I have decided to re-name my current series of posts “COVID-Cautious” rather than COVID-Safe. This is because…who knows what really is safe anymore (besides locking yourself up at home ☹️) ?Anyway, our latest adventure brought us to one of the most iconic symbols of New York. Here’s what our day at The Statue of Liberty with kids was like.
Preparing for your trip
In order to visit the statue, you will first need to purchase a timed ticket online. Before you start planning, you should know that (due to the Coronavirus) all indoor venues are currently closed. This is true for both Liberty and Ellis Islands. As a result of these closures, plus the absence of tourists in NYC, there were very few others on our journey. Of course that’s bad for business, but it made our day relatively COVID-safe.
To start your adventure, you must first travel to Battery Park, at the tip of Manhattan. We decided to drive down there. Don’t do what we did! Despite the fact that parking regulations have dramatically changed in our city, there are still very few spots to be found downtown. We ended up with a ticket ☹️.
Once in the park, make your way to the Castle Clinton National Monument. This old fort is the current entry point to board the ferry to Liberty Island. It was here that we met our friend and today’s guide, Amy. Amy is a super talented musical theater actor who also happens to be a New York State licensed tour guide. She is personable and engaging, and as you can imagine, her speaking voice is a pleasure to listen to. She has an incredible memory for facts and anecdotes, and she is a gifted and interesting storyteller. In case you’re wondering, Amy observes the strictest of COVID regulations. She wears a mask and remains socially distant while emotionally present. I highly recommend taking a tour with Amy!
Getting To Liberty Island
Together we endured “airport-like security”, but no worries, with no lines, it takes about three seconds to go through. Amy told us that pre-COVID on a normal day, she sometimes waited on that line for more than an hour! (I did take a photo, but the security personnel told me that was prohibited, so I will omit it from my post).
It was a beautiful (but HOT!) summer day when we boarded the near empty Miss Ellis Island ferry. We all enjoyed the breeze while marveling over the spectacular views of Manhattan.
NOTE: All security staff, boat crew members and employees on Liberty Island were wearing masks. Most (but not all) visitors were courteous enough to don their face coverings when they were not able to socially distance.
Did you learn anything new?
I hadn’t been to Liberty Island since I was about the age that my twins are now (10). It was just as thrilling as the first time to stand next to this huge symbol of freedom. While we walked around the island, Amy told us many interesting facts and stories. The one I found most fascinating was that original idea for the statue was not to welcome the influx of immigrants into our country! I’m not sure why I never heard this previously (yet another failing of the American school system, perhaps?!), but the actual story is as follows:
When the Civil War ended and the Emancipation Proclamation was passed, a French abolitionist wanted to celebrate the freeing of the slaves. Édouard de Laboulaye worked with an artist named Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi to make his vision a reality. The original design of the sculpture had Lady Liberty holding broken chains to indicate her freedom. The wealthy patrons paying for the raising of the sculpture were themselves former slave owners, so they were not fond of this detail. Therefore, the chains were removed and placed near Lady Liberty’s feet. Sadly, they are hardly visible today, and most people are not even aware of this true story.
Tips for visiting The Statue of Liberty with Kids:
- The paths on the island are smooth and well paved. They are easy for walking, strollers or wheelchairs.
- There are plenty of grassy, shaded areas to relax or indulge in a picnic.
- Snack stands, restrooms and souvenirs are available on the ferry and the island.
- The boat from Battery Park to Liberty Island was quick (about 15 minutes).
- The ferry back to Manhattan is longer because it stops at Ellis Island (you may not disembark).
- I think our entire trip was less than three hours.
- If you are looking for an amazing, NYS Licensed tour guide, get in touch with Amy at amyisatourguide@gmail.com
