Are you super excited about your trip to the Statue of Liberty, but a little nervous about bringing the kids along?

Taking kids to any tourist attraction can be tough. With crowds, long lines, and uncooperative weather, there’s a lot that can go wrong that can induce a meltdown (or two).

But, visiting the Statue of Liberty with kids doesn’t have to be a hectic, stressful event. If you prepare appropriately, it might be one of the best memories of your entire trip. To make the most of your trip to this world famous monument and island, keep reading to find out the six essential tips for visiting the state with kids.

1. Plan Appropriately for the Climb

If you plan on climbing up to the statue’s crown, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

While climbing the crown is certainly rewarding, keep in mind that it is a strenuous climb. Make sure both you and your children are in good physical condition for the climb. Also, keep in mind that children need to be at least 48 inches tall to do the climb.

It’s also a good idea to buy your tickets for the climb well in advance. Sometimes they sell out months in advance, especially for the summer months.

2. Consider the CityPASS

Offered by the city of New York, the official New York CityPASS is a great option if you are planning to visit all of New York’s top attractions.

Besides the Statue of Liberty, the pass includes access to the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial, as well as several other major attractions. It’s definitely worth getting if you plan to visit all these sites, as you’ll save about 40 percent on admissions.

A discounted statue of Liberty Cruise is a great way to see these epic attractions from the outside before deciding if you want to splurge for the CityPASS.

3. Opt for the Audio Tour

There are several tours available on Liberty Island, but the audio tour is likely your best bet if you have kids along.

For one, it’s free, so if one of your young ones has a breakdown or gets bored, you don’t have to worry about wasting money.

Also, it’s self-guided and there’s even a children’s tour available which is geared towards kids ages 6-10. Kids love the interactive element to the tour, which allows them to press buttons on their audio guide and take short quizzes.

4. Pack Lunch and Weather Appropriate Gear

It may seem like an extra hassle to pack your own food, but you’ll be thanking yourself when you see the lines and the prices at the concession stands.

Plus, packing your own lunch gives you the perfect excuse to roll out a blanket and enjoy a leisurely picnic.

Also, remember that visiting the statue is an outdoor activity, and the interior of the statue itself is not climate controlled. So, make sure to dress for the weather and to bring sunscreen if it’ll be sunny.

5. Do the Junior Ranger Program

You don’t just want your kids to get through their experience of the Statue of Liberty, you want them to enjoy the experience as well.

To make sure they have just as much fun as you do, opt for the Junior Ranger Program. When you exit the ferry, head to the information center. This will be on your left, with the statue being on your right.

Ask for a Junior Ranger book and do the activities in the book with your kids. When you complete the activities, return to the center, so a ranger can swear in your kids as an “official” junior ranger and give them golden badges for their work. This is not only quite fun, it’s free!