The Best NYC Boat Tour With Kids: What Families Should Know

Taking a boat tour in NYC with kids can actually be one of the easier ways to sightsee as a family.

You can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline (and then some!) without convincing small children to walk another 15 blocks. There’s somewhere to sit. There are bathrooms. There are snacks. And there’s plenty happening outside the window.

But, as any parent knows, the difference between a great family activity and a why did we think this was a good idea? activity usually comes down to logistics:

How long is the cruise? Can you bring a stroller? Is there a changing table? What happens when your toddler suddenly decides they’ve had enough sightseeing?

Starship NYC’s 90-minute Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is designed for all ages, with climate-controlled indoor space, open-air decks, onboard restrooms with changing tables, concessions and live narration. Plenty of room for your kids to run around, while having something to look at (if they’re interested).

Here’s what parents should know before taking an NYC boat tour with kids.

Is a NYC boat tour worth doing with kids?

Yes!

A sightseeing cruise can be one of the easiest ways to see NYC with kids because you can cover several major landmarks without hours of walking.

For families with younger children, look for a cruise with:

• A manageable duration
• Onboard bathrooms
• Changing tables
• Stroller accessibility
• Snacks and drinks
• Indoor space
• Outdoor decks
• Plenty for kids to look at along the way

Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes all of those family-friendly features, along with close-up Statue of Liberty views and live narration.

Is a Statue of Liberty cruise good for toddlers and preschoolers?

Yes.

For toddlers and preschoolers, a sightseeing cruise can be an easier way to see the Statue of Liberty than building an entire day around visiting Liberty Island.

They still get the excitement of spotting Lady Liberty from the water, while parents get bathrooms, snacks, somewhere to sit and a considerably shorter outing.

Starship’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise gets close to Liberty Island, with time built into the route for sightseeing and photos before continuing through New York Harbor.

And there’s something especially useful about sightseeing with little kids when the scenery keeps changing: A game of I-spy!

For instance, one minute they’re looking for the Statue of Liberty. The next there’s a bridge overhead. Then another boat passes. Then there’s the skyline. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained.

Can you take a baby on an NYC boat cruise?

Yes. Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is open to all ages.

If you’re cruising with a baby, the particularly useful part is the boring-but-important stuff:

Strollers are welcome and the onboard restrooms have changing tables.

You can also head inside to the climate-controlled cabin if it gets too hot, cold or windy outside.

That gives parents much more flexibility than an entirely outdoor sightseeing activity, especially when New York weather decides not to cooperate.

Can you bring a stroller on a NYC boat tour?

On Starship NYC Tours, yes.

Strollers are welcome onboard the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise, which can make a huge difference if you’re exploring New York with a baby or toddler. We also have a ramp so you can easily board the boat without having to fold everything up, carry it, and potentially wake a sleeping baby.

(Though, keep in mind if you want to go up-and-down between decks, you’ll have to take the stairs as there is no elevator.”

You also won’t need to spend the entire cruise sitting in one place. The vessels have spacious indoor areas as well as open-air decks, so families can move around and find a spot that works for them.

If you’re bringing a stroller, we’d recommend getting to the pier with enough time before departure that you don’t feel rushed during boarding. Because nobody wants to start a relaxing sightseeing cruise by sprinting down 12th Avenue pushing a stroller.

Where do families board the Starship NYC cruise?

The Landmark Sightseeing Cruise departs from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Avenue in Manhattan.

When you arrive, look for Starship team members wearing blue uniforms. They’ll validate your tickets and direct you toward boarding. (You can ask your kids to spot them!)

One thing parents should know: standard seating is first-come, first-served.

If sitting together in a particular area is important to your family, getting to the pier with some extra time is a good idea.

Are there bathrooms onboard?

Yes.

And this may not be the most glamorous reason to choose one NYC attraction over another, but parents of small children know it can be one of the most important.

Starship NYC vessels have onboard restrooms, including changing tables.

So if you’re cruising with a baby or recently potty-trained toddler, you don’t have to spend 90 minutes nervously calculating the distance back to land.

Are snacks available on the boat?

Yes.

