The Yard is NYC's only adventure playground, a roughly 20,000 sq ft outdoor space operated by the nonprofit play:groundNYC on Governors Island. Kids ages 5–19 use loose parts — wood, pallets, tires, and other materials — to build, explore, and create freely, supervised by trained playworkers. A separate family play area welcomes younger children (under 5) accompanied by a caregiver.
The wider island adds to the fun: Slide Hill features a 57-foot slide (the longest in NYC), Hammock Grove offers climbing and swinging structures in a natural setting, and three play fountains in the Liggett Terrace hedge maze boast 90 water jets for summer splashing. The island is car-free, mostly flat, and open year-round — making it a full-day destination for families.
Admission to The Yard is free, but each child must have a signed waiver to play. play:groundNYC strongly recommends completing the online waiver before visiting, as cell service on the island can be slow. Capacity is typically capped at 45 kids at a time; on busy days, timed slots are available first-come, first-served at the gate. The Yard is open Saturdays and Sundays, 12–4 PM, from late March through mid-November.
Note: Governors Island is accessible by ferry only. Departures from Manhattan leave from 10 South Street, Slip 7. Check govisland.com for current ferry fares and schedules before visiting.
