Visiting the Statue of Liberty is an absolute MUST DO for all first time visitors to New York. This visit marked my 7th time to see Lady Liberty and, to be honest, I have loved every visit. There are a couple of options to get to Liberty Island. First is to purchase your tickets through the NPS or utilize your CityPass.
TIP: Whichever option you choose, purchase in advance. In particular, if you would like a Crown Access tour, you will need to purchase your tickets at least 6 months in advance.
If you decide to wait until the day of your visit, you can attempt to purchase at Castle Clinton in Battery Park. It is the ONLY authorized location to purchase tickets. Beware of illegal ticket vendors! Once you are in line to board the boat, be prepared for an extensive screening process. The ferry ride over is enjoyable and there are snack and drinks available for purchase. Since it’s on the more expensive side, I recommend bringing your own snacks/drinks.
After enjoying seeing the Statue of Liberty in person and taking all the required pictures, visit the gift shop. Besides offering the normal t-shirt selections, there are a ton of great items to buy to remember your trip. Don’t forget to pick up a Christmas ornament for your family travel tree! While it’s easy to overdo it on souvenirs, we usually tell our boys to each pick 2 things that they really like (and there is a price limit).
Your post reminded me of our trip to NYC. My husband surprised me with a weekend getaway to NYC during Christmastime (just the 2 of us). It was my first time in NY and I loved it! We are actually planning on taking our 2 teen boys for their first time in NYC in December of 2020. My husband & I visited many of the same places you list here. Thank you for the memories!
Cynthia….Thank You so much for your kind words and hope that your 2020 visit with your boys is just as memorable!
NYC is one of my favourite places! I wish I had the opportunity to visit when I was a child, it’s so incredible! And I definitely agree with getting a CityPass you can save so much money with them!
Laura…Thank You for your commentary as City Pass is definitely a budget saver in NYC. Anytime we ask our youngest about vacation ideas, he always wants to go back so he’s definitely got the “NYC Bug”!
I love NYC too 🙂 I just spent a week there 10 days ago and loved it all over again! The High Line is a great thing to see and I loved Chelsea Market too. My favourite thing was the One World Observatory on the top of the new tower. What an amazing view!
Lesley…Thank You for your comments! The High Line, Chelsea Market, and the One World Observatory are definite must-sees for a first-time visitor to NYC.
I still don’t have kids but I can understand how things change with them. I have never been to NYC, let me wait and visit it with my family so!
NYC is a great place to visit solo or with kids so you won’t be disappointed!
This must have been a great trip! And your pictures are wonderful. Looks like you had great weather and blue skies. I grew up in the area but didn’t go as much as I should have. Now, as a grown up, I want to take my child there to see everything. Someday soon, hopefully!
Susan…Thank You for the kind words and it was a great trip indeed! Hoping you guys get to visit soon. When you do, please come back and post your experiences as well!
Excellent! I think my child will enjoy NYC, and although I don’t think he’s ready for 9/11, we’re definitely making a stop by Ellis.
Marco….the 9/11 Museum is on a “case by case” basis with young kids, but the memorial itself is a great place to stop and reflect. Ellis Island is fantastic!
New York is my favorite city of all time. And reading this list just made me relive all my good times. Great compilation and from the looks of it, I have to agree that NYC can be a lot of fun with kids!
Your post reminded me that I should start doing a visa to the US. I hope sometime I’ll visit New York for a week or two.
I was in New York recently though I don’t have kids, I still enjoyed many of these activities.
Laura….awesome to hear and Thanks for posting! What was your favorite thing to do in NYC?
Yes! Finally someone writes about xun.
My husband and I were just talking about taking the kids to NYC this year. They are always talking about it so it would be perfect. Now I know what to do because we were lost on what to do.
All great suggestions! I love seeing my hometown through the eyes of my kiddos.
It’s been so long since we’ve been to NYC! I can’t wait to take my kids again so they can experience it all!
My kids are fascinated by the Statue of Liberty. It would be so fun to take them to see it someday.
There are so many places I want to go with my kids. This is something we should put on our list.
I love New York so much and I cannot wait to take my daughter one day when she is old enough.
Great post with some really good ideas! Love NYC and would be great to go back – didn’t go to Katz Deli last time so is definitely on the list for next time