History 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.

Discover the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum via ferry on this excursion, where your students can enjoy magnificent close-up views of the Statue of Liberty. We can’t wait to show you the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States, as well as a different perspective to Mid and Lower Manhattan from the water.

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.

Located inside the 9/11 Memorial Gardens, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum commemorates the horrific terrorist attacks at the Twin Towers in 2001, which killed almost 3,000 people. Students can contemplate the museum’s collection of more than 40,000 images, 14,000 artifacts, 3,500 audio recordings and more than 500 hours of video – each surrounding the deadliest terror attack in human history.

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 huge museum full of interactive exhibits for all ages, New York’s American Natural History Museum offers students the opportunity to learn about space, dinosaurs, the Earth and the world underwater – all in one place! During your visit, be sure to seek out the world’s largest sapphire, 10,000 year old flint spears, and discover both the history and future of food.

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.

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.

The Tenement Museum shares the stories of immigrants, migrants and refugees that arrived in the U.S. in pursuit of the ‘American Dream’ and have contributed to the creation of the United States as we know it today. The museum offers a variety of immersive guided tours, educational content and programmes specifically geared towards school groups.

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.

Discover the history of Macy's with a visit to its flagship store, which stretches around an entire New York block. One of America’s leading department stores and the world’s largest, Macy’s Herald Square offers several guided tours to teach your students about merchandising and marketing, history or fashion, so you can tailor your visit to your group.

Let us take you to the largest art museum in the States, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known as The Met), which has a permanent collection containing more than two million works of art. With works representing Western, African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, Islamic art and more, there’s plenty to inspire your students. Highly recommended by Equity staff.

One of New York’s most recognisable art deco landmarks, the 77-floor Chrysler Building is one of the best-looking skyscrapers in the city, its beautiful spire and eagle gargoyles a showcase of 1930s Modernism. Art and design students will be awestruck by the building’s lavish lobby, where dark wood and marble contrast against industrial steel features, as Edward Trumbull’s ceiling mural – purportedly the world’s largest – is visible overhead.

The former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid provides the locale of this fascinating American military and maritime museum, where your school group can learn about the warship’s history during the Second World War. Head to the Intrepid’s flight deck to view an entire squadron of fighter planes, where students will enjoy an experience on the museum’s flight simulators.

Once a dingy freight line, the 2.33-kilometre High Line is a shining example of urban renewal and an icon of American contemporary landscape architecture, stemming north from the city’s Meatpacking District. As one of the city’s best-loved green spaces, students will relish the opportunity to relax in the park, where they can take in fantastic views across Manhattan’s urban landscape and the Hudson River while enjoying public art installations and food from independent vendors.

Delve into the history of New York City at this fantastic local museum, which you’ll find at the top end of Museum Mile. From the city’s growth from a tiny trading post to its modern-day metropolis, students can track New York’s history through documentary films, pop culture exhibitions and even a 12-room dollhouse. Don’t forget to stop in the museum’s gift shop, which holds a treasure trove of NYC-themed books and souvenirs.

The very first museum in New York, the New York Historical Society has been dedicated to presenting exhibitions, public programmes and research that explore the history of America for more than 200 years. Here, students can find out about a variety of topics and periods in the history of the United States, from the Civil Rights Movement to the history of the Constitution.

Established at the site of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s former family estate in Springwood, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum holds the records of the former’s presidency from the Great Depression through to the Second World War. On tours of the museum, students will follow rangers around Springwood to view uniquely preserved details – such as Roosevelt’s desk – and uncover the important achievements in FDR’s presidency.

Part museum, part thrilling aerial tour of the New York skyline, this one-of-a-kind interactive experience gives student groups an immersive view into the city that never sleeps. At RiseNY, students can expect a three-part journey that covers New York’s most famous sites, its global impact, and its incredible history, through captivating film, galleries, and a soaring rise that suspends you 30ft in the air!

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.

Experience the thrill of live sports in the heart of New York City. From iconic venues like Madison Square Garden to the energetic atmospheres of Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, our sports excursions offer unforgettable opportunities to witness basketball, hockey, and baseball, while fostering teamwork and cultural appreciation of the city.

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.