Six ways to celebrate City of Water Day

Water Taxi

Hydrophilic families, rejoice: City of Water Day, a celebration of the city’s waterfront, is this Saturday, July 16. Presented by the Metropolitan Water Alliance, the fete takes place at Governors Island, in New Jersey’s Liberty State Park and on Staten Island, among other locations, and offers a range of aquatic-themed activities. Here are some of its best offerings for families.
 
Free kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park Stop by Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park to take a gratis paddle on the river, courtesy of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian, so set sail together as a family. 11am–4pm. Old Fulton St at Furman St, Brooklyn Heights (bbpboathouse.org).
 
Free ferry rides The New York Waterway Ferry offers trips from Governors Island to Liberty State Park and back again, so your family can catch a cool breeze while making its way to the festival's various destinations. Ferries run from 10:15am to 3:45pm. Check the website for the ferry schedule.
 
Free kayaking and a movie on Staten Island Board free kayaks at South Beach (South Beach, Father Capodanno Blvd at Sand Ln), then paddle over to the Alice Austen House Museum (2 Hylan Blvd at Edgewater St) for a complimentary screening of, gulp, Jaws. Kayaking begins at 3pm; movie begins at 4pm.
 
Children's activities on Governors Island Various New York institutions are hosting kid-friendly activities on the isle this weekend. E-Z Reptile Shows introduces children to live amphibians and reptiles; the Museum of Chinese in America invites kids to make and race their own dragon boat puppet; and Scribble Town will help little ones create sea-creature puppets. But the fun doesn't stop there: Museum of the City of New York, New York Road Runners and a slew of other organizations are also sponsoring activities for kids. 10am–4pm. Governors Island (govisland.com).
 
Cast a Line fishing contest, mural tour and family picnic in Harlem River Park Kids can participate in a fishing contest, take in a set of murals on display and learn how to row. After a day of activities, relax with friends and food in the family picnic area. 10am–5pm. Harlem River Park, E 127 St at Harlem River Dr (harlemriverpark.com).

Big City Fishing & River Science workshops and mural making in Hudson River Park Your crew can reel in, then release a fish at the edge of the Hudson, plus learn all about the river's plankton. Artsy kids will have a chance to help make an under-the-sea mural, among other art and crafts projects, and the nautically inspired can take a boat tour of the Hudson at 1:15 or 2:45pm. Workshops 10am–4:30pm at three Hudson River Park locations: Pier 25 (at North Moore St), Pier 46 (at Charles St) and Pier 84 (at W 44th St). Art, crafts and games noon–4pm at Pier 25 (at North Moore St).