Governors Island will be open to the public from May 1 through October 31 from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 7 PM on weekends. Enjoy the slide valley, incredible views, a barbecue with friends, bike rides, some mini golf, junk yard play or a night of glamping on the island.
How to get there
- Governors Island’s Brooklyn ferries will run from both Pier 6 and Red Hook on weekends all season, and you can book your tickets now. Residents of NYCHA housing, kids, seniors, military service members, IDNYC holders and Governors Island members always ride our ferries for free.
- NYC Ferry service will offer additional connections to Governors Island with a dedicated weekend shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11 that will operate approximately every 30 minutes starting May 1st. Tickets are $2.75 or by free transfer from any NYC Ferry route (ask for transfer ticket on the boat). All visitors who arrive to Governors Island via NYC Ferry are strongly encouraged to depart using NYC Ferry as the Governors Island ferry service will operate on a reservation ticket service and walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. Find out more here.
Ongoing things to do with kids
- Get your hands dirty at the Compost Learning Center & Soil Start Farm on the island! This facility processes all of the food scraps and landscape debris generated on Governors Island, open hours are Sundays 12 to 4 pm.
- “Workplay” at the Yard, NYC’s only adventure playground, on weekends from 12 to 4 pm. No more than 35 kids at a time, only kids with closed-toe shoes and 5+ years old allowed, no adults inside, parents have to sign a waiver. Donation-based entry. Find out more here.
- Check out the family of five sheep that lives in Hammock Grove through the summer to help control invasive plant species. Please don’t touch or feed them but do come by to say hello.
- Grills are now available by reservation on the Governors Island website. Book a day of grilling with a view, picnic tables included. Find out more here about the many food options on the island.
- Stop by the different playgrounds with mega slides and wooden climbing structures (bring mosquito spray for the slide valley)
- Adventures at Governors Island is back with for-fee mini golf, flywire zipline and more for kids ages 4 and up.
- Spend a night in one of the luxury tents on the island for $150 – $800 per night. The camping site operated by Collective Retreats offers “Glamping” for 2 to 4 people per tent with stunning Statue of Liberty views, expansive green space, delicious food and nightly camp fire. Note: Bring mosquito spray and ear plugs.
Events in May
- Join Swamp in the City, an open-air Cajun & Creole music festival on Governors Island, on May 15-16th. This weekend-long open air festival will feature world class Cajun & Creole bands on two different stages, jam sessions, picnic concerts, pod partner dancing and ample breathing room on New York City’s picturesque island.
- JPA’s outdoor cultural program ”Dance, Music ＆ Kimono” this year introduces 10 different variation of Japan’s performances, lectures and workshops! Some performance programs are designed to enjoy stage shows, and others welcome participants to join. The events will take place on May 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31.
