Staten Island Ferry
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
Staten Island Children's Museum
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.
Greenbelt Nature Center
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.
Clove Lakes Park
Clove Lakes Park is Staten Island's premier family destination, offering 193 acres of natural beauty and year-round activities. With three scenic lakes, multiple playgrounds, an ice skating rink, paddle boat rentals, and extensive walking trails, this park provides endless entertainment for families looking to spend quality time outdoors without leaving the borough.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach
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.