Governors Island
About
Governors Island is a 172-acre car-free oasis just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, offering families an incredible escape with sprawling green spaces, playgrounds, historic forts, and stunning harbor views. Kids can bike along traffic-free paths, explore interactive art installations, climb The Hills for panoramic city views, and enjoy seasonal activities from splash pads to winter ice skating,all without worrying about cars.
Highlights
- ✓Slide Hill - the tallest slide in NYC built into the hillside
- ✓Car-free biking paths perfect for families with young riders
- ✓Hammock Grove with dozens of hammocks overlooking the water
- ✓Historic Fort Jay and Castle Williams to explore
- ✓The Hills - four human-made hills with slides, climbing, and 360-degree views of NYC
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring bikes or rent them on the island,there are no cars, making it perfect for young riders to practice safely
- 2.Pack a picnic to enjoy on Liggett Terrace or the Great Lawn; food options exist but are pricier and limited to seasonal vendors
- 3.Arrive early on summer weekends to avoid ferry lines and grab hammocks in the grove before they're all claimed
- 4.Don't miss The Hills,Slide Hill, Discovery Hill, Grassy Hill, and Outlook Hill offer unique play opportunities and incredible views
- 5.Check the events calendar before visiting; the island hosts family-friendly festivals, outdoor movies, and special programs throughout the season
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May-October) on weekday mornings for smallest crowds. The island is only open seasonally, typically May through October, with weekends being busiest. Aim for arrival on the first or second morning ferry to beat the rush and enjoy cooler temperatures.
What to Know
The ferry ride from Manhattan (Battery Maritime Building) or Brooklyn is free and takes about 10 minutes; check the seasonal schedule as the island is typically closed November-April. Food vendors operate seasonally, but bringing your own food is recommended and there are plenty of picnic spots.
Seasonal Notes
Governors Island is typically open late May through October only. Summer features splash pads, outdoor concerts, and food festivals. Some special winter openings occur for ice skating and holiday events,check the official calendar. Peak season is June-August; shoulder seasons (May, September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Nearby Eats
Food options are limited to seasonal vendors on the island (tacos, ice cream, pizza). For a full meal before or after, head to Stone Street Historic District near the Battery Maritime Building ferry terminal, which has numerous family-friendly options like Adrienne's Pizzabar, or grab food in Brooklyn near the Brooklyn ferry terminal at places like Juliana's Pizza in DUMBO.
More Activities Near New York City
Central Park North
Central Park is New York City's ultimate outdoor playground, offering 843 acres of green space where kids can run free after days of museum-hopping. From climbing on massive rock formations to sailing toy boats, feeding ducks at the pond, or catching puppet shows at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, there's something new to discover around every winding path.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along 1.3 miles of reclaimed waterfront with some of the city's best playgrounds and the most stunning Manhattan skyline views. Kids can splash in the water lab, climb elaborate play structures themed around the waterfront, and run freely on spacious lawns with the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop. The park offers something for everyone from sandy beaches to sports facilities, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring different piers.
The High Line
The High Line is a unique elevated park built on historic freight rail tracks 30 feet above Manhattan's streets, offering a totally different perspective of the city. Kids love the feeling of walking through a secret garden floating above traffic, discovering public art installations, and peeking into building windows from unexpected angles. The mix of urban views, wildflower gardens, and creative play areas makes this 1.45-mile walking park feel like an adventure through a storybook version of New York.
Prospect Park
Brooklyn's beloved 585-acre green oasis offers endless family adventures with its famous playgrounds, Prospect Park Zoo, pedal boats on the lake, and miles of paths perfect for biking and exploring. Kids can run free in wide open meadows, discover nature at the Audubon Center, splash in water features during summer, and enjoy seasonal activities year-round. This is Brooklyn's backyard where families spend entire days picnicking, playing, and making memories.