The yard Is Open every weekend For free!
we will reopen in spring 2025!
“Whatever is going on is clearly working like magic.”
WELCOME TO THE YARD
We are proud to operate The Yard, 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. Some tools provided are nails, hammers and saws, paint, tires, wood, fabrics and more. There are play:groundNYC trained playworkers inside The Yard when it is open to children. Here’s what to know before you visit:
HOURS: In 2024, The Yard is open from 12-4pm every weekend from March 30th until November 17th. This is free!
AGES: We have 2 areas at The Yard! Our family play area is available for any child under 5 or any child who wishes to play with a caregiver; no child should enter without a caregiver, no caregiver should enter without a child. Our main play area is recommended for ages 5 to 19, and staffed by trained playworkers; we do not allow adults into the main area of The Yard, with the exception of the playworkers and the caregivers/parents of kids with special needs that our staff are unable to accommodate without assistance.
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 in the environment, we reserve the right to close The Yard. Notice will be posted on our website and social media channels as soon 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 prior to your visit. Waivers can also be completed at the entrance of The Yard where one of our play:groundNYC team members will be able to answer any questions you may have. Please note that data service on Governors Island can be slow. To avoid frustration, we recommend signing ahead of time and showing proof when you arrive. Multiple children can be added to the same waiver.
SHOES: Closed-toe shoes are required because children are using tools like saws, hammers, 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, on 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, 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 you will 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 you are able. Donate to help keep The Yard open and accessible. We appreciate whatever you can provide. Thank you!
THE YARD ALSO HOSTS…
