Exploring NYC’s Little Island with Your Kids

More than a decade ago, billionaire Barry Diller had a vision of a park-within-a-park and Thomas Heatherwick, the architect behind the Vessel at Hudson Yards, was hired. It took a while, but eventually construction began on Little Island in NYC. People watched in fascination as the park started to take shape, literally: Concrete, tulip-shaped clusters rose out of the Hudson River. So, what’s it like to walk the long, gangplank-like entrance and visit Little Island park?

The answer: 2.4 acres of pure magic. Newly opened in May 2021, Little Island has paths, stairs, wave-shaped benches, more than 350 plant species, more than 110 trees (some of which will eventually grow to 60 feet tall), and two large grassy hills begging to be raced up and rolled down. Nestled amidst the hills are various stone shortcuts—ideal for impatient explorers who can’t wait to check out the views.

  
Speaking of the views...the park’s highest point, the Southwest Overlook, offers a gorgeous  panorama. The Statue of Liberty stands sentry, the Empire State Building and One World Trade try to catch clouds, the buildings of Lower Manhattan and New Jersey glimmer. You can peer out at other New Yorkers enjoying a picnic or just lazing about on Little Island and Hudson River Park. Serene and lovely it may be, but the park’s also perfect for any kid (or grown-up) obsessed with infrastructure: Helicopters whir overhead, barges chug along, taxis stop and start on Eleventh Avenue, and Marine Company 1, one of NYFD’s fireboats, docks at the neighboring pier.

The park itself is a feat of engineering. More than 130 tulips—each one uniquely shaped—balance on 280 concrete piles. Depending on your vantage point, from the outside, Little Island looks a little like a floating leaf or rolling wave. As you enter, you pass beneath an arch of tulips. Then you can take a right or left and climb them to the Southeast Overlook. Elsewhere, as you wander, you might spy a slice of tulip, a reminder of the magic that undergirds Little Island, but otherwise you’ll never feel as if you’re moving from one tulip to another. The park undulates in a very natural way—pun most definitely intended.  

History buffs take note: In front of Little Island’s entrance is a huge steel arch—all that remains of the White Star Line, once one of the world’s most famous shipping companies. In 1912, Titanic survivors docked here, after being rescued by the RMS Carpathia. A few years later, the Lusitania departed from this pier (its sinking by a German U-boat helped spur the U.S. into World War I).  

Family Friendly Events at Little Island 

Beginning mid-June, the park will feature several performances in the Amph (seating about 700), the Glade (seating about 200), and the shaded Play Ground (where you can purchase responsibly sourced treats like stuffed cookies, yogurt pots, and avocado toast, as well as coffee, IPAs, wine, and other drinks, from NYC-based vendors). Little Island’s current roster of artists-in-residence include playwright and director Tina Landau and choreographer and tap dancer Ayodele Casel. PigPen Theatre Co. will also put on its signature musical storytelling sessions. Most events will be free; others will have a modest fee.  

There will be plenty of fun and educational options for kids, too. Kids can hang out at the Art Cart, attend one of the free educational programs held by resident artists and museum staff, or just run around. There are no typical play structures, but there are plenty of windy paths to explore. Little Park would be perfect for an epic game of hide and seek. In partnership with Teatro SEA, The Free Black Women’s Library, and Women in Comics, a Little Library will pop up on Fridays.

How is Little Island keeping guests safe during the pandemic?

Little Island and Hudson River Park follow the latest guidance from the city, state, and CDC. Little Island’s COVID policy is available here, including social distancing, masks (with disposable masks available for anyone who needs one), and timed tickets for popular times (12-8pm, daily).