Park Rules

To ensure each visitor can experience Little Island as a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful park, it is asked that visitors refrain from the following activities:
  • Walking in plant beds
  • Picking flowers or plants
  • Bringing in outside alcohol
  • Smoking or Vaping
  • Riding or bringing bicycles
  • Using skateboards, roller skates/blades, and scooters
  • Sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing
  • Fishing
  • Playing amplified sound
  • Solicitation
  • Commercial activity
  • Littering
  • Obstructing entrances or paths
  • Bringing dogs, with the exception of working dogs
  • Flying drones

Little Island is a part of Hudson River Park. For a complete list of Hudson River Park rules, click here.

Code of Conduct

Little Island is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive public park, a place for experiences that ignite imagination, foster spontaneity and play, and support camaraderie and connection.

To deliver on this experience, the park relies on dedicated and passionate staff members and the support of park visitors for whom this is in service to – as such, Little Island has zero tolerance for violence, threats of violence, or violent language, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise discriminatory language and/or personal insults. Further, Little Island has zero tolerance for deliberate intimidation, stalking or following of any visitors and staff members. Anyone observed engaging in this behavior will be immediately removed from the park.

Thanks for your understanding and support in keeping Little Island a welcoming space for all visitors.

General Info

What is Little Island?

Founded in 2021, Little Island is an award-winning public park primarily funded by the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, located in Hudson River Park. In 2013, Barry Diller, in partnership with Hudson River Park Trust leadership, embarked on the unique opportunity to envision a solution for the repair and reactivation of Pier 54, which had been badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The park was designed as an entirely new type of public space for New York, one that would create an immersive experience with nature and art. Born from a collaboration of the UK-based Heatherwick Studio and the New York-based landscape architecture firm MNLA, led by Signe Nielsen, the park’s imaginative design offers all New Yorkers and visitors a public space that is whimsical, captivating and restorative. 

Where is Little Island Located?

Little Island is located at Pier 55, between 13th and 14th Street in Hudson River Park. Click here for directions.

Is There Parking On Little Island? Where Is The Nearest Parking Garage?

No, Little Island does not have any dedicated parking areas. The nearest public paid parking garage is MPG Manhattan Parking located at 450 West 17th St between 9th and 10th Avenues. 

When did Little Island Open?

Little Island opened on May 21, 2021. The park was conceived in 2013 and construction began in 2016. 

What Is the History of the Former Pier?

Little Island sits between the remnants of Pier 54 and Pier 56, the first ports in New York City. In the early 1900s, they were operated by the British Cunard-White Star line where commercial cruises departed and returned, including the voyage that safely returned survivors of the Titanic disaster, and the departure of the RMS Lusitania. From the 1970s to the early 80s, the piers became a safe space for New York City’s growing LGBTQ community to gather. The steel archway at Little Island’s South Bridge entrance remains from the Cunard-White Star building. To discover more about Little Island’s history, click here, or immerse yourself in the history of the iconic Meatpacking District and Hudson River waterfront by listening to Little Island’s History Audio Tour: The Story of Our Pier and Neighborhood Narrated by Tony Award Winner André De Shields.

Who Designed the Park?

The structural design was created by the UK-based Heatherwick Studio, and the landscape design was created by Signe Nielsen, founding principal of MNLA

Who Funds Little Island?

Little Island is an initiative of The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFFF), whose considerable philanthropic history extends to several other New York City parks and arts organizations including The Shed, Signature Theatre, Carnegie Hall Society, and the Central Park Conservancy. The foundation was an early and ongoing supporter of The High Line and Diane von Furstenberg led the fundraising effort for the new Statue of Liberty Museum and the continued beautification of Liberty Island. The Diller – von Furstenberg family has been committed to strengthening the communities of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District for many decades and have directly contributed to the long-term development and economic impact of the neighborhood. The creation and operation of Little Island continues this tradition. 

Visiting and using the park

What are the Hours of Operation?

Little Island opens at 6:00 am, 365 days a year unless weather conditions dictate otherwise. Our current hours are:

  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 8, 2025: 6 AM – 9 PM
  • Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Sunday, May 25, 2025: 6 AM – 11 PM
  • Monday, May 26, 2025 – Sunday, September 28, 2025: 6 AM – 12 AM
  • Monday, September 29, 2025 – Saturday, November 2, 2025: 6 AM – 11 PM
  • Sunday, November 3, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025: 6 AM – 9 PM
Is Little Island Free?

Yes, the park is free and open to the public. The only activity that requires a paid ticket to attend are all performances in The Amph.

Are Dogs Allowed In The Park?

Only working dogs assisting patrons with disabilities are permitted. Please note the ADA does not include emotional support animals as working service animals. Little Island’s horticulture team works hard to maintain our garden beds and lawns that can be soiled by pet waste and activities. We’re a small park with a lot of visitors, and plenty of plants and flowers that need preservation.

