There are plenty of free ways to get out on the water this summer! Our guide covers kayaking, canoeing, and rowing programs available across neighborhoods in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, with many kicking off Memorial Day weekend!
Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park | May 28–September 27 | Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays
With the Conservancy’s ever-popular kayaking program held in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, visitors can enjoy gliding across the East River on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (5-7pm), Saturdays (10am-4pm) with Family Days on Sundays (12-2:30pm) through August. Saturday sessions will extend through the end of September. This year, kayaking will take place at the Pier 4 Beach. All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Kayaking in Red Hook | June 1–September 12 | Thursdays & Sundays
The Red Hook Boaters operate from the New York City Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park at the end of Coffey Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn. For minors to paddle, a legal guardian must be present. No advance registration necessary, kayaks are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Thursdays, 6pm-8pm | June 5 through August 14, 2025
- Sundays, 1pm-4pm | June 1 through September 21, 2025
- City of Water Day | Saturday, July 12, 1-4pm
Canoeing in Greenpoint and Kayaking in Long Island City | May 25–September 14 | Select Saturdays & Sundays
North Brooklyn Community Boathouse offers a free public paddling program twice a month on Saturdays through the summer. Public Paddles alternate between their 29-foot Langley canoes and their fleet of sit-on-top kayaks. Trained trip leaders guide participants down Newtown Creek and often out toward the East River. Paddling is child friendly, but there is a minimum height requirement of 4’10” on kayak trips in order to ensure the boat will remain balanced.
Kayaking | Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center | Long Island City, Queens
- Sunday, June 22, 12-4pm (rain date: Saturday, June 21)
- City of Water Day: Saturday, July 12, 12-4pm (rain date: Sunday, July 13)
- Sunday, August 10, 12-4pm (rain date: Saturday, August 9)
- Sunday September 14, 12-4pm (rain date: Saturday, September 13)
Canoeing | Manhattan Avenue Street End Park | Greenpoint, Brooklyn
- Saturday, May 31, 12-4pm
- More to come, check back here!
Kayaking in Lower Manhattan | May 25–October 5 | Tuesdays, Thursdays Saturdays, Sundays & Select Holidays
Downtown Boathouse runs the world’s largest free kayaking program from Pier 26 on Hudson River Park. They offer free sit-on-top kayaks on the Hudson River, May 24 through October 5. Life vests are provided, as well as brief instruction, lockers and locks, sun block, changing rooms, and first aid equipment.Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian, and all participants must know how to swim. No advance registration necessary! Participants are encouraged to come early, as they sometimes close the line early to make sure everyone gets on the water.
Weekend hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm (Closed Sunday, August 10)
Weekday hours:
- June 17–August 14th | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30pm
- August 19–August 28 | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:15pm
Holiday hours:
- Memorial Day | 10:00am–4:30pm
- Juneteenth | 1:30pm–7:30pm
- Labor Day | 10:00am–4:30pm
Rowing in the West Village | April 20–November | Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays
Village Community Boathouse has a fleet of more than 30 handcrafted wooden boats, most of which were built in their shop at Pier 40 or by school partners. They offer free community rowing on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as youth rowing for high school students on Fridays. No experience necessary necessary; high school students must bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Life jackets provided! Rowing is offered April through November; check their calendar for exact dates. Advance registration for Sundays; no registration needed for Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Community Rowing | Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm | Sundays, 12-5pm (advance registration for Sundays)
- Youth Rowing | Fridays, 4-7pm
Updated: June 3, 2025. Main Image: Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
