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Governors Island Guide 2023: The Perfect Family Retreat

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Governors Island Guide 2023: The Perfect Family Retreat

Even though Governors Island has been open year round since November 2021, this spot is the perfect opportunity to take your loved ones out to spend the day riding bikes, playing games, or exploring the artwork that the Island has to offer.

The 172-acre island has a number of activities to try or is the perfect destination to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather this season. 

Ready for your visit? We’re going to give you a rundown on activities, important information and more! 

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 7am to 6pm; Friday-Saturday, 7am to 7pm

Psst… Are you looking for more ways to spend time with your family outdoors? Check out the 15 Best Family-Friendly Hikes on Long Island!

Things to Do on Governors Island

Courtesy of Governors Island

Biking: Bring your own bike, or rent one on the Island with either Citi Bike or Blazing Saddles! The bike path is seven miles long — and you don’t even have to worry about cars!

Hammocks: Relax on one of the Island’s iconic red hammocks while gazing at the beautiful city skyline.

Playgrounds: The kids can play on a variety of awesome slides at Slide Hill. Slide Hill is home to the longest slide in NYC! It’s a curving, 57-foot-long, three-story-high slide. Hammock Grove offers play structures that kids can climb and swing on. They’re perfect for some fun exercise.

Learning: Explore the historic archives that Governors Island holds. From historic photographs to self-guided walking tours, there are so many fun and educational opportunities. On weekends, the Island offers family-friendly passive visits to their farm. Check out The Urban Farm (Saturdays & Sundays, noon – 4 pm) where they have chickens, gardens, and a compost center.

Artwork: There’s an old, revamped church with tons of history and new visions to explore. Families can also take a look at The Field Station of The Melancholy Marine Biologist where visitors can confront a future impacted by climate change. There’s also an orchard with 50 fruit trees. Each tree will have multiple varieties of fruits that are relevant to the history of New York City.

Courtesy of Governors Island

Food on Governors Island

Picnicking: Visitors are welcome to bring their own food to Governors Island! Pack a family picnic and find a spot on one of the island’s shaded green areas. They also have Adirondack chairs and picnic tables if sitting on the ground isn’t your speed.

Vendors: The island is home to a variety of food vendors, which means there’s plenty of options for families looking for a delicious meal. Current vendors include:

How to Get to the Island

Ferry service occurs daily from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan

Brooklyn ferries to Governors Island will depart from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin. Brooklyn ferries have service running on Saturdays and Sundays from May 7th to September 25th.

Prices:

Round-trip ferry tickets cost $4 for adults.

Ferries are free for:

  • Visitors age 12 and under
  • Seniors age 65 and over
  • IDNYC holders
  • Current and former military service members
  • All New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents
  • Governors Island Members

Governors Island says that “morning ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles at any time.”

Purchase tickets and find ferry schedule here

Island has implemented protocols based on local, state and federal guidelines.

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About the Author

Marta Rybczynski

Marta is a Summer Intern at New York Family. She recently completed her English degree at The University of Baltimore, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She had her first taste of magazine writing/editing at her University’s literary magazine, “Skelter.” She hasn’t looked back since! She’s been published many times in the news website, “The Pop Topic.” She’s currently working with Baltimore’s upcoming “Mortified” show, where she’ll be sharing some of her most embarrassing short stories written in her youth. She’s been a writer since the beginning. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Marta is active in keeping up with the politics of the City and she is interested in the narrative theories surrounding cities and communities. She writes about culture and relationships, and is excited to write about these overlaps within New York City communities!

Courtney Ingalls

Courtney is the Digital Editor at New York Family. She was born and raised in Massachusetts and graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Journalism. When she isn’t at her desk, you will find her reading historical fiction books, spending time with her family, or watching the TV show Friends.

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