Generally you think of the city as a place that just sucks money out of your wallet. At least that’s what seems to happen to me when I’m there.
Fortunately, there are a LOT of free things to do as well. Why not spend a few hours Kayaking? Yes you can take one of the kayaks from the New York City Community Boathouse out for a short 20-minute paddle inside the protected embayment in front of the boathouse absolutely FREE. They even provide a life jacket, along with a kayak, a paddle, and some tips on paddling. You will need to stay inside the protected embayment out of the river currents, where they can keep an eye on you. What a wonderful way to spend a spring or summer afternoon.
You’ll need to know how to swim and come dressed in a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt.
You can pick up your kayak at
Pier 40
Weekends and holidays from 9AM until 6PM with the last boat going out at 5:30, and occasional weekday evenings from 5PM-7PM with the last boat going out at 6:30PM.
Pier 40 offers has lockers, a changing room and shower and hose to rinse off with.
Pier 96 
Weekends and holidays from 9AM until 6PM with the last boat going out at 5:30, and weekday evenings from 5PM-7PM with the last boat going out at 6:30PM in July and August.
Pier 96 offers has lockers, a changing room and shower and hose to rinse off with.
72nd Street
Weekends and holidays from 10AM until 5PM with the last boat going out at 4:30, however on nice weekends there is often a very long line – so get there BEFORE 4:00 PM or you might be shut out.
72nd Street has lockers but no changing rooms or running water.
They will open for the season on May 15th at 10:00 AM! Happy paddling!
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