#Cruiseyourcity to Governors Island
Governors Island is all the buzz this summer from new activities to the must-dos that we all love. Travel to Governors Island with NYC Ferry via the South Brooklyn or East River Route this weekend. There are never-ending activities available for you to do with your family and friends.
Hammock Grove + Hammock Grove Play Area
The Hammock Grove Play Area has something for all ages! Looking to relax? Visit this new park with the kids this weekend and take a walk to Hammock Grove and swing in the Island’s 50 iconic red hammocks. You can even see the Statue of Liberty and the City skyline.
Reserve a Grill
You can bring your Saturday cookout to Governors Island! Visitors can now reserve a grill while the Island is open to the public. All reservations must be made at least two days in advance and are booked on a first come first serve basis. Upon reservation, Governors Island will have a charcoal grill, picnic tables and a wagon waiting for you at the ferry landing to transport any supplies you have. You will be responsible for bringing your own grilling supplies.
To reserve a grill, you will be charged a $26 non-refundable application fee and your date and location will be confirmed after your Grill Reservation Form has been successfully submitted.
Slide Hill
Governors Island newest park space is Slide Hill which features slides of varying lengths and is open to everyone of all ages. You can climb up to the different slides from either the timber scramble or accessible winding path. Test the three shorter slides including one built for two people to slide down together. The longest slide in NYC can be found at Slide Hill at an impressive height of 57 feet.
Free Kayaking with the Downtown Boathouse
You can now learn to kayak on Governors Island for free! The Downtown Boathouse is now offering free sit-on-top kayaks for public use at Pier 101. Boathouse staff will give free instruction and provide all the necessary safety equipment. Free kayaking is available till mid-September, Saturdays only from 11 am – 4 pm. The last kayak goes out at 3:30 pm.
Walking Tours
Take a tour through Governors Island and learn about its past, exciting transformation, and its future. These free one-hour walking tours are held Wednesday – Friday beginning at 10:15 am and Saturday & Sunday starting at 10:15 am, 12:15 pm and 2:15 pm. The walking tours begin at the Governors Island Welcome Center at Soissons Landing and are hosted by the Friends of Governors Island.
Adventures at Governors Island
Visit Adventures at Governors Island for recreational entertainment located at the Western shore of Governors Island. It includes Flywire Zipline, 3D Climbing Challenge, Amazen’ Maze and Mini-Golf. For $22 you can purchase the Adventure Combo Ticket that includes Zipline, Amazen’ Maze and Climbing Challenge.
To try them separately here are a few details:
Amazen’ Maze is a giant maze nearly 3,6000 square feet that will challenge your sense of direction and problem-solving skills. For $8 families can compete amongst each another or against another family. The objective is to spell the word “MAZE” then exit as quickly as possible.
Climbing Challenge gives you the option to scale 3 unique 25-foot walls that fit your ability. Climbers can also choose their line and begin at their own pace. Climbers must weigh at least 40lbs. and must be less than 250 lbs. to climb. To test your ability to climb for $6.
Everyone loves to play mini-golf. Visit the 18 holes mini-golf course near the New York Harbor and against the Statue of Liberty. To mini-golf is $7.
Flywire Zipline allows two people to zip down a 300-foot long cable side by side at a top speed of 21 mph. The attraction has a 35-foot peak at its starting point and is also high enough for experienced thrill seekers. Participants must be at least 40 inches tall and weigh between 45 lbs. – 250 lbs. to ride. It costs $12 per zip or $20 for two thrill-seekers.
Summertime Skating at Mel’s Rink
You can ice skate in the summer sun at the Summertime Skating at Mel’s Rink on Governors Island. Skating is available Monday – Thursday from 10am-5pm, Fridays from 10 am – 9 pm and Saturday – Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. Skate rentals and rink access for adults is $15 and $10 for children. Governors Island members will receive a 25% discount. If you bring your own skates it is $11 for adults and $8 for children.
#Cruiseyourcity to Roosevelt Island
Head to Roosevelt Island this weekend on our Astoria Route to visit and learn about its history and explore the island.
The Lighthouse
Visit The Lighthouse, which was built in 1872 by inmates of the penitentiary with stone extracted from the island. It was built by the same architect who designed the Smallpox Hospital and the Smithsonian Institute. If you love to fish or barbeque, the Lighthouse has become a destination to do just that.
The Smallpox Hospital
Take a trip through history and visit the Smallpox Hospital built in 1854. It was the first major U.S hospital and nursing school combo dedicated to smallpox victims. Vistors may only view the hospital from the outside, but no one is allowed on grounds due to medical reasons.
The Strecker Laboratory
Visit the laboratory where many great scientific advances were made in the first half of the 20th century. The Strecker Laboratory was the second structure to be built on the Roosevelt Island. It is currently being used by the New York City Transit as power conversion for subway lines and is now accessible to view on NYC Ferry’s Astoria Route.
Get out this weekend and #cruiseyourcity!