The Downtown Boathouse opened its kayak program on Pier 26 last weekend.
BY MIA RUPANI | With summer quickly approaching, activity at Piers 25 and 26 in Tribeca near N. Moore St. is picking up. The piers are part of Hudson River Park, which extends from 59th St. south to Battery Park City.
Hudson River Park (hudsonriverpark.org) has a plethora of activities planned throughout the summer for kids and adults alike, beginning in May and running through September as part of their “Summer of Fun” series.
Starting June 7, those interested in fishing and learning more about the Hudson River environment can participate in Big City Fishing, a free program offered at Pier 25. Every Sunday from 3-5 p.m. participants can fish and chat with environmental educators. Rods, reels and bait are provided.
For those with kids, Pier 25 will host entertainment for children every Monday from 6:30-7:15 p.m. starting June 1. Families are encouraged to attend these free performances that include musicians, magicians and interactive storytelling.
Likewise, kids aged four to nine are invited to attend the free River Rangers program Mondays from 2-3:30 p.m. at Pier 25 starting July 6. Kids will learn about the Hudson River ecosystem through science experiments and crafts.
Beginning July 7, artists from the Children’s Museum of the Arts will host free art-making activities for kids at Pier 25 every Tuesday from 1-2:30 p.m.
Pop Up Maker Space, a free science-based workshop, will task participants with the job of constructing projects and working to find solutions to real-world challenges. The workshops are held every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. starting July 9.
Free kayaking resumed last weekend at the Downtown Boathouse on Pier 26 and will run until Oct. 12 every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Starting in July, the kayaking program is extended to include weekday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m.
Also this summer, two historic ships are docked at Pier 25 and offer very different experiences for visitors. The first is the U.S.C.G. Lilac, America’s sole surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender. Docked opposite of the Lilac is the Sherman Zwicker, a 142-foot fishing schooner built in 1942.
Opened on May 19, the Lilac is host to the Lilac Arts Series, a contemporary art exhibition and public events series that will feature artist talks, film screenings and educational programs. Visit lilacarts.org for a full list of events being held.
The Sherman Zwicker doubles as both a maritime museum and restaurant. On the deck of the ship is Grand Banks, an oyster bar and seafood restaurant now open to the public. The museum in the hold is not-for-profit while the proceeds made from the restaurant are used to preserve the ship.
“Our favorite time of year is kicking off the summer season with entertainment, events and education programs which will draw a diverse audience from adjacent communities and across the entire city, for all to enjoy,” Madelyn Wils, C.E.O. and President of Hudson River Park Trust, said in a statement.
