There are multiple ferry options that sail around the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis island taking the family on an exciting and leisurely boat ride.
Statue Cruises is the one that has the best price, a snack bar, and toilets. There is also a ramp to get on the first level so you can bring your stroller (be aware, strollers, backpacks, food, drinks, and umbrellas are not permitted in the Statue).
To not spend much time queueing, book the first ferry of the day. The duration of the round-trip to both islands is about half a day (3-5 hours).
To board the cruise come to New Jersey (Liberty State Park), easy access from the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78. Other cruises can also be boarded from Battery Park in New York.
Inside the island of the Statue of Liberty, there are picnic areas and tables and a big cafeteria nearby the ferry terminal. The ferry offers FREE self-guided audio tours included in the ticket. Statue of Liberty Museum includes three interactive galleries that tell the Statue of Liberty National Monument history.
The Ellis Island features National Museum of Immigration.
You can buy combination tickets to these museums with your Statue Cruise ferry ticket.
Tickets (general admission): adults $24, children (4-12) $12, children under 4 – FREE. Ticket provides access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
