If you find yourself in New York City on a Friday, then I recommend heading to Governor's Island for a day of free/cheap fun! Take the free ferry to the island (1, Whitehall/South Ferry). It's right next to the Staten Island Ferry. Last ferry leaving the city is at 3pm so plan for a morning voyage to take full advantage!
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The beauty of going on a Friday as opposed to the weekend (it's only open Friday-Sunday) is it's FREE BIKE FRIDAY! You can rent a bike for free for an hour. It's about all you need really to circle around the island a few times. It's lovely. You get views of the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Brooklyn, etc. It's just a great time. Then, there are art exhibits, installations, DJs, performances scattered throughout. It's like a scavenger hunt to find the sweet activities! Here's what I found:
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A treehouse of recycled/repurposed materials.
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shipping crates turned into lounges
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Eataly. Just kidding. Not on the island but I did go here to buy my picnic food. PRICEY!!! Delicious but pricey. I don't think I'd do it again.
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Me in a giant hammock. Yes, there are hammocks with a view of...
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A BLUE MARBLE ICE CREAM CART!!! Oh, and the waterfront.
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inflatable & mulch-y playground
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my favorite part: swings with a view