Best Boat Rides for Families in NYC

There's something magical about being on the water. Whether you sail down the river or row out on a lake, it's a lovely and relaxing activity, and a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. And since much of NYC is surrounded by water, it's also an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective.

We've written about some fantastic NYC destinations that are accessible by boat, like Jacob Riis Beach, Governors Island and, of course, Staten Island. But sometimes the boat ride itself is the main event, whether it's kayaking on the Hudson or taking a tour on The Shark.

There are a lot of cool ways to hit the water in this town. Here are our favorite boat rides for kids and families in New York City.

Best for Getting Wet
Shark Speedboat Thrill Ride
Departs from Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport
$24 for adults, $17 for children. Must be 40 inches tall to ride.
May-September

The Beast
Departs from the Circle Line dock on Pier 83, 42nd Street and Twelfth Avenue
$26 for adults, $20 for children. Must be 40 inches tall to ride. 
May-September
If your family's objective isn't just to get out on the water but to get the water on you, then the Shark or The Beast are for you. Both rides are high-adrenaline speedboat tours that go out into New York Harbor, zip past the skyline, stop for photo ops by the Statue of Liberty and then race home, splashing loads of water onto their passengers. That'll cool you down! For more information, visit the Shark and The Beast official sites.

Best European Vacation Substitute
Venetian Gondola Tour
Departs from the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, 72nd Street and Park Drive North
$30 per half hour
April-October
Can't make it to Venice this year? Then head over to Central Park for an authentic Venetian Gondola Tour on the Lake. Doing this ride takes a bit of planning, since you must reserve your spot in advance, but it's sure to leave a lasting impression. The boats can fit up to six passengers. Call the Boathouse at 212-517-2233 to make your reservation.

Best for Playing Tourist
42nd Street Circle Line
Departs from the Circle Line dock on Pier 83, 42nd Street and Twelfth Avenue
Prices vary depending on tour: $27-$38 for adults, $19-$25 for children
Year-round

Downtown Circle Line
Departs from Pier 16, South Street Seaport
$28 for adults, $17 for children
April-December
Yes they're for out-of-towners, but these rides offer a million dollar view of Manhattan’s glittering skyline. You really should do it at least once! From its Midtown location, the Circle Line offers three different cruises around Manhattan, all of which include the Statue of Liberty, plus a special Kids Cruise. (If you want to stop at the Lady, that's an entirely different boat ride.) From its South Street Seaport location, the swanky Zephyr sails past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, up to Chelsea and back.

Best for Do-It-Yourselfers
Rowboats
Depart from the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, 72nd Street and Park Drive North
$12 for the first hour, $3 each additional 15 minutes. $20 cash deposit required.
April-October
If you want to be the captain of your own vessels, then a rowboat's the thing. Rowboats can be rented from the Loeb Boathouse and enjoyed on the adjacent 22-acre Lake.

Kayaking on the Hudson
Departs from various locations.
FREE
Mid-May-mid-October
The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on the Hudson River to anyone who can swim at three locations (West 72nd Street, West 56th Street and Houston Street). Children under age 16 must ride in a double kayak with an adult. No registration required, but you may have to wait on a bit of a line. If you're in Staten Island, Kayak Staten Island offers free kayaking at the end of the boardwalk at South Beach.

Unfortunately, due to the construction of the Lakeside Center in Prospect Park, there won’t be any pedal boating in 2012.

Best for a Quick Trip
Independence
Departs from the Boathouse at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park, enter at Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue
$10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12; free for children under 3.
May-October
The folks at the Boathouse at the Audubon Center offer short tours around Prospect Park's freshwater lake on their electric boat Independence. It's a great way to view birds and other wildlife. Click here for the complete schedule.

Best for Catching Your Own Dinner
Marilyn Jean IV
Departs from Pier 6, 2100 Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn
$50-$60 for adults, $25-$30 for children.
Year-round
This deep-sea fishing party boat provides everything you need to catch the
big one: rod, reel and bait. Plus, the crew cleans up and packs your catches, which, depending on the season, may include striped bass, blue
fish, sea bass or cod. During peak season, the boat offers day and
night jaunts, and you can bring a cooler with snacks if you don't want to buy them on board. You must reserve your spot in advance.

Best for Bird-watching    
Audubon Sunset EcoCruises
Departs from Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport
$35 for adults, $25 for children ages 3-12
Sundays, June 5-August 14 at 7pm
Take a 90-minute educational tour of New York Harbor led by an Audubon naturalist. Marvel at the birds that make their home here, including black-crowned night-herons, glossy Ibis, double-crested and great cormorants and egrets. See our full review. 

Best for Penny-pinchers
Staten Island Ferry
Departs from Whitehall Terminal at State and Whitehall Streets
FREE
Year-round
See the Statue of Liberty from afar for free on the Staten Island Ferry. A one-way trip takes 30 minutes, and offers magnificent views of the Harbor. Once there, you can't just sit on the boat waiting to return to Manhattan. You must disembark at the St. George Terminal, but there's plenty to do. Check out the Manhattan skyline from the outdoor patio, watch the fish swimming in the two giant freshwater aquariums in the waiting room, or grab a snack. Better yet, explore the family-friendly neighborhood of St. George.

Ikea Water Taxi
Departs from Pier 11 at South Street and Gouverneur Lane
FREE*
Year-round
The Ikea ferry is a convenient way to get to the megastore in Red Hook, Brooklyn. If you go on the weekend, the trip is gratis. On weekdays, you pay $5 each way, but you can redeem your ticket for a credit toward your purchase of $10 or more. Children under 12 ride for free at all times. Whatever you buy, remember it has to fit in a large Ikea bag otherwise it won't be allowed on the boat back home. Click here for the schedule.

Governors Island Ferry
Departs from Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street or Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, foot of Atlantic Avenue at Columbia Street
FREE
Friday, May 27-Sunday, September 25
It's only seven minutes, but it's a lovely ride and there certainly are a lot of wonderful things to do once you get to the island. The newish East River ferry service also stops at Governors Island for a fare.

Best for Landlubbers
Model Sailboats
Kerbs Boathouse Cafe and Central Park Sailboat Concession, 75th Street on the eastern side of Central Park.
$11 for 30 minutes
If you prefer the kids do their boating from solid ground, they might enjoy sailing a model boat around the Conservatory Water in Central Park. Miniature boats can be rented for a classic New York scene that was immortalized in E. B. White's Stuart Little. Click here for the schedule.

Looking to get even wetter? Check out our Summer Guide for info on beaches, water parks, swimming lessons and more.

Updated May 10, 2012