Is the Park Open When It's Raining or When there's Severe Weather?

Little Island is open rain or shine. From time to time, the entire park will close for extreme weather. For everyone’s safety, visitors will be asked to evacuate the park during these times.

When are the lawns open?

The main lawns operate on a rotating schedule from mid-May to September, accessible Wednesday through Sunday. The Glade lawn is available Wednesday through Sunday during performances and food and beverage activations. Lawns are closed for maintenance every Monday and Tuesday (excluding holidays) and may also be closed due to precipitation or extreme heat.

 Is the Park Accessible?

Yes. Our entire park is ADA compliant. Our Visitor Experience staff are also equipped to support access needs to ensure that all guests have the most enjoyable park experience possible. All programs, performances, and activities are designed with accessibility needs in mind. ASL and audio description will be provided for select performances throughout the season. To learn more about our accessibility offerings visit our accessibility page.

Are there Public Bathrooms on Little Island?

Yes. Our restrooms, including an ADA accessible all-gender restroom, are located near The Glade just past the South Bridge entrance to the park. We encourage patrons to use any restroom that best aligns with their gender.

What Is There To Do For Kids?

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities designed for kids of all ages. Year round, everyone can also enjoy making music with our dance chimes, engage with our interactive displays, and climb boulder scrambles throughout the park.

Do You Have a Lost & Found?

Yes. If you think you have left something in the park, please contact us here. Describe the item, date, and where in the park you think you lost it (The Amph, The Play Ground, an Overlook, etc.)

Can I Ride or Bring My Bike to the Park?

No. Bikes are not permitted on Little Island. You may park your bike at nearby bike stands located just north and south of Little Island on the Hudson River Park esplanade.

Can I Ride My Scooter, Skateboard, Roller Skate/Blade, Sled, Ski, or Snowshoe in the park?

For the safety of all visitors, riding on scooters and skateboards, roller skating/blading, sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing is not allowed in the park. You may carry them in the park.

Are Strollers Permitted In The Park?

Yes, strollers are welcome in the park, but not in The Amph. We do not offer stroller parking for performances in The Amph, so do plan ahead if you are planning to bring small children to a show.

Can I Run In The Park?

Of course! But our park is small, and our pathways are very active, please stay alert and safe while enjoying a run. We recommend running in the early mornings or late evenings when the park does not have as many visitors.

Do You Offer Tours?

We do not offer guided tours at this time. You can listen to our Landscape Audio Tour, narrated by Little Island’s landscape architect Signe Nielsen and learn more about our landscape, or check out our History Audio Tour, narrated by Tony Award Winner André De Shields and immerse yourself in the history of the iconic Meatpacking District and Hudson River waterfront. 

Is there Wi-fi in the Park?

No, there is no public wi-fi in the park.

Can I Smoke in the Park?

No. Smoking is prohibited in all New York parks, even though it may be legal to smoke elsewhere in public. As such, no smoking of any kind is permitted at Little Island, including cigarettes, marijuana, vaping, or use of e-cigarettes.

What is There To Do Nearby?
Can I Hold A Photo or Film Shoot?

 Anyone is welcome to take photos and videos in the park as long as you are not creating an unsafe condition or making exclusive use of an area.

  • Commercial photography or film shoots are not permitted in the park.
  • Photographers and broadcast crews from accredited news outlets are welcome to cover Little Island events, subject to approval by the Little Island communications team.
Where Can I Find Your Film and Photo Guidelines?

You may review our Film and Photo Guidelines here. For press inquiries, please contact us here

Are Any of the Parks Spaces Available For Rent? Can I Hold a Private or Corporate Event or Wedding?

Little Island is a public park and as such is not available for private events. 

Food and beverages

Where can I purchase food and beverage?

Visitors are able to purchase food and beverages at our food kiosks in The Play Ground and at carts located throughout the park the entire summer.

Little Island offers a carefully curated selection of food and drinks, featuring high-quality snacks and beverages from some of New York’s most innovative and thoughtful local makers. Come early and have a bite before the show, or stay after for a drink.

Outside alcohol is not permitted in The Amph. We offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase, and refillable water stations are available throughout the park.

What food and beverage will be available for purchase?

Our partner Union Square Events offers a selection of fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks, beverages, and sweet treats. A link to the full menu will be shared here closer to performances and included in your pre-show e-mail.  

Can I Bring My Own Outside Food and Beverage?

Yes, you may bring your own food and drink to enjoy on our lawns, or at our tables in The Play Ground, where we also sell food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from May – December. Visitors may not bring in outside alcohol.

Events and Performances

Where do events and performances take place?

Little Island’s events and performances take place in The Amph or The Glade.

Where can I find out more about Little Island performances?

Find out more about our events on our calendar.

Am I allowed to film or take photos of the performance?

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is not allowed during performances in The Amph.

