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The cheery Hi Bye Tiles pepper the walls, lamp posts, and fences of the industrial Gowanus neighborhood. 

Why a Hi Bye Tile Scavenger Hunt is Perfect for Families

This art installation feels like a real-life Pokémon Go for art-loving kids and parents. It's the perfect antidote to screen fatigue: eyes up, looking closely, exploring the city in a whole new way. And the best part? There’s no app required—just curiosity.

How to Find the Hi Bye Tiles

Unlike static art installations, the Hi Bye Tiles create a constantly evolving tile trail—so, part of the fun is the unpredictability. New pieces are added often, but sometimes the tiles get removed, too. The pieces are small (about the size of a playing card) and can be found throughout Gowanus, especially near 3rd Avenue, Bond Street, Smith Street, and Union Street.

Here’s how to enjoy it as a family:

• You can start anywhere in Gowanus or Carroll Gardens. You’ll find most of the tiles along 3rd Avenue or Smith Street. Sightings have also been reported on Bond Street, Union Street, and Sackett Street.
• Keep your eyes open—tiles are often placed on poles, posts, or walls.
• Follow @hibyetiles on Instagram to get hints or photos of new installations.
• Take a picture or short video of your kiddo finding one, post it to Instagram, and tag @mommypoppins. We might re-share it.

Because the pieces are outdoors and embedded in public spaces, this is a totally FREE, self-guided experience. No tickets. No lines. Just joy.

Kids get a kick out of counting up the Hi Bye Tiles as they spot them!

Attractions and Activities near the Hi Bye Tiles

Make a day of your tile-hunting with these nearby, family-friendly spots:

• Grab a snack or lunch at Whole Foods Gowanus Rooftop, while enjoying views of the Gowanus Canal and skyline. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and space for kids to roam.
• Romp in St. Mary’s Playground. Walk along Smith Street to the park between Nelson and Huntington Street. (I can’t promise, but I promise you’ll see a few if you do this!)
• From Here to Sunday is a quirky little store full of local art and Brooklyn-themed goodies—sometimes featuring Hi Bye Tile art.
• If your kiddo loves art and tech, check the Brooklyn Robot Foundry schedule for robot-building workshops (pre-registration recommended).
• Take a dive at the one of our favorite FREE swimming pools, the Douglass and Degraw Pool, which is a wonderful spot to hang out and cool off on a hot summer day.
• If you have an adventurous eater, try the artisan, Indian flavor-inspired ice cream at Malai. My children love the sweet cream or salted vanilla. My favorite: cilantro lime!

Photos by the author