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Description
The Yard is open, for free, every weekend from 12 to 4PM, April – November
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 in The Yard at all times. Here’s what to know before you visit:
HOURS: In 2022, The Yard is open from 12-4pm every weekend from April to November. This is free! If anything changes beyond our control (for example a citywide lockdown, the temporary closure of Governors Island or a rise in infection rates), we would announce the closure on our website.
AGES: There are 2 areas at The Yard! Our family play area is available for kids younger than 5, while our main play area is recommended for ages 6 to 12 years old. We do not allow parents into the main area of The Yard; with the exception of the playworkers and the parents of kids with special needs, the adult-free space allows children to move freely on the site.
CAPACITY: No more than 45 kids at a time will be allowed in The Yard. Timed slots will be available on a first-come first-served basis at the gate.
COVID-19: All playworkers are vaccinated. Masks are encouraged for unvaccinated people.
WAIVERS: Each child will need a separate 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 are also available at the entrance of play:groundNYC where one of our team members will be able to answer any questions you may have.
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.
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DIRECTIONS
You can find the Governors Island ferry schedules here. From the Brooklyn Ferry, turn right along the water. Take the second left turn and you will see The Yard on your right. From the Manhattan Ferry 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.
You can find the NYC ferry schedules here; Governors Island is served via the South Brooklyn route. When you exit the ferry landing, turn right along the water. Take the second left turn and you will see The Yard on your right.
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SUGGESTED DONATION: We want all kids to be able to play! Your donations are critical to providing adventure play for free for children across the city. Donate to help keep The Yard open and accessible. We appreciate whatever you can provide. Thank you!
Kindness and patience are requested! See you soon.
The Yard is also home to our Summer Camp, Adventure Play Club, Mini Camps and Spring Recess.
Join us!
