Take the ferry to Governors Island
A car-free island with hills, hammocks and a $5 ferry. Governors Island, Manhattan.
The short answer
Governors Island is a car-free island a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. At the time of writing it is open daily year round, with the site listing 7am to 6pm for Labor Day through Memorial Day (summer hours run later, so check). The main ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street; adults pay $5, children 12 and under and people 65 and over ride free, and everyone rides free on Saturday and Sunday before 11am.
What it is like
The season matters for the Brooklyn side. A seasonal ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 and Red Hook/Atlantic Basin runs weekends and holidays from May 23 to November 1, 2026, so the autumn weekends are among its last. On the island there is the Hills, a slide hill, Hammock Grove, a playground and bike rental. Visitors can bring their own food but not alcohol, and no personal vehicles are allowed.
The practical snag is the ferry. Space for strollers and bikes is limited and first come, first served, so a weekend queue with a stroller and a scooter is a negotiation. Restrooms are at Building 110, Yankee Pier, Liggett Terrace (weekends) and South Battery. Look at the ferry timetable before you go, because the return times matter more than the outward ones.
Best time to go
Weekend mornings (free ferry before 11am); warm, dry days.
Tips before you go
- Go before 11am on a weekend: the ferry is free then.
- Check the last ferry home before you start playing.
- Bring food and water; vendors exist but you can also bring your own (no alcohol).
Where it is
Ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004; Governors Island, New York Harbor. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
Mon, Oct 5 to Mon, Oct 4
Governors Island Open Daily
Governors Island, Governors Island, Manhattan · Ferry $5 round trip, children 12 and under free
The island lists itself as open every day of the year, 7am to 6pm at the time we checked. The ferry from Manhattan costs $5 round trip, and children 12 and under ride free. Everyone rides free on weekends before 11am. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11:45
Governors Island Tree Tour
Soissons Landing, Governors Island, Governors Island, Manhattan · Free
A free guided outdoor tour from the Governors Island nature team about the island's nearly 3,500 trees. It meets at Soissons Landing on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Register through the event page. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 15:00
Flagpole Pinata Party
Soissons Landing, Governors Island, Governors Island, Manhattan · Free
A free drop-in workshop where families make piñata pieces from 3 to 5pm, then a 5pm procession led by the First Panamanian Marching Band of Brooklyn. RSVP is required. Organizer ↗
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10:00
Pumpkin Point
Nolan Park, Governors Island, Governors Island, Manhattan · Free
A free pumpkin patch with trick-or-treating, ghost tours, pumpkin painting, fall foliage walks and performances. The ferry costs $5 round trip, free for children 12 and under. Organizer ↗
Sat, Nov 7 to Sun, Nov 8
Jazz Age Lawn Party
Colonels Row Green, Governors Island, Governors Island, Manhattan
A 1920s themed lawn party with live music, dance lessons, vintage portrait sessions, antique cars and croquet, 11am to 5pm both days. Tickets are sold through the party's own site, and the page does not state a children's policy. Organizer ↗
Nearby on the Brood List
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Pier 6 playgrounds and Jane's Carousel
Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo · 0.8 mile away · Free
Climb aboard the Wavertree at South Street Seaport
Seaport, Lower Manhattan · 1.4 miles away
Ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty
Lower Manhattan · 0.8 mile away · Free
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by the official ferry
Battery Park · 1.0 mile away
Questions people ask
How much is the Governors Island ferry?
At the time of writing, adults pay $5, children 12 and under and people 65 and over ride free, and everyone rides free on Saturdays and Sundays before 11am.
Is Governors Island open all year?
Yes, it is open daily year round, with hours that vary by season.
Can I take the ferry from Brooklyn?
Seasonally. A ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 and Red Hook runs on weekends and holidays from May 23 to November 1, 2026.
Can I bring a stroller on the ferry?
Yes, but space for strollers and bikes is limited and first come, first served.
How much does it cost?
Ferry adults $5; children 12 and under free; 65 and over free; everyone free Saturdays and Sundays before 11am. Bikes ride at no surcharge.
Which subway stop is nearest?
To the Manhattan ferry: 1 to South Ferry (accessible station) or 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible); R/W to Whitehall St-South Ferry is not listed as accessible. Check the MTA elevator status.
How long do you need?
A half day or more.
The whole list
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The printable list
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