The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. Old Faithful. They are the vacation destinations that define a childhood. What's magical about these spots, we've discovered, is that no matter how many times you see them in photographs, or read about them or view them on TV, they still blow you away in real life. Indeed, visiting them may well be the closest experience the modern American family has to an ancient pilgrimage. So in that spirit, we present a man-made wonder your family will remember for a lifetime, the ever-gracious Statue of Liberty located on Liberty Island in New York City.Note: Only the grounds and pedestal of Liberty Island are open for visitation. The crown and torch will remain closed indefinitely. Click here for up-to-date news. (For other classic family vacations, click on the following links: the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful Geyser, Niagara Falls, and Mount Rushmore.)
LIBERTY ISLAND, NEW YORK, NY
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT: A more moving and tangible tribute to our country's founding principles can't be found. And although every kid knows who she is, there's nothing like seeing her face-to-face--or face to 8-foot-long finger.BEST TIME TO GO: Your safest bets are early morning, in winter or on an overcast day when anyone else might consider staying in bed. No matter what, you will wait in line to climb the statue. If you're there at midday in summer, the wait can be three to four hours.
TOURING STRATEGY: Take the first ferry from Battery Park at 9 A.M. (Round-trip tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for ages 3 and under; 212-269-5755). The ticket and information booth is in Castle Clinton National Monument, itself a diversion if you miss the boat. For the best approaching view of the statue, stake out a spot on the starboard (right) side of the ferry. If you are determined to climb to the statue's crown (354 spiral steps or 22 floors each way), wear sneakers and bring sunscreen, drinks, snacks and diversions for the line. Otherwise, take the elevator to the top of the statue's pedestal, where you'll get an up close view of the statue and a panorama of lower Manhattan. Alternate strategy: Take the ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey (201-435-9499).
INSIDER'S TIP: Views from the statue's small crown windows are nothing spectacular, but being inside the massive sculpture is definitely a thrill. And don't miss the museum, which showcases Liberty's original torch, her famous inscription, a pop art collection of statue memorabilia and a more serious gallery on the history and significance of the statue.
BEST SIDE TRIP: Ellis Island, the second stop on the Statue of Liberty Ferry, is well worth the time. The renovated Immigration Museum--where visitors follow immigrants' footsteps through the Baggage Room, Registry Room and a medical exam room--is upbeat and interactive, with songs, artifacts and audiovisual displays. Older kids will definitely get more out of it. Admission is free.
BEST SOUVENIR: The seven-pointed, spongy halo cut to look like Lady Liberty's crown is a sure hit. One size fits all, in Kermit green. "My kids wore them to shreds," says one Big Apple dad.
KIDS' HIGHLIGHT: Taking a close-up look at the statue's 4-foot 6-inch nose, 2-foot 6-inch eye or 3-foot mouth.
BEST SPLURGE: Consider a two-hour sail past the Statue of Liberty on the Pioneer, a 115-year-old tall ship moored at South Street Seaport. Day and sunset sails are $25 for adults, $20 for students/seniors, and $15 children (12 and under). Pioneer has sailings Memorial Day through mid-September; call 212-748-8590.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
Where it is: On Liberty Island, just south of Manhattan.
Annual visitation: More than 5 million people.
Height above the water: 305 feet.
Year officially presented to the US by France: 1886, to commemorate 100 years of American independence.
Sculptor: Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, with inside scaffolding design by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the very same guy).
Admission: Free.
RESOURCES:
General Information: 212-363-3200.
Recommended guidebook: AROUND NEW YORK CITY WITH KIDS by Mindy Bailin (Fodor's Travel Publications).
Web sites: National Park Service: Statue of Liberty, Are We There Yet?, NYCtourist (for a virtual tour) and Ellis Island.
Rani Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN. Steve Dupuis and Curtis Rist contributed tips to this report.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
