Summer in the city means taking to the water! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, there are various local organizations offering free boating programs. Here is a complete guide to where you can kayak and canoe for free across Brooklyn for summer 2026.
The 2026 season officially begins on Wednesday, May 27. General public kayaking runs through the end of August on Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Once September arrives, general kayaking switches to Saturdays only. There is also a dedicated Kids & Family Paddle on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, where children aged 7 and older can paddle a single kayak as long as a guardian is nearby.
Location: Pier 2 floating dock, Brooklyn Bridge Park
How to paddle: Free timed reservations are required and open exactly two weeks in advance on their website. Walk-ups are occasionally accommodated if space allows, but are not guaranteed.
Explore the historic, evolving waters of the Gowanus Canal via canoe. The Gowanus Dredgers host regular free walk-up paddling sessions throughout the summer. Self-guided sessions generally take place on select Saturday and Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM), with occasional Wednesday evening jams and full-moon voyages.
Location: Gowanus Dredgers Bunker at the 2nd Street Launch
How to paddle: Standard weekend afternoon paddles, walk up only
Enjoy the open waters of New York Harbor and views of the Statue of Liberty with the volunteer-run Red Hook Boaters. Their 2026 paddling season offers walk-up hours on Thursday evenings (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) from June 4 through August 13, and on Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) from June 7 through September 20.
Location: Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park
How to paddle: No reservations required; all boats are available on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis.
