28 Feb How to Spend a Perfect Day on New York City’s Little Island with Kids

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a day in NYC with the kids, then look no further than Little Island. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Little Island is the perfect spot to take your family for an exciting day of adventure. From interactive exhibits to fantastic views of the skyline, there’s something for everyone on Little Island. Read on to find out how to make the most of your day on this special little island. Little Island at Pier 55 is an artificial island park in the Hudson River, which opened in May 2021.

Start the day with a ferry ride
Nothing beats a classic NYC ferry ride to Little Island with kids. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here a hundred times before, the views of the Hudson River are unparalleled. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life as you make your way to this unique park that is perfect for family fun. On your journey, you’ll be able to enjoy the skyline views of Manhattan while also taking in the sights of nature. The kids will love seeing the boats pass by and be amazed by the natural beauty of Little Island.

Explore the nature center
When visiting Little Island with kids, make sure to include a visit to the Nature Center. This is an excellent place for family fun and exploring NYC’s natural environment. The Nature Center offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, which can help children better understand the local flora and fauna. There are also live animals, such as turtles, snakes, and frogs, which can be observed in their natural habitats. Additionally, there are guided tours of the island, providing families with an opportunity to learn more about Little Island’s history and ecology. Spend some time here, learning something new and having a great time together as a family!

Have a picnic lunch
When spending a day on Little Island with kids, having a picnic lunch is the perfect way to take a break and have some family fun. Pack a lunch and blanket ahead of time and find a spot on the island where you can spread out and enjoy the scenery. On Little Island, there are plenty of areas to find shade from the sun or even host an outdoor barbecue. Enjoy the view of the city skyline while you dine with your family. After lunch, you can walk around the island and explore its beauty.

Take a walk around the island
Exploring Little Island with your kids is sure to be a memorable experience. What better way to do so than to take a leisurely walk around the entire island? Let your kids have some family fun and explore the island on foot. You can take a walk along the East River, discovering nature and taking in the breathtaking views of New York City. Make sure to stop at some of the various points of interest such as the Hudson River Estuary and the different species of birds found on Little Island. Along the way, you’ll also find plenty of benches where your family can sit down and enjoy the scenery. The walk itself will likely take a few hours.

Visit the playground
Spending the day with kids on Little Island is a great opportunity to enjoy family fun. Take some time to visit the playground and let the little ones run around and explore. The playground is surrounded by lush greenery and provides plenty of activities to keep them busy. Kids can swing, slide, climb and play in the sandpit. There are also picnic tables where you can rest while they play. With its ample play structures, the playground is the perfect spot for children of all ages to get active and spend time outdoors.

End the day with an ice cream
End the day on Little Island with a sweet treat! After a full day of family fun and exploration, what could be better than a delicious ice cream cone or cup? Little Island is home to several ice cream parlors and carts, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Let your kids pick out their favorite flavors and enjoy the treat with a waterfront view. It’s a great way to finish off an amazing day with the family!

Little Island
Pier 55 in Hudson River Park @ W 13th St
New York, NY 10014

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