There's something magical about being out on the water in New York City. Whether you are sailing down one of the rivers, rowing out on a lake or cruising on the ocean, it's a lovely and relaxing activity, and a great way to stay cool on a summer day. It's also an opportunity to see the city from a whole new perspective.
Countless operators offer all kinds of boat tours around NYC. So the question for parents 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 boredom.
To help you figure out which NYC boat rides work 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. Looking for a FREE kayak, rowboat or canoe session? Check out these spots around NYC this summer.