Free Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Since spending the Summer home, I’ve found some free and low-cost activities around the city; one of them being free kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park. From June to the end of August, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse hosts free kayaking on the East River. As soon as I heard about this activity, I was interested but missed the opportunity. This time around, I shared a double kayak with one of my friends.
Signing up for Free Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Once you arrive at the pier and sign a waiver, put on a life vest and wait for the next free single or double kayak. Besides it being free, one thing I loved about the kayaking experience is the volunteers giving tips on operating the boat. During our time in the river, we moved forward, and backward, made several turns, and learned to “ride the waves” when needed. There is an allotted time of 20 minutes, but you can definitely stay up to an hour on a slow day. Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park can easily be a family-fun activity in the summer. No matter the age, a waiver form must be signed in order to participate. Here is more information about age limits:
- Minors below 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.
- 14-17 years old can go in a kayak by themselves if a parent/guardian agrees, signs the waiver, and remains present.
- 13 years and younger are permitted if accompanied in the boat by a parent or guardian. Only one child per boat at any time.
Since you’re going to be in a boat, expect to be wet. Bring along a swim bottom or comfortable shorts. Due to the summer sun, you’ll dry off in no time. Bags and shoes can be stored in nearby lockers for .25 cents. If you explore more of the park for roller skating, the pop-up pool, fitness, basketball, or other games, these lockers come in handy.
Check highlights of us Kayaking in Brooklyn Bridge Park in the video below:
I hope to do more summer fun activities in the coming weeks including visits to the Brooklyn Museum, my first time on Govenor’s Island, pictures at the Coney Art Walls, and a girl’s day trip to North Fork of Long Island Wine Country. Make sure to check back on the blog or subscribe to my YouTube Channel to be updated on these events. For more information about kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse, visit them online.
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What are some of your favorite free or low-cost activities in your city?
Free? and fun? That’s awesome. I love stuff like this!
Oohhh this seems so cool, and it’s free?! I’d love to try it!
What a cool idea. That would be a fun date or day out with friends. I bet my arms would be so sore afterwards.
It was a great workout. I definitely want to do it again.
This is really cool! I am not sure if I would do it myself, but I am sure my husband would not mind AND it is free!
I had no idea that this FREE opportunity to kayak existed! I’m definitely doing this ASAP! Good looking out! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness! This looks like a lot of fun! I wonder if I’ll get a chance to do it before the end of the summer… hmmmmm….. *thinking*
I love finding free activities. I cant swim but this looks like something I can handle, as long as I have a life vest on. Canoeing is also great exercise as it works out your arms from continuous movement.
It’s so crazy to see kayaks in the NYC waters. Adding to my list for when we visit next summer.
This looks like a good time!!! I’d be the one to capsize my lil kayak! Lmbo
Looks like you all had fun! I don’t know how to swim though so stuff like this is scary to me.
Oh wow! This looks so fun. I’d love to do this. I’m glad you were able to do it after missing the first chance. Happy you and your friend had a great time!