Itinerary: Fun-filled day at The Battery Park

How to get there from Jersey City

• Take Path train towards World Trade Center ($2.75 each way). WTC Path station is stroller-friendly.

• Take NY Waterway Ferry from Hoboken NJ Transit Terminal or Exchange Place Ferry Station (7.5 each way for adult, children younger than 5 is free). You can buy ticket and check their schedule here.

Things to check out there

Rockefeller Playground

Rockefeller Park Playground has bouncy padded floors, perfect for kids to jump and play on. It offers an abundance of nets and ladders for climbing adventures, along with multiple sand pits for creative exploration. The water feature is a highlight, featuring fountains and whimsical elephant statues that spray water from their trunks. There's a charming old-fashioned merry-go-round ran by paren'ts energy (Yes, parents will manually spin that structure)

Surrounded by picturesque lawns, basketball courts, and a serene fish and duck pond, this playground offers plenty of options for outdoor enjoyment. To take a break or enjoy a picnic, there are numerous benches and picnic tables thoughtfully placed around the playground's perimeter. Rockefeller Park Playground truly has something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for family fun and outdoor recreation.

Teardrop Park

Located just a block away from Rockefeller Playground, Teardrop Park is a meticulously designed two-acre oasis created by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh.

Teardrop Park offers a plethora of attractions, including a magnificent "Ice Wall," adorned with captivating artwork by Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil. For the young adventurers, there's an exhilarating children's slide and inviting sandboxes to spark their creativity. Water play areas provide refreshing fun, while a rocky reading nook invites contemplation amidst the natural beauty.

Among its many features, it proudly hosts one of the city's longest metal slides, promising endless excitement for visitors of all ages.

Oculus

The Oculus, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was conceived to evoke the image of a dove taking flight from a child's hands, evident in the towering, intersecting steel columns comprising its exterior structure, which collectively form a pair of 350-foot wings.

The term "Oculus," derived from Latin, translates to "eye" and in the realm of architecture, signifies a circular or eye-like aperture affording a glimpse of the sky. Gaze upwards through its windows, and you'll behold the majestic Freedom Tower. This awe-inspiring transit hub houses the World Trade Center PATH station, offering train services to New Jersey, while also serving as a captivating testament to architectural beauty.

One World Trade Center:

One World Trade Center, often referred to as the Freedom Tower, stands as a symbol of resilience and hope in New York City. Soaring to a height of 1,776 feet, it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its sleek and modern design pays homage to the original Twin Towers while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and sustainability features.

Visitors can ascend to the observatory on the 100th-102nd floors, known as the One World Observatory, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The experience of gazing out over the sprawling metropolis from this iconic skyscraper offers a profound sense of the city's enduring spirit and vitality. Visit One World Observatory to get a ticket.

Brookfield Place:

Brookfield Place, situated in Manhattan's Battery Park City, is a luxurious shopping and office complex that offers a unique blend of commerce and culture. The centerpiece is the stunning glass-vaulted Winter Garden, an expansive atrium filled with palm trees and a waterfront view. It hosts a variety of events, from art installations to live performances. Shoppers can explore high-end boutiques and dine in upscale restaurants along the Hudson River waterfront. The complex also houses several corporate offices and is a hub for professionals working in the financial district. Brookfield Place embodies a harmonious fusion of modern commerce and architectural elegance, making it a noteworthy destination in lower Manhattan.

Don't forget to check out the free performance of "The Nutcracker" by New York Theatre Ballet here during Christmas.

Seaglass Carousel

The Seaglass Carousel in Manhattan is a mesmerizing and unique attraction located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. This carousel is unlike any traditional one you've ever seen. Instead of traditional horses, it features 30 beautifully crafted, luminescent, and giant fish sculptures that serve as rideable seats.

The artistic inspiration behind the carousel is drawn from the aquatic world, immersing riders in an underwater fantasy experience. As you spin around, the fish sculptures light up in a kaleidoscope of colors, and soothing music enhances the magical ambiance. The Seaglass Carousel offers a captivating and family-friendly experience, allowing visitors to embark on an enchanting journey beneath the sea while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding waterfront.

Don't forget to join a magical experience for only $6 a ticket. Check out their website Seaglass Carousel for more information