One of the great things about New York City is how very many cool things are free to do and see. One of the best activities I know of is to pay a visit to the Downtown Boathouse on Pier 26.

This place is amazing! It's all run by volunteers, and it is 100% free to the public. (They will happily take donations, though, to help cover expenses, and if you can afford it, this is a very good use of your money.) During the warmer months, on weekends, holidays, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, anyone can take a kayak out on the Hudson River--even if they've never tried it before. Only a few ground rules--kids have to have a parent or guardian present, everyone needs to sign a liability waiver, everyone needs to know how to swim. (Double kayaks are reserved for parents and preteen children.)

My party spoke with some of the volunteers while we were waiting for them to begin, and were really impressed with how kind and enthusiastic they were. They give their time because they love what they do and they want to share their love of the Hudson River. They were particularly excited to show us some of their adaptive boats which are able to accommodate people who use wheelchairs, and tell us about their special programs for veterans.

Get there early, especially if the weather is fine, since it's first come/first served and you won't want to be standing on line for too long on a hot day! The volunteers get it all set up--wheeling out racks of equipment and a check in stand, and quickly outfitting everyone with a life jacket (adjusted to be tight), a paddle, and assistance into a kayak. There's an area marked off with buoys sheltered between piers and out of the way of larger boat traffic, and you can paddle around while getting amazing views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Don't stay in too long--there will be a line of people behind you wanting to try it!

You'll be a bit wet when you get out of the water--after you dry off you may want to go refresh yourself with a drink or two at City Vineyard. (Or if you're up for a slightly more active pursuit, you can try the miniature golf course on Pier 25 next.)

ADDRESS: 223 West St. (Pier 26--at North Moore Street), New York

EMAIL: info@downtownboathouse.org

WEBSITE: https://www.downtownboathouse.org/

IMAGES: www.facebook.com/downtownboathouse/