One ‘hill’ of a day out!

One 'hill' of a view from Outlook Hill

The Hills on Governors Island officially opened yesterday, so B and I went along today to make sure we were one of the first to check them out.

Governors Island has been a favourite day trip destination for us since moving to New York. 

A short boat ride from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn (on the weekend) the island is a relaxing space that boasts stunning views of the city. Needless to say it’s a breath of fresh air and a fun day the whole family enjoys. 

Created on a rundown former military area of the island that was previously off-limits to the public, The Hills are essentially four man made hills rising between 25 and 70 feet above the harbour.  

Grassy Hill is the most gentle and perfect for relaxing and picnics overlooking large expanses of new parkland. On Discovery Hill you’ll find a permanent art installation from British artist, Rachel Whiteread nestled between the ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Take a scramble.... the view is worth it

You can choose a winding accessible path or a scramble up some strategically placed granite rocks to reach the summit of the highest of them all; Outlook Hill.  Once you’ve reached 70 feet and caught your breath, be prepared to lose it again as you take in the 360-degree views of all the harbour has to offer including; Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.

New record breaking NYC slide

Slide Hill, new family favourite in NYC

The star of the show for the smallest visitors to Governors Island is sure to be Slide Hill.  Creatively set into the landscape of the hill, it boasts four fantastic stainless steel slides of varying widths, lengths, twists and turns.  The longest, at 57 feet is also the Longest slide in NYC!

At one point I think there were more grown ups than kids on there! 

A few tips...

Cover up

On a hot day the slides will get VERY hot during the peak of the day so bring a towel for sliding on or long trousers. 

Bring a stroller

Its quite a trek in the heat with no shade to get to The Hills, so if you are borderline on bringing a stroller or not….. bring it! It provides shade, helps out those little legs which will be very tired after all the hill climbing, the hills are fully stroller accessible and you get priority boarding on the ferry with a stroller.

Bring cash 

Since opening The Hills there are now a couple of places to refill your water bottle for free, but for the most part the Island just has drinks vending machines that only take cash. 

Bring a picnic

There are a few food trucks on the Island, but they tend to get very busy and the best picnic spots are quite far away from the food trucks. 

Getting there 

Governors Island is open until 25 September this year. The ferry runs daily from lower Manhattan and Brooklyn at the weekend. Find out more on the Governors Island website; https://govisland.com/

Enjoy a snapshot from our day out...

On our way to Governors Island

Fun to be had on the walk around to The Hills

A castle to explore

A gentle stroll...

Or adventurous scramble to reach those views 

Cooling down in a rare shady spot for picnic - check out the view!

Record breaking slide.... they all line up for a ride on the longest slide in NYC

Waiting his turn - if you look really close you can see the Statue of Liberty hiding in the trees

3..2..1...go

Weeee

Again, again  

Room for two, twice the fun