Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with kids

One ticket covers the ferry from The Battery, Liberty Island and Ellis Island, with an audio tour included. The National Park Service says the two islands can take most of a day, and with children that is true. Small ones like the boat and the size of the statue from below. Ellis Island is a museum and suits readers.

OutdoorLots of movingHistoryViewsWaterFood on siteBook ahead

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, New York

Liberty Island, from The BatterySubway 1 to South Ferry

Tickets

$17per child (4-12)

Adults $26 · free under 4

See tickets on Civitatis

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry + Audioguide

Tickets are sold by Civitatis, the only ticket partner on this page.

Official site

Best time

Take the first ferry of the day. Ticket offices open 30 minutes before the first departure.

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More in New York

American Museum of Natural History Central Park Central Park Zoo Bronx Zoo

The family card

Family card

Minimum ageNo minimumNo minimum for the ferry and grounds. Crown: age 4 and 42 inches (107 cm) minimum

Enjoys from6 years

Duration4h – 6h

StrollerNot confirmed yet

Child priceFree under 4 · about $17 (4-12) · $26 adult · $23 senior (62+). Pedestal or crown adds $0.30

Toilets and changingNot confirmed yet

QueueLong queuesEveryone goes through security screening before boarding. Large coolers are not allowed through.

☀

Best timeTake the first ferry of the day. Ticket offices open 30 minutes before the first departure.

Verdict by age

Not a general rating. How each age band actually experiences it.

0-2

Tiring

3-5

Fine

6-10

Great

11+

Great

Six and up get the most from it, and it is a strong day for teenagers. With under-fives it is long: screening, two boats and a lot of standing. If you only want the view of the statue, the free Staten Island Ferry is the easier choice.

Statue City Cruises is the only authorised ferry, so ignore the sellers on the street. Going inside the statue needs a pedestal or crown reservation, and those sell out months ahead. The crown means 377 steps, and children must be at least 4 years old, 42 inches tall and able to climb alone. Food is sold on both islands and you may bring your own.

Tips for the visit

Buy only from Statue City Cruises or the ticket office inside Castle Clinton in The Battery.
Children 3 and under ride free and need no ticket or reservation.
Crown wristbands are collected in person at the Castle Clinton box office before you board.
Lockers on Liberty Island are for pedestal and crown ticket holders.

Sources

Facts checked on Oct 5, 2026 against these pages: