-style bags (drawstring bags included), and no food or drinks except water in a clear plastic bottle.
• Lockers: at the monument entrance, for up to 2 hours, with a 25-cent deposit (quarters only; change machines are on site). There’s stroller parking nearby because strollers don’t fit in the lockers.
• Before the ferry: the security area has no lockers, so pack light.

Local tip: bring a small baby carrier if you have a toddler. The stroller stays outside the pedestal, and the stairs are easier with free hands.

How long to plan with kids

The ferry leaves The Battery and stops at Liberty Island first, then Ellis Island, then returns. You choose how long to stay at each stop.

• Liberty Island only: plan about half a day, counting security, the ferry, the pedestal, the museum and a snack break.
• Both islands: plan most of the day, and take an early ferry. The park service recommends this if you want to see both.
• When to skip Ellis Island: with toddlers, or if naps matter. Ellis Island is mostly an indoor museum, best for school-age kids and family history fans. You can stay on the ferry and ride back.

Keeping kids interested

Become a Junior Ranger

The National Park Service runs a free Junior Ranger program. On Liberty Island, go into the Statue of Liberty Museum next to the flagpole and ask for a booklet and pencil. Kids complete activities on both islands, review their booklet with a ranger, take the Junior Ranger Oath and get a badge. Turn the booklet in at the museum’s front desk before the end of the day.

Listen as you walk

Every Le Way Go booking includes the Le Way Go City Guide, with a Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island audio tour in five languages. One link works on every phone in your group, so older kids can listen on their own. In the iPhone or Android app, download the audio tour on Wi-Fi before you leave. Downloaded tours play offline. The browser version needs an internet connection.

Things to spot

• The broken chain at Lady Liberty’s feet (best seen from the pedestal)
• The tablet in her left hand and the points of her crown
• The Manhattan skyline from the ferry, both going and coming back
• The huge Great Hall on Ellis Island, where new arrivals once waited

Food and restrooms

• On the ferry: snack stands on each deck sell hot dogs, chips, pretzels and drinks.
• Liberty Island: the Crown Café serves pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries and more. It also has a nursing station.
• Ellis Island: the Ellis Café has a similar menu.
• April to September: outdoor kiosks sell ice cream, drinks and snacks.
• Restrooms: family restrooms are available. Go before you join the pedestal line or board the ferry.

Snacks are handy for the security line and the ferry. Food isn’t allowed inside the pedestal, so finish it or put it in a locker first. Rules for picnics on the islands can change, so check with the National Park Service before you go.

Which tour fits your family

With young children, Pedestal Access is the simplest choice: one ferry ticket, the climb up the pedestal and no fixed schedule on the islands. The Big Bus combo works well if you have more days in the city. The bus lets tired legs rest between sights. The Hard Hat Tour is for families with teens only: children under 13 aren’t allowed.

Ready to book?

Each tour includes the official Statue City Cruises ticket and the Le Way Go City Guide with New York audio tours. Your ticket arrives by email 24 hours before departure. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. See our FAQ for more.

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