Starship has an onboard concession stand with snacks and beverages available for purchase, along with a full bar for adults.

That’s especially helpful when you’re sightseeing with kids because 90 minutes can apparently be a completely unacceptable amount of time to go without eating something.

Depending on the ticket type you purchase, some passes may also include food or a beverage.

If food options are particularly important for your child because of allergies or dietary restrictions, check the current menu and outside-food policies before your cruise, and just mention it to a crew member. We understand that children and babies may have specific food requirements.

What happens if my kids get restless during the cruise?

This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a boat with both indoor and outdoor areas.

You’re not stuck in one seat for 90 minutes.

Starship’s Landmark Cruise has climate-controlled indoor decks with large windows as well as open-air decks with unobstructed views.

So you can start outside looking at the skyline, head inside for a snack, go back out when you approach the Statue of Liberty and move again when your three-year-old announces that the seat they specifically chose five minutes ago is no longer acceptable.

There’s also live narration throughout the cruise, which gives older kids something to follow as you pass different landmarks.

For younger kids, make your own sightseeing game out of it:

• Who can spot the Statue of Liberty first?
• How many yellow taxis can you see from the river?
• Can you find the Empire State Building?
• Which bridge is your favorite?
• How many boats can you count?

Is there indoor seating on the boat?

Yes.

Starship’s vessels have fully heated and air-conditioned indoor decks with seating, standing areas, large windows and clear sightlines.

That matters with kids even when the forecast looks perfect.

Summer can get hot. Winter can get cold. Rain can come at anytime. And, the wind may feel stronger once you’re on the water. Sometimes children simply need ten minutes somewhere quieter to eat a snack and reset.

You can stay inside when you want to and move onto the outdoor deck when everyone is ready for fresh air and unobstructed views.

It also makes the cruise a much easier activity to keep on your NYC itinerary when the weather is unpredictable.

What will kids see on the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise?

Quite a lot in 90 minutes.

The cruise travels through New York Harbor along the Hudson and East Rivers, passing many of the landmarks families are usually trying to see during an NYC trip.

Highlights include:

• The Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• One World Trade Center
• Hudson Yards
• Little Island
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• The Manhattan Bridge
• The Manhattan skyline

And the Statue of Liberty tends to be the big one.

Starship’s Landmark Cruise gets close to the Statue of Liberty, with time built into the route for sightseeing and photos.

For families who want to see Lady Liberty but don’t necessarily want to devote several hours to visiting Liberty Island itself, a sightseeing cruise can be an easier alternative.

You get the view, the photos and the experience of seeing the Statue of Liberty from the water without adding another long attraction day to your itinerary.

Is a NYC boat cruise good with toddlers?

It can be a particularly good sightseeing option with toddlers because you’re not relying on them to walk through the city for several hours.

The biggest things we’d consider are:

• Duration: Ninety minutes is manageable for many young children.
• Movement: You can switch between indoor and outdoor areas rather than keeping them in one spot.
• Bathrooms: Restrooms and changing tables are onboard.
• Strollers: They’re welcome.
• Snacks: Food and drinks are available for purchase.
• Things to look at: Boats, bridges, buildings and the Statue of Liberty provide a constantly changing view.

Of course, you know your child best.

When possible, choose a departure that works with your child’s normal schedule rather than trying to rearrange their entire day around sightseeing.

What is the best time to take an NYC boat tour with kids?

There isn’t one departure time that works for every family.

For younger kids, we’d think less about getting the “perfect” lighting and more about when your child is usually happiest.

If mornings are easy, book a morning departure. But, if your toddler still naps after lunch, avoid scheduling the cruise right in the middle of nap time unless you know they’ll sleep comfortably in their stroller.

For older kids, afternoon departures can be a nice break after spending the morning walking around Manhattan.

The best cruise time is the one that fits into your family’s day without forcing everyone to completely abandon their normal eating, resting and sleeping schedule.

What should you bring on an NYC boat tour with kids?

You don’t need much, but a few things can make the cruise easier.

