Bergen County Kids Ride Free on the Ferry This Holiday Season

By Emily Everson

Bergen County families looking to savor the rest of the holiday season have a new, affordable way to tour the Big Apple.

Kids 12 and under ride free on NY Waterway ferries this holiday season, now through Jan. 4. For many, the free rides make the ferry one of the easiest, most family-friendly ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in the New York City.

Ferries also allow families to avoid holiday gridlock and expensive Manhattan parking rates.

“We want to make a family visit to New York City affordable and easy,” said NY Waterway President and Founder Arthur E. Imperatore. “As a family-owned business, we take pride in being family-friendly, and we are thrilled to offer free ferry rides for children to enjoy the magic of Manhattan during the holiday season.”

In addition, free ferry travel - for both kids and adults - is being offered for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas when show tickets are purchased online using the code NYW.

Ferries make the 8-minute crossing to Manhattan from Port Imperial in Weehawken, NJ, every 10 to 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to past midnight seven days a week. The ferry terminal at Port Imperial features a new indoor garage offering affordable parking including a $6 flat rate after 4 p.m.

Free connecting multi-route NY Waterway buses are waiting at the NY Waterway Midtown ferry terminal on West 39th Street to take passengers on several routes serving Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. Buses stop right at key destinations such as Macy’s, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

NY Waterway’s real time Bus Locator app, free and available on any hand-held device, tells visitors exactly where the free buses are when they’re ready to head home.

“At the ferry terminal at Port Imperial in Weehawken, NJ, knowledgeable customer service people can help customers make their travel purchases and advise them on the best ways to enjoy the city,” Easton stated.

The ferry also offers the Your Key to the City ticket packages, which offer customers savings of up to 56 percent on top New York City attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History, Madame Tussauds, and Broadway shows such as Mamma Mia!, Cinderella, and Pippin.

For information on NY Waterway’s ‘Kids Ride Free for The Holidays’ call 1-800-53-FERRY or click here.

For information on the Your Key To The City (NYC attractions & shows) discount program and to book online click here. Customers can also call 1-800-53-FERRY, or email MyKey@nywaterway.comfor free personalized Your Key to the City Package Travel Planning and complete Concierge Service.

Photo courtesy of the NY Waterway Facebook page.