The Statue of Liberty: A Perfect Day Trip
Today, we planned an exciting visit to one of the most iconic landmarks in New York: Among landmarks symbolizing liberty, the Statue of Liberty stands out for its significant meaning and popularity around the world. It therefore becomes very important to plan for a trip and more so when one is traveling with families. This is how I planned my day at this historic site and how I managed to have a good time.
Planning the Trip:
The first thing that we did was to buy our ferry tickets from Statue City Cruises over the Internet. Tickets can be bought at the door, but generally, it is recommended you purchase the tickets in advance to avoid the queues as well as ensure the ticketing option of your preference is the one available. We settled for a New York Crown Reserve plan which cost $25.30 per person. This ticket covers Round-Trip Ferry to both Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument & Ellis Island to visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Getting There:
The exploration started from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, which is the point from where the ferries originate. This ticket office is situated in the Castle Clinton National Monument which is a circular sandstone fort. There was much enthusiasm when we were approaching the ferry both from our kids who could not wait to get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.
Liberty Island:
The journey to Liberty Island was a tour in itself mainly via the ferries. On coming close to the island we could see the Statue of Liberty rising before our eyes, she was a sight to behold. There is a self-guided tour available on Liberty Island; thus, we can visit the places within our own time limit. I insisted on getting the free audio tour which was very informative on the background and meaning of the Statue of Liberty. The children seemed to be very happy and interested in the symbolic meanings of the statue as well as the history associated with the statue. Wasting no time, I kept strolling around the statue at its bottom, taking photographs from different sides. The scenery of New York City on the island was marvelous and good for taking group photographs for the family.
Ellis Island:
Before proceeding to Ellis Island, we toured around Liberty Island, and later took a ferry back to the island. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, being one of the famous tourist attractions, was enjoyable. There is an affordable price for the tickets in the museum and the exhibits are very informative about immigration to the United States of America. The children were captivated by the people’s history of immigration through Ellis Island and talked more about our ancestors.
Tips for Families:
Start Early: It is advisable to get to Battery Park early in the morning to escape large crowds and to enjoy both islands sufficiently.
Pack Snacks and Water: Although there are provisions for this, there is nothing as good as having your own food and water to make the children comfortable throughout the journey.
Comfortable Footwear: One has to move around a great deal, so it is best to advise all to wear comfortable shoes.
Educational Tools: Some of the wonderful features which were also seen in the museum include the audio guides and the interactive exhibits which are very essential in ensuring that children have fun and learn at the same time while they explore the museum.
Reflections:
To visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was a great excitement for all the members of our family. Checking out the great sight is not just a touristic type of experience; it is more to do with appreciating history and learning from the millions of hearts who can be told of a better life in America. Our kids’ enthusiasm, beautiful sceneries, and the interesting history make it a fantastic day trip. The decision to leave as we did made it so that we felt empowered and comforted that we are able to share this piece of American history with our children.
Our experience:
Visiting New York, if you are a family, you should definitely visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The fact that the site offers scenic views of the city and the monument, historical background, and educational purposes makes this one of the best destinations for all ages. Be sure to pack your spirit of exploration, plus keep in mind awe and inspiration as narrated by the monuments of freedom and hope.
