Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the High Line with Kids

The High Line is re-opening on July 16. Here are the new coronavirus restrictions and guidelines to follow.

By Melissa Wickes October 29, 2020

The High Line is a linear New York City park built atop an out-of-use railroad and is the perfect place to take your family for a fun, relaxing day. So far this summer, the High Line has been closed due to coronavirus, but luckily it is finally reopening on Thursday, July 16 so you can your family can get those much-needed steps in. In order to visit the High Line during COVID-19, you'll have to make a free, timed-entry reservation, which you can begin doing on July 9.

This 1.45-mile, elevated walkway runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea, to 34th Street between Tenth Ave. and Twelfth Ave. There are beautiful views of the streets below and the Hudson River along with naturalized plantings inspired by the original landscape that grew on the track. Here's what you need to know about visiting the High Line during coronavirus:

Safety Tips for Visiting The High Line During Coronavirus

Reserve a free, timed-entry pass prior to your visit
Wear a face covering
Maintain a six foot distance from anyone from a different household
Movement in the park is allowed one way only (northbound)
Wear sneakers or shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
Bring water and sunscreen.
Keep an eye on all of your little ones
It takes approximately 25 minutes to walk each way.

The high line is currently open from Gansevoort Street to 23rd Street, and is closed north of 23rd Street. The Gansevoort Street entrance is the only one available, and patrons will only be allowed to walk northward to avoid overcrowding. The access points at 14th Street (stairs/elevator), 16th Street (stairs), 17th Street (stairs), 20th Street (stairs), and 23rd Street (stairs/elevator will be exit-only.

If you get tired, you can take a break on any of the benches scattered along the High Line, and take in the architecture of the streets below.

When your kids’ tiny feet get a tiny bit tired, there are lots of cool seats with even cooler views to choose from. The High Line’s “peel-up benches” are designed to look like they are rising from the actual path itself. There are also picnic tables, love seats, a xylophone bench, and a rocking bench. If you would rather relax on a blanket in the grass, the 23rd Street Lawn is a crowd favorite, open Wednesdays through Sundays, and perfect for picnicking. Remember to keep social distance and keep an eye on little ones who may wander too close to others.

23rd street lawn on the highline nyc

Where to Eat on the High Line

Food and retail services on the High Line are suspended until further notice, but there are plenty of delicious restaurants on the streets near the High Line entrance and exits that are open for outdoor dining and takeout. Bubby's, which is well-known for brunch, is offering sidewalk seating at its High Line location, which is just off the Gansevoort Street entrance. Pastis is also near the only operating High Line entrance, if you're looking for some french cuisine. Dos Caminos (near the 14th Street exit), Fig & Olive (near the 14th Street exit), Miznon (near the 16th Street exit), Cookshop (near the 20th Street exit), Don Giovanni (near the 23rd Street exit), and Pepe Giallo (near the 23rd Street exit) are some of the restaurants open for outdoor dining. Keep in mind, once you exit at one of these streets, you can only re-enter at Gansevoort Street with a new reservation.

Activities on the High Line

All tours and public programming are suspended until further notice.

Though Urban Rattle by Charlie Hewitt is not technically on the High Line (it's on the patio of a nearby buiding), the 20-foot-tall sculpture is visible to anyone walking the park.

Want to visit the High Line?

Entrance:

Gansevoort and Washington Street (elevator)

Price: Free

Hours:

Reopening on Thursday, July 16.
Open to the public from 12-8pm daily. Last entry at 7pm.

Reservations:

Residents can make free, timed-entry reservations for visits July 16-July 26 beginning July 9 at 10am.
A limited amount of passes will be available day of, but it will be first-come-first-served
Passes are required to enter the High Line
Once you exit the High Line, reservation is required to re-enter
To stay contactless, have your reservation pass ready on your mobile device upon entry

Main image: The Interim Walkway entrance located between W 34th street and W 30th has beautiful views of the Hudson River along with exposed pieces of what were once viable tracks and lots of places to sit and relax.

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