5 Things To Do Right Now On Governors Island

Named Governors Island in 1784, the island was used for the U.S. military for years after. It functioned as a prison for captured Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War, and was a base for the Army and air forces during World War I and II. Now, the Island is a hotspot for tourists and families to visit during the summer. This year Governors Island will be open 7 days a week!

Newest Additions

This year’s transformation on the Island includes an addition of 30 acres that made it possible to add Hammock Grove and Play Lawn!

Take a walk through Hammock Grove this summer! Landscaping 1,500 trees, there will be enough shade to keep you from the hot sun. Feeling a bit tired, no worries! Hammock Grove also includes 50 red hammocks to relax on!

Play Lawn is another new addition to Governors Island introducing two new ball fields that are open to the public and plenty of room for your children to run and play. Not to mention, a superb view of the Statue of Liberty!

Try and get a hole-in-one on this unique golf course!

Mini Golf

Thanks to Figment Arts, Governors Island is the only free mini-golf course in New York City. Each year they choose a different artist to design the course, this year’s theme is, “New York City Now.”

Interactive Sculpture Garden

You and your family can explore the interactive sculptures brought to you by Figment Arts NYC. Each piece of work offers something different. For instance, write alongside others on “Achilles” (a giant giraffe) your future plans or watch as the “Traffic Play” lights change colors and create sounds.

Treehouse

Returning for it’s fourth year in a row is the Treehouse! The Treehouse offers a place for you and your families to play, explore, and admire beautiful works of art. Artists’ murals were selected to decorate this year’s Treehouse.

Tour Castle Williams

Castle Williams once held prisoners during the Civil War and various times throughout the beginning of the 20^th century. Now, you can tour the structure with your family!

Bonus Tip

Governors Island also hosts special events throughout the summer! Check out the calendar to plan a trip today!

Plugged in Band

<div>Plugged In is a nonprofit program that offers online programs to student&nbsp;musicians (Ages 10-18) in a non-competitive environment and provides band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Our programs include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Rock Band Classes</div> <div>Private Music Lessons</div> <div>Summer Camp</div> <div>Digital/Audio Production</div> <div>Songwriting and Recording Workshops</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Oh and hey parents, we are now offering private music lessons and our rock band program for adults too. Reach out to us for more information.&nbsp;</div>

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;</p>