Consider bringing:

• A light layer or jacket, even on a relatively warm day
• Sunscreen for the outdoor deck
• A hat
• Wipes
• Anything you normally need for diaper changes
• A small activity for younger children
• Your stroller if you’ll need it before or after the cruise
• A phone or camera for family photos

Temperatures can feel different on the water, so layers are particularly useful.

And remember: you’re still on a boat.

Anything your child absolutely cannot live without should probably not be loosely balanced on the edge of the outdoor deck, and children must be supervised at all times.

How much does a NYC boat tour with kids cost?

All sightseeing cruises charge differently, but if you’re wondering if this is an affordable activities for families, we think so.

Children under 3 years old don’t pay for a ticket, and children ages 3-12 years old usually pay $34.99.

Is a boat cruise easier than sightseeing on foot with kids?

For many families, yes.

Consider how you might otherwise try to see the same parts of New York.

Seeing Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge separately could mean hours of walking and transportation.

On a sightseeing cruise?

You sit down and New York comes to you.

That doesn’t mean a boat tour should replace exploring NYC on foot. But it can give everyone a break in the middle of a busy trip while still checking several major sights off your list.

And when the boat returns to Pier 78, you’re well positioned to continue exploring Midtown West.

The Intrepid Museum is nearby, as are Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen, and the 34 St–Hudson Yards subway station gives you access to the 7 train.

What should parents look for in a family-friendly NYC boat tour?

If you’re taking an NYC boat tour with children, don’t choose based only on which cruise has the longest list of landmarks.

Think about what those 90 minutes — or two or three hours — will actually feel like with your family.

Look for:

• A cruise duration your children can realistically handle
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Onboard bathrooms
• Changing facilities for babies
• Stroller accessibility
• Snacks and drinks
• Interesting narration
• Major landmarks kids will recognize
• Enough freedom to move around when someone needs a change of scenery

Those small practical details matter considerably more when you’re traveling with kids than they do when you’re sightseeing on your own.

Is Starship NYC one of the best boat tours in NYC for families?

If your priorities are a manageable cruise length, stroller access, changing tables, indoor and outdoor space, snacks and close-up Statue of Liberty views, Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is a strong option for families.

At approximately 90 minutes, it gives children plenty to see without asking them to spend half the day on a boat. We also run tours frequently throughout the day, so you can decide to book last-minute depending on availability.

You get the NYC sightseeing.

They get boats, bridges, snacks and Lady Liberty.

Everybody wins.

See NYC without the marathon sightseeing day.

Give little legs a break while you cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline on a family-friendly 90-minute sightseeing cruise.

Book the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starship NYC good for kids?

Yes. Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is open to all ages and lasts approximately 90 minutes. The vessels have climate-controlled indoor areas, outdoor decks, onboard restrooms with changing tables, snacks and drinks available for purchase, and live narration.

Can I bring a stroller on a Starship NYC cruise?

Yes. Strollers are welcome onboard Starship NYC vessels.

Are there changing tables on Starship NYC boats?

Yes. Onboard restrooms include changing tables, which makes the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise particularly convenient for families traveling with babies and toddlers.

Can you take a baby on a NYC sightseeing cruise?

Yes. Starship NYC’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise is open to all ages. Strollers are welcome onboard, restrooms have changing tables, and families can move between climate-controlled indoor areas and outdoor decks.

How long is the Starship NYC Landmark Cruise?

The Landmark Sightseeing Cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is 90 minutes too long for a toddler?

Every child is different, but 90 minutes can be a manageable length for families with toddlers because the scenery constantly changes and families can move between indoor and outdoor areas. Snacks, bathrooms and changing tables are also available onboard.

Can children see the Statue of Liberty on the cruise?

Yes. Starship’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise gets close to the Statue of Liberty and allows time for sightseeing and photos. The route also passes Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and other major NYC landmarks.

Is there food on the Starship NYC cruise?

Yes. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase from the onboard concession stand. Some upgraded ticket options may include food or beverages.

Is there indoor seating if my child gets cold or tired?

Yes. The boats have climate-controlled indoor decks with large windows and clear sightlines, along with open-air decks. Families can move between the two during the cruise.

Where does the Starship NYC Landmark Cruise leave from?

The Landmark Sightseeing Cruise departs from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10018.