7 Unforgettable Highlights from Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Field Trip

1. Ferry Ride to and from the Island

The Statue of Liberty is on an island and the only way to go into the island is to catch a ferry either from Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park in New York. The ferry ride gives you access to both the Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty Island.

2. Bird’s Eye View through the Crown, Pedestal and Museum

For homeschoolers, the Pedestal Museum is a must. It is where most information about the statue is located. Plus, you get a better view of the New Jersey and New York harbor being in the pedestal. Be prepare to climb 192 small steps going to the pedestal. While there are elevators available, the lines are long and probably reserve to those who can’t take the stairs. If your child is gearing towards engineering, climbing the crown would be worth it. It will give the child a glimpse of an engineering marvel inside the actual statue.

3. Walking Around the Island Path

Walking around the Statue of Liberty Island gives you a glimpse of the Hudson river, New York skyline, Manhattan and Brooklyn bridge, and the New Jersey skyline. Take it slow. There is no need to rush. This also gives your different views of the statue.

4. Earning the Junior Ranger Badge

The Ellis Island Migration and Statue of Liberty allows you to earn one Junior Ranger Badge for each! This means when you’re done, you have two junior ranger badge with you as a souvenir. The National Park Services has changed the activities as one two-pager instead of a booklet so that makes it easier to get that badge. Be prepared to spend at least 3 hours on each site to complete the Junior Ranger Badge and still enjoy the features that are in store for visitors.

5. Statue of Liberty Museum

The Statue of Liberty Museum is the newest feature addition in the island. This is a must for homeschoolers! Since it is newer it is more modern. If you don’t feel like going up the statue’s pedestal this is the best alternative. This is where the Junior Ranger Badge activities are located. In here, you’ll find a real size replica of the Statue of Liberty’s face, feet and the original torch made with copper! There is also digital screen where you can participate by taking a picture of yourself in one of the kiosk stands and wait for it to appear in the digital screen.

6. Immigration and Ellis Island

Go through the immigrant experience through the Ellis Island. If your family is looking to migrate somewhere or immigrants of United States, this is a must. Kids have enjoyed this part of the park because it inspires hope and freedom.

7. Full Circle through NJ Liberty State Park

The NJ Liberty State Park hosts the train stations that brings the immigrants from Ellis Island to different parts of the United States. So this plays a very important role to complete the circle of an immigrant. This is where they go after they are cleared in the immigration and allowed to enter the United States.