Take advantage of NYC’s many waterways this summer by hopping in a kayak, canoe, rowboat–or even pedal boat.
[Editor’s note: To see our complete 2015 Guide to Summer Fun, click here! ]
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse
You and your family can kayak for free out of DUMBO. Although any child under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian, there’s plenty more to do after kayaking is done! Brooklyn Bridge Park is home to Jane’s Carousel, which looks out onto the water, a pop-up pool, and an amazing water playground. brooklynbridgepark.org
The Downtown Boathouse’s focus is on promoting free public access to water while promoting knowledge of safe public harbor use. Primarily, they do this through free kayaking programs. Your child can kayak after receiving instruction. The boathouse provides both the kayaks and all the necessary safety equipment so you don’t have to! It’s best to remember though, that any child under 16 cannot kayak without a guardian present. downtownboathouse.org
East River C.R.E.W., or Community Recreation and Education on the Water, aims to educate and share the joy of New York’s waterways. You and your family can learn about the East River, harbor history, how to build and repair wooden boats, and more. Of course, you can also go rowing too! If your kids are under 18, they’ll need your permission to participate. C.R.E.W. meets on Tuesdays at 5pm at 96th Street and the East River esplanade. eastrivercrew.org
Loeb Boathouse in Central Park
Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse is a classic spot for enjoying time on the water. Rent a rowboat (which seat four), and pack a picnic basket for lunch on the lake, or, for $30 per hour, charter an authentic Venetian gondola for six. centralparkboathouse.com
The LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park
Enjoy an afternoon on Prospect Park’s scenic lake–single pedal boats ($20 per hour) and kayaks ($30 per hour) are available for rental on Saturday, 10am-7pm, and Sundays, 10am-6pm. lakesidebrooklyn.com
With locations at Hudson River Park’s Pier 96 and 72nd Street in Hudson River Park, the Manhattan Community Boathouse offers free walk-up kayaking (though paddlers under age 16 must share the boat with an adult) on weekends through mid-October and weeknight evenings through August. They also offer free public classes that cover paddling basics and safety techniques. manhattancommunityboathouse.org
Pier 25 is also home to the Offshore Sailing School, which offers free lessons for up to three tweens and teens (7-17) when you pay two adult tuitions. There are a variety of instruction levels to choose from, from two-hour lessons to three- and five-day courses. offshoresailing.com
NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers can lead you and your family (kids 8 and up) through canoeing courses from novice to expert. There’s a lottery system after you register, so be sure to sign up ahead of time, whether you want to glide on a lake or navigate choppy rivers. nycgovparks.org
