Best Places for Family Boating near Philadelphia

Free Saturday Boating at Bartram's Gardens—Philadelphia

Take a family boat ride down the Schuylkill on a rowboat or kayak at Bartram's Gardens. No registration or prior experience is required. Outings are limited to 30 minutes and include boats, life jackets, and basic instruction for kids age 6 and older. Boating is available June through October. 

Northbrook Canoe Company—West Chester

Northbrook Canoe offers scenic trips through beautiful Chester County. Prices vary depending on which trip you choose, and there are several options to choose from. Walk-ins are welcome, but downstream trips require reservations in advance, so make sure you check the website and decide which trip you'd like. Children under 2 are not permitted in the canoes, and you must have one adult present for each child under 10. Northbrook also offers kayaking and tubing.

Marsh Creek Boat Rental—Downingtown

Marsh Creek Boat Rental offers plenty of rental options on both weekends and weekdays. This is truly one of the best places to rent motorboats, paddleboards if you have older kids, kayaks, canoes, pedalboat​s, and even sailboats. Hours vary depending on the time of year, and rentals are first come, first serve, so check the website before you go. All boaters are required to wear life jackets, and renters must leave their driver's license as a deposit.

French Creek Boat Rental—Elverson

French Creek Boat Rental offers a wide variety of boating options for families of all sizes. With rowboats, rowboats with motors, single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and sunfish, you can choose what works for very young kids or adventurous teens. Note that their weekend hours are typically different from weekday hours, and in May and September they are only open on the weekends. They also hold a driver's license or car keys as collateral for a rental. 

Bucks County River Country—Point Pleasant

If you're looking for some great family boating in Bucks County, look no further! This is one of the oldest and best places in Bucks County to rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks -- plus you can purchase a season pass for a summer filled with water fun.

Core Creek Park—Langhorne

Core Creek Boat Rental offers rowboats, canoes, single and double kayaks, and pedalboats. Canoes can be rented by the half-hour, hour, half-day, or full day. Boat rental is only open weekends, from the first weekend of May through Labor Day.

Port Providence Paddle—Port Providence/Phoenixville

Take a boat trip down the Schuylkill River in a kayak or canoe. Canoes and kayaks are rented by the day, and the Port Providence Paddle offers both rentals and organized excursions.

Driftwood Water Adventures—Newtown

Visit Tyler State Park by kayak, double kayak, paddleboard or canoe (which fits two adults and one child). Rentals are open every day, 10 am - 6 pm, with the last rental going out at 5 pm. 

Best Places for Family Boating in New Jersey

Al and Sam's Canoe Rental at Parvin State Park—Elmer, NJ

Paddle a canoe or kayak around the lake at Parvin State Park. You can rent for an hour or all day, seven days/week. Reservations are suggested, to confirm the weather conditions are perfect for paddling. You'll also have to pay the $2 per person entrance fee to the beach for anyone over 2 or under 65. Al and Sam's also offers a lease to own program, if you really love canoeing. Relax on the beach and take a dip in the lake when you're done.

Pinelands Adventures—Shamong, NJ

Paddle the pines with or without an experience guide, for 90 minutes to 8-hours on the water. You can add a child age 6-12 as a third person in your canoe for no additional charge, just note that reservations must be made ahead of time. Or make it a week of adventure by booking a campsite in Wharton State Forest! Week-long boat rentals include drop off and pick up at your campsite, plus paddles and life jackets.

Ant's Canoes and Kayaks—Pittsgrove, NJ

Visit beautiful Parvin State Park by single or double canoe or kayak, renting by the hour or up to 8 hours in a row. Note that some of their double canoes can fit up to four people - it's best to call ahead to find out what's available.

Best Cruises and Tour Boats in Philly

Philadelphia City Cruises—Philadelphia

What was once the Spirit of Philadelphia, Philadelphia City Cruises offers dinner cruises, brunch cruises, firework cruises, holiday cruises, and more. Enjoy incredible views of Philadelphia over a delicious meal with family.

Patriot Harbor Lines—Philadelphia

Patriod Harbor Lines offers daily sightseeing tours and charter services in Philadelphia. Cruise either the Delaware or the Schuylkill River and take in the beautiful scenery that Philadelphia has to offer.

Schuylkill Banks Riverboat Tours—Philadelphia

This one-hour fun and educational riverboat tour will teach about the past, present, and future of the tidal Schuylkill River and its impact on Philadelphia. Tours run on select Thursdays and Sundays from May through September. 

This article was updated in 2024 by Hillary Moses Mohaupt.