List of smaller islands in New York City facts for kids
New York City is famous for its tall buildings and busy streets, but did you know it's also a city of islands? While everyone knows about Manhattan Island, Staten Island, and Long Island (where parts of Brooklyn and Queens are), there are actually many smaller islands too! In total, New York City has about 36 to 42 islands. Some are big and busy, while others are tiny and quiet. Let's explore them!
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Islands of New York City
New York City is made up of five main areas called boroughs. Each borough has its own unique islands, some of which are very well known, and others that are hidden gems.
The Bronx's Islands
The Bronx is the only borough that is mostly on the mainland of North America. However, it still has several interesting islands, some of which are no longer surrounded by water!
- Hunter Island: This used to be an island, but now it's connected to the mainland and is part of Pelham Bay Park. It's a great place for nature walks.
- Twin Island: Like Hunter Island, Twin Island is also no longer a true island. It's also part of Pelham Bay Park.
- Goose Island: This small island is located in the Hutchinson River, within Pelham Bay Park.
- North Brother Island: Found in the East River, this island has a fascinating history. It was once home to a hospital.
- South Brother Island: Also in the East River, this island is smaller and mostly undeveloped.
- Pelham Islands: This is a historical name for a group of islands in the western Long Island Sound. Many of these are uninhabited.
- The Blauzes: A small group of rocks and islets.
- Chimney Sweeps Islands: Another small group of islands.
- City Island: This is the only inhabited island in the Bronx. It feels like a small New England fishing village, even though it's part of New York City!
- Hart Island: This island has a very important role. It's used as a public cemetery for people who are unclaimed or whose families cannot afford a burial.
- High Island: A small, mostly rocky island.
- Rat Island: Despite its name, this is a small, rocky island in the Sound.
- Rikers Island: Located in the East River, this island is well-known as the site of New York City's main jail complex.
Brooklyn's Islands
Brooklyn is mostly located on Long Island, but it also has a few islands of its own, especially in Jamaica Bay.
- Canarsie Pol: This is an uninhabited island in Jamaica Bay. It's about 222 acres in size and is an important habitat for birds.
- Coney Island: This famous spot is no longer a true island. It's connected to the mainland, but it's still known for its amusement parks, boardwalk, and beach.
- Prospect Park Lake islands: Inside Prospect Park in Brooklyn, there are a few small islands within the lake.
- Chaim Baier Music Island
- Duck Island
- Three Islands
- Mau Mau Island (also called White Island): This small island is located in Marine Park.
- Ruffle Bar: Another island found in Jamaica Bay.
Manhattan's Islands
Manhattan is itself a famous island, but the borough of Manhattan also includes several other important islands in New York Harbor and the East River.
- Manhattan Island: The most famous island of all, home to iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park.
- Ellis Island: Located in New York Harbor, this historic island was once the main entry point for millions of immigrants coming to the United States. It's shared with New Jersey.
- Governors Island: Also in New York Harbor, this island was once a military base. Today, it's a popular spot for recreation, art, and events.
- Liberty Island: This small island in New York Harbor is home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy.
- Mill Rock: A tiny, rocky island in the East River.
- Randalls, Wards, and Sunken Meadow Island: These islands in the East River were once separate but have been joined together by landfill. They are now home to parks and various facilities.
- Roosevelt Island: A long, narrow island in the East River, known for its unique tramway and views of Manhattan.
- U Thant Island: Officially called Belmont Island, this is a very small artificial island in the East River, created from tunnel construction.
Queens's Islands
Queens is also mostly on Long Island, but it has several islands within Jamaica Bay, many of which are important for wildlife.
- Hog Island: This island no longer exists. It was destroyed by a hurricane in 1893.
- Prince of Wales Island: An island located in Jamaica Bay.
- Rulers Bar Hassock: This island in Jamaica Bay is home to the community of Broad Channel.
- Ruffle Bar: Another island found in Jamaica Bay, important for its natural habitats.
- Subway Island / Winhole Hassock: These are small islands in Jamaica Bay.
Staten Island's Islands
Staten Island is one of New York City's main islands, and it also has a few smaller islands nearby, some shared with New Jersey.
- Isle of Meadows: Located in the Arthur Kill, a waterway that separates Staten Island from New Jersey.
- Prall's Island: Also in the Arthur Kill, this island is known for its bird sanctuary.
- Shooters Island: Found in the Kill van Kull, another waterway between Staten Island and New Jersey. This island is shared with New Jersey.
- Hoffman Island: Located in the Lower New York Bay, this artificial island was created in the early 1900s. It was once used for quarantine.
- Swinburne Island: Also in the Lower New York Bay, this is another artificial island created for quarantine purposes.
See also
- List of New York City lists
- List of islands of New York (state)
