Opened to the public in 2009, the High Line has been touted as one of the most popular public parks in New York City. Built on a historic rail line elevated high above the busy streets on Manhattan’s West Side, thousands of locals and tourists stroll the park every day to experience the living tree house in the sky. A day here combines the best of all worlds: art, exercise, nature, architecture and artisanal foodie delights.
Good for Kids?
Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, the park is like a yellow brick road of discovery. Kids of all backgrounds and ages naturally take to the botanical environment overgrowing with perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees that were inspired by the original planting design that grew on the abandoned freight rail. The High Line offers a glimpse into a bygone era brought to vivid life by the thoughtful conservation and planning of the nonprofit group Friends of the High Line.
With so many areas to explore and new additions to the park announced every year, one can get lost in the maze of activity. Thankfully, since the park is narrow with a two-way lane, kids can’t venture too far off the beaten path and will always stay within sightline with no fear of bikes or cars to mar the relaxing walking experience.
As with any outdoor city activity, picking the perfect day for a visit is key. Too hot and you run the risk of dealing with a cranky brood. Too cold and the lushness of the greenery fails to weave its artful charms. Some say the best time to visit is at dusk in the summer months when the park is cooler, less crowded and privy to some of the best sunsets around.
Let’s Play
Every inch of the High Line has something wow-worthy to explore, like the Pershing Square Beams area, one of the newer and more kidapproved play spaces. Located on 30th Street, west of 11th Avenue, it features exposed metal beams where kids can climb and run wild. They’ll also love the talking tubes, periscopes and beams that add whimsy to this industrial-playgroundmeets- art-installation space.
Kids enchanted by all forms of transport, abandoned factories and mechanics, will also love the viewing area at 28th Street, which overlooks a giant garage where kids can watch tow trucks and other modes of transportation while staying safely protected from the fumes and noises.
On any hot summer day, you’ll find families converging at the Diller-Von Furstenberg Sundeck and Water section located between 14th and 15th Streets. With loungers and a long shallow footbath that is perfect for little ones, this is an ideal place to relax and revive after a long day of walking.
Families should plan ahead and check the calendar that’s full of weekly drop-ins for kids including free art, nature and building activities before arriving. The High Line offers Arty Hours on Saturdays through July and August, when kids over age 4 can participate in a variety of art projects. Kids from infant to age 3 can visit on Thursday mornings for the Lawn Time music and story sessions. There is also plenty to do for little builders with the High Line’s Workyard Kit, complete with ropes, gears and wooden plans to construct to their heart’s delight. Finally, for older kids who don’t mind staying up late, the High Line offers stargazing with high-end telescopes pointing at stars, planets and the moon until Oct. 28.
Feed Me
The High Line has an open food court with fresh gelato and sorbet from L’Arte del Gelato’s, Texas-style barbecue plates from SmokeLine and ice cream sandwiches from Melt Bakery among many other offerings. There’s even a passageway that goes straight to Chelsea Market, which is home to many restaurants. Most recently, the High Line has opened its first upscale restaurant Santina for those wanting a sit-down dining experience.
But when it comes to making a complete day of the High Line make sure to book a table at the rooftop restaurant Gallow Green located at The McKittrick Hotel. Just a stone’s throw away from the action of the High Line, its lush open-air decor, antique details and old railway track flooring will delight kids with the feeling of dining at an old abandoned rail yard, albeit with a high element of sophistication. Offering brunch and even a kid-friendly high tea complete with a potion-making class on select weekends, the magical Harry Potter-like den is the perfect spot to cap off a magical day at the High Line.
Elina Furman is a seasoned travel writer and publisher of A-List Mom and A-List Mom Travel, reaching more than 77,000 moms nationwide with her weekly email. She frequently appears on TV as a lifestyle and family travel expert and she lives in Dobbs Ferry with her two sons and husband.
When You Go …
THE HIGH LINE
Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.
212-206-9922 (Friends of the High Line) thehighline.org
HOURS
Apr. 1 to May 31: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
June 1 to Sept. 30: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Oct. 1 to Nov. 30: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Dec. 1 to Mar. 31: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
ADMISSION
Free
