Summer in the city means taking to the water! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, there are various local organizations offering free boating programs. Here is a complete guide to where you can kayak and canoe for free across Brooklyn for summer 2026.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse | Pier 2 | 5/27 – End of September
The 2026 season officially begins on Wednesday, May 27. General public kayaking runs through the end of August on Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Once September arrives, general kayaking switches to Saturdays only. There is also a dedicated Kids & Family Paddle on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, where children aged 7 and older can paddle a single kayak as long as a guardian is nearby.
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Location: Pier 2 floating dock, Brooklyn Bridge Park
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How to paddle: Free timed reservations are required and open exactly two weeks in advance on their website. Walk-ups are occasionally accommodated if space allows, but are not guaranteed.
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club | Gowanus | Summer months
Explore the historic, evolving waters of the Gowanus Canal via canoe. The Gowanus Dredgers host regular free walk-up paddling sessions throughout the summer. Self-guided sessions generally take place on select Saturday and Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM), with occasional Wednesday evening jams and full-moon voyages.
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Location: Gowanus Dredgers Bunker at the 2nd Street Launch
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How to paddle: Standard weekend afternoon paddles, walk up only
Red Hook Boaters | Red Hook | 6/4 – 9/20
Enjoy the open waters of New York Harbor and views of the Statue of Liberty with the volunteer-run Red Hook Boaters. Their 2026 paddling season offers walk-up hours on Thursday evenings (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) from June 4 through August 13, and on Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) from June 7 through September 20.
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Location: Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park
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How to paddle: No reservations required; all boats are available on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis.
