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Description
The Yard is NYC’s only adventure playground, located on Governors Island. The Yard is a kids-only space in which we supply young people with loose parts materials for building, exploring, imagining, and destroying. Tools include are nails, hammers and saws, paint, tires, wood, fabrics, and more. The playground is staffed by play:groundNYC trained playworkers when it is open to children.
Here’s what to know before you visit:
HOURS: In 2024, The Yard is open from 12-4 pm every weekend from the beginning of April into November. This is free!
AGES: There are 2 areas at The Yard! Our family play area was available for kids under 5; no child should enter without a caregiver, and no caregiver should enter without a child. Our main play area is recommended for ages 5 to 19, and is staffed by trained playworkers; we do not allow adults into the main area of The Yard, except for the playworkers and the caregivers/parents of kids with special needs.
CAPACITY: Typically, no more than 45 kids at a time will be allowed in The Yard at one time. On busy days, timed slots may be available on a first-come first-served basis at the gate. These numbers may adjust depending on staffing/safety measures each day.
COVID-19: We recommend participants follow guidelines set up by the CDC.
OUTDOOR SAFETY: Please note - to protect our team and young visitors from the effects of prolonged exposure to bad air quality, severe weather conditions, or any other threat to the environment, we reserve the right to close The Yard. Notice will be posted on our website and social media channels with as much notice as possible.
WAIVERS: Each child will need a signed waiver to participate in either the main play area or the family play area. We recommend you fill out the ONLINE WAIVER before your visit. Waivers can also be completed at the entrance of The Yard where one of our play:groundNYC team members can answer any questions you may have. Please note that data service on Governors Island can be slow. We recommend signing beforehand and showing proof when you arrive to avoid frustration. Multiple children can be added to the same waiver.
SHOES: Closed-toe shoes are required because children will be using tools like saws, hammers, and nails, and closed-toe shoes help protect children’s feet. We have a limited selection of loaner shoes on site.
DIRECTIONS: The Yard is located at 40 Barry Rd, at Governors Island.
You can access the island by:
- - taking the Governors Island ferry at the terminal located at 10 South St in Manhattan. The ferry schedule can be found here. Once on the island: walk up, and turn left at the T junction. Once you pass the entrance to the Fort, turn right onto a path between houses and trees (Colonel’s Row). Walk straight until you reach The Yard.
- - taking the NYC ferry; Governors Island is served via the South Brooklyn route. The ferry schedule can be found here. Once you are on the island: turn right along the water. Take the second left turn and see The Yard on your right.
SUGGESTED DONATION: We want all kids to be able to play! Your donations are critical to providing adventure play for free to thousands of children across the city. We suggest a donation of $5 (or more) per child or whatever can donate to help keep The Yard open and accessible. We appreciate whatever you can provide.
Who
ages 1-19
