Statue of Liberty National Monument
Iconic symbol of freedom on Liberty Island
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
3-5 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor with indoor museum
Weather Fit
Open year-round; dress for the weather
Stroller Access
Yes on island; not in pedestal/crown
Washrooms
On-site restrooms available
Food
Café and gift shop on island
Parking
Paid parking at Battery Park or Liberty State Park
Booking
Recommended; required for crown/pedestal
Parent Effort
Medium (security queues, ferry schedule)
A must-see American landmark that combines history, stunning harbor views, and an engaging museum experience. Families should plan ahead for security screening and ferry schedules, but the payoff is an unforgettable visit to one of the world's most recognizable monuments.
About This Place
The Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island in New York Harbor is one of America's most iconic landmarks, a colossal copper statue gifted by France in 1886 representing freedom and democracy. Visitors access the island by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and can explore the grounds, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, and — with advance tickets — access the pedestal or the crown for views across New York Harbor. The monument also encompasses nearby Ellis Island, the historic immigration gateway.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 08:30 – 17:30
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Junior Ranger Program
Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge while learning about liberty and democracy.
Family Audio Tours
Special audio tours designed for children ages 6-10 in 12 languages.
Statue of Liberty Museum
Interactive exhibits and the original 1886 torch captivate all ages.
Ellis Island Included
All ferry tickets include access to the Ellis Island immigration museum.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Ferry Required
- Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry; tickets start at $26 for adults, $17 for children 4-12, free for under 4.
- Security Screening
- Airport-like screening required before boarding; arrive early as queues can exceed an hour at peak times.
- Crown Access Restrictions
- Crown tickets require climbing 162 spiral steps; children must be at least 4 feet tall. Not recommended for young children or those with mobility limitations.
- Pedestal Access
- Requires advance reservation; strollers, backpacks, and large bags are prohibited inside.
- Prohibited Items
- No weapons, drones, large bags, suitcases, or audio amplification devices allowed on ferries or islands.
- Lockers Available
- Lockers available at monument entrance for pedestal/crown visitors; 25¢ deposit required.
- Weather
- Ferries operate rain or shine; outdoor areas are exposed, so bring sun protection or rain gear as needed.
Kid Fit by Age
Stroller-friendly grounds and free ferry admission; long queues and ferry rides may be tiring.
Enjoy running on the lawns and seeing the statue up close; crown/pedestal access is not suitable.
Junior Ranger programs and family audio tours engage this age; the museum has interactive elements.
Best age for Junior Ranger activities, audio tours, and understanding the historical significance.
Can appreciate the museum exhibits, climb to the crown, and explore Ellis Island independently.
Crown climb, Ellis Island hard-hat tours (13+), and panoramic harbor views appeal to this age.
Insider Tips
Book crown or pedestal tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly, especially in summer.
Purchase ferry tickets only from the official Statue City Cruises website or office to avoid scams.
Take the earliest ferry possible to experience both Liberty and Ellis Islands with fewer crowds.
Download the NPS app before your visit for maps and up-to-date park information.
- •All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening before boarding ferries.
- •Crown access involves climbing 162 narrow spiral staircase steps with no elevator alternative.
- •Keep children close during boarding and disembarking from ferries.
- •Stay on designated paths and follow ranger instructions on the island.
- •The grounds of Liberty Island are accessible via wheelchair and stroller.
- •The Statue of Liberty Museum is fully accessible.
- •The pedestal has limited accessibility; the crown is not accessible by elevator.
- •Open-captioned films and descriptive audio tours are available for visitors with hearing or vision impairments.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest times to visit. Summer weekends and holiday periods see the longest security queues and ferry crowds. Arrive early for the first ferry departures to maximize your time.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxGovernment-issued photo ID for all adults (required for crown/pedestal access)
- check_boxSunscreen and hats for exposed outdoor areas on the island
- check_boxWater in a clear plastic bottle (metal and glass bottles prohibited in pedestal/crown)
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes for exploring the island and potential climbing
- check_boxQuarters for locker deposits if visiting the pedestal or crown
Location
Address
Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004
Phone
+12123633200
Last checked: 2026