Stonewall National Monument preserves Christopher Park and the historic Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement where the pivotal uprising began on June 28, 1969. The monument encompasses just 7.7 acres in the heart of Greenwich Village, making it one of the smallest units in the National Park System. Families explore the tree-lined Christopher Park with its distinctive Liberation Monument sculptures by George Segal, depicting same-sex couples in white bronze. This urban monument offers a unique opportunity for families to discuss civil rights history while walking the same streets where activists courageously stood up for equality over 50 years ago.
Junior Ranger Program at Stonewall National Monument
The Junior Ranger program at Stonewall focuses on teaching kids about equality, diversity, and standing up for what's right through age-appropriate activities and discussions. Young visitors complete a special activity booklet that explores themes of acceptance, community, and the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.
- Learning about civil rights heroes and everyday courage
- Exploring Christopher Park's beautiful trees and open spaces
- Understanding how ordinary people can make extraordinary change
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for Stonewall National Monument
Ages 3–6
The youngest visitors can complete simpler activities with family help, focusing on themes of kindness and treating everyone fairly. The virtual format allows parents to pace activities appropriately and discuss concepts at their child's level.
Ages 7–10
This age group typically engages well with the booklet's activities exploring community, diversity, and standing up for what's right. Kids can better understand historical context while completing age-appropriate exercises about acceptance and equality.
Ages 11+
While the program officially serves ages 3-10, older kids and teens often find value in the civil rights history and can help younger siblings with activities. The urban setting and powerful historical significance resonate strongly with this age group.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Public transportation works best in Manhattan — take the 1 train to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square or the M8/M20 bus lines. Street parking is nearly impossible in Greenwich Village, so we recommend parking your van in New Jersey or outer boroughs and taking the subway. The Holland Tunnel provides access from New Jersey via exit 3 to Ericsson Place.
Van & RV Notes
Our 22-foot Sprinter simply won't fit comfortably in Greenwich Village's narrow streets, and parking is extremely limited. Consider staying at Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City and taking public transportation into Manhattan. No camping options exist within the monument itself.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall offers the most pleasant weather for exploring Christopher Park's outdoor spaces, though the monument is accessible year-round. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons when locals and tourists frequent the area. Summer evenings can be particularly meaningful as you experience the vibrant Greenwich Village atmosphere.
How Long to Spend
Plan 1-2 hours to explore the park, read the interpretive panels, and complete Junior Ranger activities. The compact size makes this perfect for combining with other NYC attractions or nearby national park sites.
Don't Miss
Walk through Christopher Park to see George Segal's Liberation Monument sculptures up close — kids are often fascinated by the white bronze figures representing love and acceptance. Visit the exterior of the historic Stonewall Inn across the street, where families can discuss how ordinary people created extraordinary change through courage and community.
Fun Facts for Kids
Christopher Park contains four white bronze sculptures called Liberation Monument, the first public art in the world dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and liberation
The Stonewall Inn was originally two separate buildings that were connected, and it operated as different types of establishments before becoming the famous bar
The monument was designated in 2016, making it the first National Park Service unit dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and rights
Christopher Park is named after Charles Christopher Amos, who owned the land in the 1800s, long before it became associated with civil rights history
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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