Take your family out for an adventure by ferry! It’s super fun, especially while the weather is cooling down. A one-way ticket costs $4 per person, and a number of convenient ferry routes originate from Battery Park and Pier 11. Open water, gorgeous skylines, and lifelong memories await on the Hudson.

Governors Island
Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, visible from the tip of Manhattan at Battery Park. A short ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building, Governors Island offers playgrounds, bike rentals, and a slate of seasonal events ranging from arts festivals to landscaping sheep.

Governors Island is a relaxing day outdoors, so be sure to pack hats, snacks, and sunscreen.

Staten Island 
Running between St George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry is free and goes along a route with beautiful views of both the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

On Staten Island, there’s always something fun to do. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. Fort Wadsworth offers indoor exhibitions, beautiful views, and rotating activities at the Mont Sec House. The Staten Island Zoo often has free weekend programs, special events, and educational opportunities.

Liberty Island & Ellis Island
Liberty Island and Ellis Island are both maintained in part by the National Park Service. Due to their proximity, the historic locations are often grouped into a combined day trip. Tours take around 3-5 hours, with a cost of ~$30 per adult and ~$20 per child.

A trip to Liberty Island usually includes two components: the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Pedestal (inside the statue). One of the most iconic American symbols, a visit to Liberty Island is a must-do at least once in New York City for both visitors and residents. It’s educational and awe-inspiring for kids, and there’s plenty of space to walk around and explore.

Often paired with a visit to Liberty Island, Ellis Island offers a historical experience at the National Immigration Museum. A poetic symbol of the American Dream, the museum brings to life a historic immigrant experience by sharing the stories for those who passed through the Golden Door.

Red Hook, Brooklyn
The ferry ride to Red Hook is scenic, and once there, you can visit the waterfront parks, enjoy local eateries, or check out the waterfront promenade.

Red Hook is home to a range of structured activities. Shipwrecked Mini Golf and the Waterfront Museum are great for families, and PlayWell (an indoor playground) offers a range of kid-first activities to occupy your little ones while you recharge at the Red Hook Tavern. Depending on your kid’s level of sensitivity to mortality, a visit to the catacombs could also be fun.

My Red Hook food recommendations include Hometown Bar-B-Que, Brooklyn Crab, and The Good Fork.

DUMBO, Brooklyn 
Taking the ferry to DUMBO (“Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”) is the ultimate urban adventure. The whole day, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the city.

The standard DUMBO day plan includes a ride on the historic Jane’s Carousel, then enjoying a meal at Time Out Market. (I recommend sticking to that order.) However, the day doesn’t have to end there.

Powerhouse Books is a great stop for a little reader. You can take your new books down to Brooklyn Bridge Park and watch the boats go by. If your kid is more active, you can read while they play on the Main St. Playground – it’s boat themed and completely enclosed.