Governor's Island, NY
Ferry from Pier 6 in Brooklyn ($2 per adult, free for children under 12, $1 per senior citizen)
Ferry from Downtown Manhattan for free
Optimum Season: Summer
There is so much to see on this island sandwiched between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Manhattan in New York Harbor. Be prepared that the map in the guide book isn't really drawn to scale. Like you kind of gather the general direction to head to but it is probably best to follow the signs and your instinct. Anyway, here is a list of things I did on the Island (four hours is more than enough!) There are far more events and activities than I've noted below so it is best to go on the website and plan your day based on what you like as well. I skipped on the bike rental, free kayaking and zip lining but this would be amazing with older kids or just with friends!
1) Slide Hill: One of the slides is the tallest in all of NYC and is three stories high. Make sure you bring a towel to put under your tush as the slide is metal and scorching hot in the summer.
2) Play Fountains: I went here on an 80 degree sunny day. I thought it was too cold for the beach or pool so I figured this would be perfect with the breeze of the Island. I would have been more satisfied if it was a couple degrees cooler. But for kids, this is warm enough to pack the bathing suits and towels so they can run around in the Play Fountains and cool off.
3) Hammock Grove Play Area: I left my husband and sister in law here with my children for an hour as I explored the south and more historic side of the island. The kids had a blast! This is right across the Play Fountain area. Don't be deceived by the map. It is right there.
4) Castle Williams: This is on the south side of the island. Walk along the boardwalk and you'll pass by here. You'll catch beautiful views of downtown Manhattan. And lots of history! The Manhtattan Ferry is on this side of the island so be sure not to go on the line headed home if you came from Brooklyn. There are two different ferries people!
5) The Hills: You can climb up the rocks or go up the ramp (via bike or stroller)....once you get to the top, you will have panoramic views of downtown Brooklyn, downtown Manhttan, Jersey City, Statues of Liberty, and the Verazzano Bridge. Pretty neat view!!!
Now for those catching the Brooklyn Ferry from Pier 6, note that the time on the website doesn't match the actual hours of operation (or at least on the day we went). We were on line for exactly an hour before we got on. It says half an hour on the site. Even those selling the ticket told us to go on the website and complain because it is misleading. And once we got on the ferry, no one checked the tickets we purchased (I don't know if this always happens. Try your luck if you have balls!) You can go on the ferry with bikes and strollers as well. But beware that the last ferry leaves Governor's Island at 7pm. So if you want to catch the sunset on the island, you will have to find a water taxi back home.
Also the food here is expensive and not so good. Get your food from Brooklyn or Manhattan before you get on your ferry and bring a picnic blanket as well!!
Nearby:
This is an excerpt from The Best Things to do in New York about Governor's Island: "More than two centuries after we gave Governors Island to the government to use as a military training ground, it was finally returned to us in 2003. Since then, the city and the park service have been in the process of converting its grounds, historic structures (including two massive nineteenth-century fortifications), and waterfront promenade for public access. Despite a flurry of amenities including outdoor art, mini-golf, bike rental, and water taxi beach, much of Governors Island feels exotically unexplored. The island is currently open for visitors during the warmer months and visiting hours are limited, but when you can get there (by ferry, a free ten minute ride from lower Manhattan), you'll be treated to striking views of the city all around you. The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan. For current visiting hours, call 212-825-3045 or visit www.nps.gov or www.govisland.com."
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