There's something magical about being out on the water in New York City. Whether you sail down one of our rivers, row out on a lake or cruise on the ocean, it's a lovely and relaxing activity, and a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. It's also an opportunity to see the city from a whole new perspective.
Since much of NYC is surrounded by water, there are countless operators offering all kinds of boat tours. So the big question for families is, which ones are truly family-friendly? After all, once you're on the water, you're committed to the ride, regardless of tantrums, seasickness or plain old boredom.
To help you figure out which NYC boat ride works best for your family, we've broken them down by type (great for tots, wildlife watching, DIY rides, etc.) and highlighted some of our kids' personal favorites. You can find more seasonal activities in our Summer Fun Guide.