Governors Island (Summer)

Governors Island is the NYC experience that most tourists and even many residents don't know about. A 172-acre island in New York Harbor, a 7-minute ferry ride from lower Manhattan, that's completely car-free and open to the public from May through October. For families, it's the closest thing to leaving the city without actually leaving.

The Hills are the centerpiece attraction for kids. Four sculpted hills rise up to 70 feet above the harbor, offering 360-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Slide Hill has four built-in slides — including a 57-foot-long slide that's essentially a roller coaster built into a hillside.

Kids sprint up and slide down with the kind of freedom that's hard to find on Manhattan sidewalks.

Biking is the other major draw. The island is flat, car-free, and has miles of paved paths perfect for kids learning to ride or families cruising together. You can bring your own bike on the ferry (free) or rent on the island (Citi Bike and private vendors). The perimeter path circles the entire island with water views the entire way.

For younger kids, there's a seasonal splash pad near Liggett Terrace, a hammock grove (parents love this), and open lawns for running. Art installations pop up each season, and many are designed to be interactive. Food vendors operate on the island but options are limited — packing a picnic is strongly recommended.

Logistics: ferries depart from the Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan (near the Staten Island Ferry terminal) and from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Weekend ferries before noon are free for all passengers. Kids under 12 ride free anytime. Check the Governors Island website for the current season schedule.