Venture out to Governors Island (open May through October), where there’s plenty to see, do and enjoy as a family. Grab a ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn ($2, children under 13 & IDNYC holders free; Sat, Sun until 11:30am free) to explore 172 acres via bike (there’s more than five miles of bike lanes, and bike rentals are easily found at Blazing Saddles (Colonels Row), or head to spots like the Hammock Grove/Hammock Grove Play Area to kick back and relax in one of 50 hammocks or climb around on a nearby play structure. Families might also visit the Compost Learning Center (starting May 27, 2017 for the 2017 season) to learn all about compost, how to compost and what to compost! Last but not least, The Hills portion of Governors Island opened in 2016, and offers heights of 70 ft. above sea level (there are stunning views to be seen!) plus four huge slides, including the longest slide in NYC. Hungry? There are plenty of food trucks located on the island so you can snack, but we’d recommend bringing a picnic just for the experience.
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Summer at Governors Island
Photograph: Junenoire Mitchell Governors Island
Photograph: Junenoire Mitchell Governors Island
Photograph: Junenoire Mitchell Governors Island
Photograph: Junenoire Mitchell Governors Island
Governor's Island
Photograph: Donald Yip Governor's Island
Governor's Island
Photograph: Donald Yip Governor's Island
Photograph: Donald Yip Governor's Island
Photograph: Donald Yip Governor's Island
Photograph: Donald Yip Figment Mini Golf Course
Photograph: Donald Yip Figment Mini Golf Course
Photograph: Donald Yip Figment Mini Golf Course
Photograph: Donald Yip Figment Mini Golf Course
Photograph: Donald Yip Figment Mini Golf Course
City of Water Day at Governor's Island
Cook Out NYC
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Jazz Age Lawn Party
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Jazz Age Lawn Party
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Jazz Age Lawn Party
Photograph: Virginia Rollison Jazz Age Lawn Party
Water Taxi Beach
Water Taxi Beach
Photograph: Jim Moore Uni Fest
Photograph: Courtesy of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Uni Fest
- Attractions | Parks and gardens
- Governors Island
- Recommended
Governors Island
Time Out says
Details
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Discover Time Out original video