Times Square and a Broadway Show

Nothing shows the bright flashing lights of New York City like Times Square. The area is filed with large buildings that have enormous television screens on their sides, flashing marquees, television studios, street performers, department stores and Broadway shows. Times Square is one of the centers of activity in New York City and a great place to people watch and observe busy city life. Browse through the local paper to check out what is playing at the wonderful Broadway Theaters. All kinds of shows, from musicals and dance revues to Shakespeare are playing at any given time.

Central Park

This huge 843-acre park, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan, is one of the most famous parks in the world. It is filled with beautiful lawns, meadows, walking trails and twenty-one playgrounds. Inside the park, you will also find dozens of statues, including one of Alice and Wonderland, countless benches, covered bridges, and spectacular fountains. The Central Park Zoo, Friedsam Memorial Carousel, The Dairy, Wollman Memorial Rink (ice skating in the winter and carnival rides in the summer) and the Marionette Theater at the Swedish Cottage are all go-to stops. If you are looking for a little time near some water, take a 1.58-mile walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, watch the swans at The Pond, or rent a rowboat at the 18-acre lake at the Loeb Boathouse.

The Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty National Monument is one park that includes Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty lives, and the immigration center Ellis Island. These two monuments are located in New York Harbor and are visited by taking a ferryboat ride. The 305-foot tall Statue of Liberty was given as a gift to the American people over 100 years ago from France as a symbol of friendship. After arriving at the 12-acre Liberty Island, take a ranger guided tour, visit the original torch in the museum at the base of the statue, or head up the 168 steps to the observatory or 354 steps up to the crown for some great views of the harbor. Don’t forget to become a junior ranger!

Ellis Island

Collect another Junior Ranger Badge at this important place in United States history. Ellis Island was the first stop that people moving to America, from 1892 to 1954, made before entering the United States. During those sixty-two years, twelve million people came through the Immigration Center on their way to a new life. This National Park has a museum to honor these people and their stories. Visitors can view a video, visit the Registry Room, and see the items left behind in the Baggage Room. On your way back to the ferry, walk along the Wall of Honor where 600,000 names of immigrants have been engraved in their memory.