Hitting the water during an NYC boat ride with kids lets you see the city from a whole new perspective. Whether you're sailing down one of the rivers, taking a FREE kayak out for a spin, or cruising on the ocean looking for whales, it's relaxing, refreshing, and a great way to stay cool on a summer day with the kids.
While there are all kinds of NYC boat rides, from the Circle Line to the citywide NYC Ferry service, the question for parents is, which NYC boat rides are truly family-friendly? After all, once you're on the water, you're committed to finishing your NYC boat ride with kids regardless of tantrums, seasickness, or boredom.
To help you figure out which boat rides work best for your family, we've highlighted some personal favorites and broken down the best options by type, including the best NYC boat ride for wildlife watching, best for would-be pirates, best for your budget, and more great options for an NYC boat ride with kids. Discover even more family-friendly things to do this summer in our Guide to Summer Fun in NYC.