Trade one ‘island’ for another: Governors Island Social Impact Day
Looking to energize your team and give back to the city? Our customized Governors Island Social Impact Day offers the perfect blend of purpose and play. Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, your team can step into a world of sustainability, history, and hands-on impact—customized entirely for your company.
With guided tours, meaningful volunteer opportunities, delicious outdoor dining, and vibrant seasonal art, this program is designed to create memorable moments while making a difference.
What’s Included
Our all-in-one package takes the guesswork out of planning and delivers a day your team will love:
- Round-trip ferry tickets
- A fully guided experience from start to finish
- Visit/tour and volunteer activity with a local nonprofit (option to work with multiple orgs)
- Outdoor lunch at one of Governors Island’s top eateries
- Time to explore seasonal art and installations
Best of all? The experience is completely customizable to match your team’s goals and schedule.
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Paper
Pick Your Impact: Volunteer Options
We’ve partnered with two incredible NYC nonprofits to provide meaningful, team-friendly volunteer activities:
🌱 Earth Matter NY
Earth Matter NY promotes composting across New York City. On Governors Island, they operate a full-scale composting facility that recycles food and landscape waste—complete with goats!
What your team can do:
- Tour the Compost Learning Center
- See the goats and learn how they contribute to composting
- Volunteer in the lavender field (June or September)—harvest and take home a sachet
- Choose from hands-on work (like turning compost or planting) or a more relaxed educational experience
🌿 GrowNYC
GrowNYC helps build and beautify community gardens across the city. This is a great choice for teams that love getting creative and working together outdoors.
What your team can do:
- Build and paint benches, picnic tables, and raised beds
- Plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables
- Create garden signs and spread mulch and soil
- Learn about urban farming and green infrastructure
Both options offer engaging, outdoor team-building with a real, visible impact on NYC’s sustainability efforts.
Fully Guided from Start to Finish
Our experienced local guides will be with your team all day—leading the experience, answering questions, and sharing the rich history of Governors Island. From colonial forts to climate innovation hubs, you’ll learn how the island has evolved and why it’s such a vital part of NYC’s future.
Expect fun facts, hidden stories, and a deeper connection to the island’s past and purpose.
Photo Credit: The Infatuation
Eat, Relax, Recharge
Every Social Impact Day includes a delicious outdoor lunch at one of Governors Island’s local eateries. Options include:
🌮 Taco Vista: A favorite for groups, Taco Vista serves tacos, burritos, and bowls with unbeatable waterfront views.
🥘 Makina Cafe: An Ethiopian cafe full of bold, authentic flavors and vegetarian-friendly options.
🦪 Island Oyster (Premium Upgrade): Looking to upgrade? Island Oyster offers fresh seafood and cocktails with a luxurious waterfront vibe.
🍻 Little Eva’s Beer Garden & Grill: Enjoy craft beer, grilled eats, and a laid-back setting—perfect for winding down after a morning of volunteering.
We’ll help coordinate orders and ensure dietary needs are met. All options include plenty of seating and outdoor ambiance.
Photo Credit: NYC Tourism + Conventions
Art, Nature, and Inspiration
After volunteering and lunch, your team can opt for added time to explore Governors Island’s seasonal art exhibits and installations. From interactive sculptures to creative pop-ups, there’s always something new to discover.
Stroll tree-lined paths, visit historic forts, or simply relax in a hammock with a view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a refreshing change of pace—and a great way to wrap up a day of purpose-driven work.
Built Around You
No two teams are alike, so we tailor each Social Impact Day to your needs. Whether you’re planning a high-energy outing or a more relaxed offsite, we’ll help shape the perfect itinerary.
We accommodate:
- Varying team sizes
- Half-day or full-day options
- Accessibility and dietary requirements
- Preferences for physical activity level
Our goal is to make your volunteer day easy, meaningful, and memorable.
Let’s Plan Your Team’s Day on Governors Island
The Governors Island Social Impact Day is more than just a volunteer event—it’s a powerful way to build team morale, connect with NYC’s sustainability community, and enjoy one of the city’s most inspiring outdoor spaces.
Whether your group is big or small, hands-on or more laid-back, we’ll work with you to create a custom experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Ready to book or learn more?
Reach out to start planning your customized Social Impact Day today!
Custom pricing available depending on group size, lunch preferences, and volunteer program selection.