Free, walk-up kayaking is available from this pier on Governors Island. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Last boats go out at 3:30pm.

This active public boathouse on Pier 26 offers free, walk-up, 20-minute kayaking sessions (including equipment) on the Hudson River on weekends and some weekday evenings. For more activities like kayaking trips and stand-up paddle boarding here and at Piers 84 and 96, check out www.hudsonriverpark.org.

Fancy a quick glide on the mighty Hudson? This volunteer-run boathouse offers free kayaking on summer weekends. No reservations: it's first come, first served. The boathouse also offers free classes in kayaking technique and safety. Expect to get wet while paddling – there are changing rooms and lockers at the pier.

The most significant addition to Prospect Park since its creation, the LeFrak is a 26-acre eco-friendly playground. In winter there's ice skating, in summer there's roller skating and a sprinkler-filled water-play area for kids to splash about in. Pedal boats and kayaks are also available (usually late March to mid-October), and a variety of bikes can be rented to tour the park. Details of seasonal events and competitions such as roller discos and ice hockey are posted online.

Red Hook Boaters is a volunteer-run boathouse, located in Red Hook, offers free kayaking in the small embayment off Louis Valentino Jr Park. Once in the water, you'll have beautiful views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Check the website for the latest times before making the trip out.