Fun for Families in New York City: Rent Rowboats in Central Park

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Turtles sunning on the rocks. Fish jumping out of the water. Weeping willow grazing over a lake.

This is in the middle of New York City.

Renting a rowboat, which can accommodate up to four people, is an inexpensive and fun way for a family to see one of the most beautiful parts of New York City, Central Park.

For $15 (cash only – and you give a $20 deposit, which they’ll return after your ride), you get a rowboat for an hour. That’s more than enough time to:

NYC 066 — Row past a bridge, a fountain, and maybe even turtles in Central Park Lake. Photo by Jamie Bartosch

1) laugh while figuring out how to not collide with other boats, rocks and trees (Don’t worry. You’ll catch on fast)

2) Row past a scenic fountain, and under an adorable bridge

3) Search for little signs of nature tucked into the concrete jungle that is Manhattan.

You can go as leisurely or fast (so not too physically taxing). As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about the kids dropping an oar in the water; the paddles are attached to the side. Life vests are provided for kids.

The rowboating makes for fun family photos (very important, no?). And when people ask what you did in New York City, you can bet they’ll remember rowing through Central Park. As an added bonus, there are remote-controlled sailboats in a separate lake nearby.