For many visitors to New York City, especially those with children in tow, a trip to Lower Manhattan to see the Statue of Liberty is number one on the priority list. Once you've seen Lady Liberty, however, there's no need to rush back uptown—there are so many kid-friendly activities nearby that you can make a whole day of exploring the area. Downtown's tall canyons of stately architectural gems line charming, winding streets bracketed by inviting green spaces and spectacular water views—from Pier 17 at South Street Seaport to the boat basin at Battery Park City. There are great places to eat, shop, play and soak in some of the history of New York's first neighborhood, such as museums, landmarks and parks. Here are some stops to make that will certainly keep the younger ones engaged and—shhh—maybe even help them learn a little something along the way. And for more ideas on things to do in Lower Manhattan, see our guides to shopping, dining and historical highlights.

Forts and Parks
Start your morning at Manhattan's southern tip, in Battery Park, a 25-acre green space facing New York Harbor, offering gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty, the harbor boats and ferries and the Lower Manhattan skyline. If your family is making the trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, stop by Castle Clinton to purchase ferry tickets—but be sure to leave enough time to explore the fortress before boarding. Castle Clinton was originally built to protect the harbor from a British invasion in 1812 and over the years has taken on many roles, including immigration station, opera house and aquarium. It's now a learning center for millions of visitors to the harbor, with guided tours and an exhibit room displaying dioramas of Castle Clinton's past. In early summer, Castle Clinton is also a cool music venue, offering free Thursday-night concerts to those lucky enough to snag a ticket. Past performers include Patti Smith, Laurie Anderson and Drive-By Truckers. 

After landing back on the Battery from Ellis Island, explore one of downtown's beautiful parks, including the hidden treasure of Nelson A. Rockefeller Park. Just head north on West Street toward the River Terrace and discover endless manicured grass where you can lounge, throw a Frisbee or have a family picnic. After some R&R at the park, rent some wheels from Bike and Roll at Battery Place and West Street and enjoy a waterfront bike ride on the Esplanade, which runs the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Battery Park to Chambers Street. Nearby lunch options include Angus beef burgers from Quality Burger and fresh lobster rolls from the celebrated Ed's Lobster Bar Kiosk.

After lunch, cool down with the kids at the fountains in the heart of Battery Park across from Castle Clinton or escape indoors at the nearby Skyscraper Museum on Battery Place and discover the behind-the-scenes history of the world's first vertical metropolis. From there, it's a short walk to the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian at the George Gustav Heye Center, which houses more than 700 works of native art and artifacts, including handmade dolls and an array of headdresses and Indian clothing from North, Central and South America.

History and Views
After touring the museums, take a walk over to Wall Street, the Financial District's storied narrow thoroughfare that's steeped in history. Stop to pose with George Washington's statue in front of the Federal Hall National Memorial and discover the site where he was sworn into office as the nation's first president. Then head down to the picturesque South Street Seaport for a stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge or browse among dozens of charming shops and neighborhood restaurants, like the popular Harry's Café & Steak, in Hanover Square near Water Street, or Red, for your Mexican fajita fix.

If the family still wants to run a museum marathon,The Bodies exhibit serves as another favorite for older children, with more than 200 intimate views of the human body and specimens. Here, everyone can assume the role of scientist by viewing and analyzing permanently preserved human tissues and getting a close look at the muscular and respiratory systems. Afterward, watch real bodies in motion—those of your offspring, that is—at Imagination Playground, where they can tackle foam blocks, mats, wagons and crates, as well as splash in the waterworks. 

Downtime for Dining
With so many activities under your belt, you'll need some time to unwind over dinner. P.J. Clarke's on the Hudson, a sister of the original 125-year-old P.J. Clarke's in Midtown, is known for comfort-food favorites—such as its signature "Cadillac" burger, potpies and baked mac and cheese—within a historic NYC ambience.

Those in the mood for affordable seafood and Southern favorites served up among cheeky, kitschy decor would do well with a visit to Cowgirl Sea-Horse where the menu ranges from shrimp and grits to Tex-Mex specialties, all at affordable prices. 

If you're looking for a fine-dining experience, however, head to City Hall Restaurant, situated in a carefully restored 1863 cast-iron building right near the real City Hall. Rub elbows with federal judges, City Council members and maybe an FBI agent or two while tucking into a New York strip steak or a slice of classic New York cheesecake. (A kids' menu is available at all meals.) Afterward, sneak in a history lesson at the African Burial ground, also nearby City Hall. Discovered during construction for a new federal building in the early 1990s, the grounds are the final resting place of more than 400 free and enslaved Africans who were buried there between the 1690s and 1794. With a memorial, numerous art exhibits and a 40-seat theater, the site offers an emotional experience for any family interested in understanding a period that influenced America’s roots. 

Then take the family for a stroll down South William Street, between Broad Street and Mill Lane, where you can indulge in downtown's very own creperie. Being on a tiny street, Crêpes du Nord is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out. Enjoy wine from an extensive list and dig into a variety of sweet crepe selections, including cloudberry cream, Nutella and banana, and dulce de leche. After a long day downtown, you've earned every bite!