Photo: GABRIELA VALDERRAMA
Photo: Seweryn Nogalski Beton House
Photo: Joseph Wilmarth Tyna
Staten Island Ferry
FreeActivity
🕑 50 minutes to 1.5 hours (round trip takes 50 minutes; families often spend extra time exploring the terminals or taking photos)👶 Perfect for all ages! Toddlers love watching the water and seagulls, preschoolers get excited about riding a 'big boat,' and older kids appreciate the historic landmarks and photo opportunities. Even teenagers find it Instagram-worthy and genuinely cool.
About
The Staten Island Ferry is an unbeatable FREE adventure that kids absolutely love! This 25-minute ride offers stunning up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline while giving children the thrill of being on a real working vessel. It's one of New York City's best-kept secrets for families,a genuine waterborne experience without spending a dime.
Highlights
- ✓Up-close views of the Statue of Liberty perfect for family photos
- ✓Watching the Manhattan skyline grow closer or farther away from the outdoor decks
- ✓Feeling like a real boat captain as you cross New York Harbor
- ✓Spotting seagulls, tugboats, and other vessels along the way
- ✓The excitement of the ferry docking and departure process
Pro Tips
- 1.Head to the outdoor deck as soon as you board for the best Statue of Liberty views on the right side heading to Staten Island (left side returning to Manhattan)
- 2.Visit during off-peak hours (mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays) to avoid commuter crowds and easily snag window seats
- 3.Bring snacks and drinks since food options onboard are limited, and let kids burn energy exploring the ferry's different levels
- 4.Make it a round-trip adventure,you don't have to get off at Staten Island! Just stay on board for the return journey
- 5.Download the ferry schedule app beforehand as boats run every 15-30 minutes depending on time of day
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mid-mornings (10am-2pm) offer fewer crowds and calmer waters. Sunset rides provide magical lighting for photos and memorable views, though they're more crowded. Avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm weekdays) when the ferry is packed with commuters.
What to Know
Completely FREE,no tickets or reservations needed! The Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan is accessible by multiple subway lines. Strollers and wheelchairs are easily accommodated on the ferry's elevators and spacious decks.
Seasonal Notes
Operates year-round, 24/7. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures on the outdoor decks. Summer can be hot but breezy on the water. Winter rides are magical with fewer crowds, though dress warmly,outdoor decks get very cold. Fourth of July offers spectacular fireworks views.
Nearby Eats
Near the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, try Adrienne's Pizzabar (Stone Street) for excellent pizza in a pedestrian-friendly area, or Shake Shack at Battery Park for kid-approved burgers with waterfront seating.
More Activities Near Staten Island
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Staten Island Children's Museum
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Staten Island Children's Museum at Snug Harbor Cultural Center offers a perfect blend of learning and play for young families. With interactive exhibits featuring everything from creepy crawlies in the bug exhibit to hands-on water play and the popular Block Harbor construction zone, kids can explore, build, and discover at their own pace in a welcoming environment designed specifically for little hands and curious minds.
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The Greenbelt Nature Center offers families an immersive outdoor learning experience right in the heart of Staten Island's 2,800-acre Greenbelt. Kids can get hands-on with nature through pond studies, guided trail walks, and interactive environmental programs that transform learning into adventure. With its welcoming visitor center and expertly-led activities, it's the perfect place to spark a love of nature in young explorers.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach
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This 2.5-mile oceanfront boardwalk offers families the perfect blend of beach fun and urban convenience. Kids can spend hours playing in the sand, exploring multiple playgrounds, watching fishermen on the pier, and enjoying spectacular views of the Verrazano Bridge. It's one of NYC's hidden gems where you can experience a classic beach boardwalk without leaving the city.
Activity
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
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Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden offers 83 acres of diverse experiences that will captivate kids of all ages. From wandering through the stunning Chinese Scholar's Garden to hands-on exhibits at the children's museum, plus wide open lawns perfect for running around and family picnics, this Staten Island gem combines education, nature, and play in one beautiful setting.