Of all the reasons we're sad to see summer end in NYC, the closing of Governors Island is always one of the toughest. The fun-filled island oasis closes for the season on Sunday, September 27 at 7pm, so hop on the ferry with the family for a last-minute adventure. As a special treat on the final day, the ferry will run from Brooklyn every 30 minutes, plus bike valet and selfie sticks will be available for visitors. Check out our picks of the best activities, and make sure to squeeze them in before the final ferry returns to the city!
1. Take a hard hat tour of The Hills. Meet at the Liggett Hall Arch to get a peek at the construction going on at the southern end of the island. You can be one of the first to check out the view The Hills—mounds rising between 25 and 70 feet—all made from recycled fill materials. Sept 24 at 4:14pm.
2. Scope out creative works at The Governors Island Art Fair. Families can browse pieces by over 100 independent artists, then hop aboard a school-bus art studio to make a masterpiece with paints and other craft materials. Sept 26–27, 11am–7pm.
3. Putt around at Figment mini golf. Play a round with the kids at this artists-designed, mini golf course. This year's theme is transportation, incorporating 11 holes inspired by everything from the subway to rocket ships to the Governors Island ferry. Open daily.
4. Get creative at the final Arts Island Outpost sessions. Get in on free family art workshops led by in-house teaching artists from the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Meet outside Building 14 in Nolan Park, then gather natural and recyclable materials to create art that reflects the importance of nature and parks. Sept 26–27, 11am–3pm.
5. Roll around the island on two wheels. Bring your own ride, or rent a bike from Blazing Saddles ($10–$20) to zip around five miles of car-free paths. Big families can even look into renting a six-seat surrey to fit the whole crew! Rentals available daily.
6. Seek out higher ground on Outlook Hill. All weekend long, you can get a first look at the view from Outlook Hill! The 70-foot-high mount (the highest of The Hills) gives visitors a 360-degree, panoramic view of the Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. You'll definitely want to take a photo up top! Sept 26–27, 11am–4pm.