Travel & tourism school trips to New York

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No trip to Manhattan is complete without experiencing the bright delights of a New York Broadway Show. From timeless classics such as Chicago and the Phantom of the Opera to modern favourites such as Wicked and Mean Girls, there’s a wide variety of performances to inspire your entire school group. For many students, a Broadway show is the highlight of their trip.

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.

Combine the glitter and glamour of the world’s most famous faces with an interactive and educational experience at Madame Tussauds. Located in Times Square, this activity is always a hit among student groups, who we’ve seen excited to pose alongside their favourite celebrities. Enhance your students’ experience by adding a Behind the Scenes, Business & Marketing or The French Revolution seminar to your itinerary.

Wander through New York’s most bohemian neighbourhood and you’ll find remnants of some of the country’s major historical moments to share with your students, from the cafes and folk bars of the Beat generation to a now-thriving LGBTQ+ community. Students will love exploring the laid-back nature of this leafy district, where they can watch locals play chess or Scrabble in Washington Square Park, listen to small-time musicians, or even view an artist’s latest masterpiece in the making.

Experience the excitement of true American baseball at this incredible stadium, which is home to the New York Yankees. Here, students can absorb the rich history of the 27-time World Series Champions through visiting iconic sites, learning about the team’s winning traditions, and discovering the heroes of the team over the years.

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.

Self-titled as the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden is the oldest major sports centre in New York, having been built in 1968. Since then, MSG has been a hub for the city’s professional ice hockey and basketball matches, and is the home of two of New York’s most famous teams: the New York Rangers (hockey) and the New York Knicks (basketball). The energy is palpable at either team’s matches, providing an unforgettable experience for any student.

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.

Give your students an experience to remember as they look out across one of the world’s most famous skylines from Edge – an observation deck rising more than 1,000 feet over the streets below. The highest viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere, Edge provides a full panoramic view of the city, which makes for an postcard-perfect photo opportunity for your entire school group.

A fun-filled adventure for all ages awaits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – a museum for your students to explore the incredible mysteries of our world. Here, school groups will be treated to thrilling interactive exhibitions where they can uncover rare artifacts and immerse themselves in the unexpected, while learning about all the things in the world around us that make us go “hmm…”.

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.

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 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.