Enrichment school trips to New York

The place where bright lights, shopping, and shows collide, Times Square is a bustling amalgamation of the New York seen on screens, providing an unforgettable experience for your students. Spot yellow taxi cabs, soaring skyscrapers and street entertainment in this thriving heart of the Theater District, which draws around 50 million visitors each year.

One of the undisputed icons of New York, Brooklyn Bridge offers incredible vistas that we’ve seen stun countless school groups. While the view from Manhattan is likely to take your students’ breath away, we recommend venturing on to the world’s first steel suspension bridge to enjoy the sights of the city, its twinkling lights reflected against the East River.

A humbling experience for your students, this excursion shows where the iconic Twin Towers once stood before the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, when 3,000 individuals tragically lost their lives. The memorial’s twin reflecting pools, which are built into the footprint of where the two towers stood, are each nearly an acre in size and are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America.

Experience the grandeur of mid and lower Manhattan on this two-hour Semi-Circle Cruise. During the cruise, your students will enjoy the magnificent views of the New York City skyline as you sail down the Hudson River, taking in close up views of the Statue of Liberty and the Battery, and travelling beneath the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges.

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Empire State Building's 86th Floor Observation Deck with this fantastic excursion, which is one of our favourites here at Equity. Inside, school groups can also explore the landmark’s brand new galleries, which are complete with interactive exhibitions around the building’s construction and engineering.

A familiar setting of so many famous film scenes, Grand Central Station is one of the most recognisable train terminals in the world. With a guided walking tour of the station, school groups will learn about the creation, evolution and restoration of this iconic terminal. Be sure not to miss the Whispering Gallery, which is famed for its acoustic properties.

Led by former traders, bankers and industry experts, these fascinating tours offer students an insider’s view into the city’s Financial District – home to Wall Street and world’s largest stock exchange. On the tour, groups will explore these world-famous financial landmarks and more, while hearing exclusive stories from ‘inside the trenches’ – developing their understanding not only on the district, but also the way the financial world shapes all of our lives.

Climb to the top of the Rockefeller Center and get ready to take in dramatic panoramic views of New York City from 850 feet above street level. During your visit, students can learn about the legacy of John D. Rockefeller, as well as one of the most architecturally important sites of the 20th century, while taking in the spectacular view from 70 floors up.

One of the world’s most recognised green spaces, Central Park brings scenes from the silver screen to life with its tree-lined walkways guiding visitors through fields, European-style gardens and a lake – among other glorious features. Do as New Yorkers do and lounge on Sheep Meadow (the perfect spot for a lunch break) or head to Central Park Zoo to prompt unforgettable experiences in nature for your students.

On a Hershey's Sweet Educational tour, your group will first be divided in half to allow more focused learning opportunities about one of North America's most popular chocolatiers. While one half is toured around by a guide, the other half of your group will be guided to make their own Hershey's chocolate products, or shop Hershey’s merchandise. They'll then swap over, so each student has equal time to explore the wonderful world of Hershey's.

Located on the Hudson River between the Whitney Museum and the High Line, Little Island is a striking example of urban redevelopment on the former Pier 54, and offers a site of respite for students amid the bustle of Manhattan. This little oasis is packed with flora to enjoy, while the river-facing amphitheatre is perfectly placed for reflecting on a packed day during sunset.

Embark on a culinary adventure in the cultural melting pot of New York City. From iconic establishments like Hard Rock Café and Ellen's Stardust Diner to the flavours of Little Italy, our restaurant recommendations provide educational and cultural benefits for students, ensuring a delectable experience in the Big Apple.

Experience a hands-on bagel-making class in the heart of NYC on this excursion, where your group will learn to roll, boil, seed, and bake bagels while learning about bagel history and culture. Students will make around six bagels each, ideal for a meal with various spreads, sides, and soft drinks (provided). The perfect option for a fun and interactive outing!