Will I be able to get a seat if I am late for a performance in The Amph?

Visitors who arrive late will be seated at the discretion of The Amph house ushers.

 Do Performances Ever Get Cancelled or Rescheduled?

Little Island will always do our best to help the performance go on as scheduled. As an outdoor venue, inclement weather might cause us to delay a show’s start time or cancel a performance. Ticket holders for shows in The Amph will be notified about a show’s cancellation via text or email. Ticket holders will also receive information on refunds or how to rebook your show (if availability permits). Visitors are also welcome to check Little Island’s website and @Littlelsland’s Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories and X for real-time updates. If you are already in the park, a member of our staff will be able to relay any updates.

What kind of performances do you have here?

Little Island presents new works by artists working in dance, music, opera, theater and more.

Performance Ticketing

Where can I buy a ticket to a performance?

Tickets can be purchased here or on TodayTix.

Do you have a lottery or standby tickets? Do you have discounted tickets?

Visitors may be able to purchase a discounted Rush ticket on the night of a performance on the TodayTix app. This is subject to availability and not guaranteed.

If tickets are sold out, what should I do?

Ticket availability is subject to change. If a performance is sold out, check back closer to the performance date as new tickets may have been released. Each performance day, a limited number of rush tickets will also be released on the TodayTix app.

What should I do if I can't find my tickets?

You should receive an email with barcodes. If you can’t find this please check your spam/junk folder or contact TodayTix Support.

I purchased a ticket. Where are my seats?

The Amph is general admission, meaning there are no assigned seats for performances. At time of purchase, you are able to select a section to sit in (Sections 1-7). Visitors are seated in their assigned section, front to back in order of their arrival.

How much do tickets cost?

All performances in The Amph are $25 during the 2025 season. Performances in The Glade will be free, first come, first served.

Can I exchange or return my ticket?

Please reach out to TodayTix at (855) 464-9778 or click here for all ticketing requests.

I have an issue with my ticket, who should I contact?

Please reach out to TodayTix at (855) 464-9778 or click here for all ticketing issues.

I didn't buy my ticket through Little Island. Do I have a valid ticket?

We recommend only purchasing tickets through this website or our ticketing partner, TodayTix. We cannot guarantee the validity of tickets purchased through a third-party website.

Community Tickets

I am a community partner. How do I book my ticket?

Community partners will receive a unique booking link to reserve their tickets. Please reach out to community@littleisland.org if you need any assistance booking your ticket.

Who are community partners?

Through our Community Ticketing Program, we partner with local organizations to distribute free performance tickets to organizations and families throughout NYC, ensuring that a broad diversity of New Yorkers have access to Little Island’s ticketed events. Current Community Ticketing partners include the Department of Youth and Community Development, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and the Fulton Houses.

If you are interested in learning more about our Community Ticketing Program, please email community@littleisland.org.

Cancellation

My performance has been cancelled. What should I expect?

If your performance is cancelled before it begins, or within 40 minutes after it begins, your order will be canceled, and you will receive either a voucher to rebook for a future show (if availability permits), or a refund. You will be receiving an email outlining next steps.

If over 40 minutes of a performance took place before the show was canceled, you will not receive a refund or opportunity to rebook for a future date.

If I receive a refund for my cancelled performance, when should I see this reflected?

If your order has been refunded, you should see the refund processed within 3-5 business days. If you don’t see the refund in your account after this time, please contact TodayTix Support for assistance.

What do I do if I've not received my cancellation email?

Please check your spam or junk folder. If you still can’t find it, contact TodayTix Support, and we’ll be happy to help.

I'm disappointed about the cancellation. Who can I talk to?

We understand that cancellations can be disappointing. TodayTix Support can help address any concerns or questions about your order.

Food and Beverages During Performances

Where can I purchase food and beverage?

Visitors are able to purchase food and beverages at our food kiosks in The Play Ground the entire summer.

In June and September, visitors can also purchase wine and beer and light fare at a special Food and Beverage activation in The Glade.

In The Amph, guests will be able to purchase food and drinks at the concessions stand 45 minutes before a show starts.

What food and beverage will be available for purchase?

We serve a variety of American summertime classics, including hot dogs and French fries, alongside fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks, and sweet treats, sure to satisfy all your family and friends.

Accessibility

Will there be shows with ASL interpretation?

Select performances will have ASL interpretation. Please check back here closer to the start of the season for updates.

How do I book a wheelchair accessible seat?

Wheelchair accessible seats in The Amph are available to purchase, in combination with up to 3 companion seats. To purchase these, please select the “Accessible tickets” button on a performance page.

Who do I contact for accommodations?

Please contact info@littleisland.org if you have any questions or details to let us know about any accommodations you may have.

Where is your wheelchair accessible seating located?

The Amph has wheelchair accessible seating in sections 1, 3, and 5. Please purchase an Accessible ticket when booking your ticket.