As summer heats up, New Yorkers are seeking ways to cool off and reconnect with nature. One of the favorite pastimes for families is river tubing, which offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure as you float down lazy rivers.
Tubing is not only a fun family activity, but it also provides a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are twelve family-friendly spots where you can experience the joy of river tubing while enjoying scenic vistas. Before you head out, be sure to check the individual locations’ websites for the latest hours and availability.
**Delaware River Adventures**
Edge of The Woods Outfitters invites you to embark on a self-guided tubing journey through various sections of the Delaware Water Gap. With breathtaking views and numerous spots to stop for a swim, you can choose from a 4-mile, 6-mile, or an ambitious 10/16-mile excursion. Families with children as young as three can participate in the full-day 16-mile outing, known for its abundant wildlife and small rapids.
Just an hour and a half from New York City, Twin Rivers Tubing offers a family-run experience beginning and ending in historic Easton, Pennsylvania. This three-hour river journey provides picturesque views of the Lehigh River Falls, and is suitable for families with kids ages six and up.
For a relaxing day on the Delaware River, visit Bucks County River Country, just two hours from NYC. Choose from a variety of tube styles, including singles, doubles, and deluxe options. Invite a friend or loved one for a memorable day afloat!
Offering a more thrilling experience, Lander’s River Trips features a five-mile tubing adventure from Skinners Falls to Narrowsburg. Spend the entire day floating and enjoy the fun of tubing through Skinners Falls Rapids as often as you like. Located two and a half hours from New York City, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting a full day on the water.
If you’re in the mood for breathtaking Catskills and Poconos scenery, Silver Canoe and White Water Rafting is just a two-hour drive from the city for a leisurely three-mile tubing trip. Float under stunning bridges and navigate through exciting rapids. Please note that participants must be aged twelve and older for this tubing trip.
For families seeking a thrilling experience, Indian Head Canoes offers exciting whitewater tubing along the Delaware River. With a unique option to float your cooler—a must for a perfect day out on the water—this adventure is open to participants weighing 65 pounds and over. Located about two hours and thirty minutes from the city, you’re sure to have an exhilarating outing!
**Lehigh River Excursions**
For those looking to combine rafting with tubing, Whitewater Rafting Adventures on the Lehigh River provides a thrilling 3- to 4-hour journey through the stunning Pocono Mountains, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NYC. Navigate through about six small rapids, including Bear Trap and Great Gorge, for a heart-pounding adventure suitable for the entire family.
Also located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe River Adventures offers options based on skill and comfort levels, including Easywater, Intro to Whitewater, and Big Time Whitewater. Families with young kids will appreciate the Easywater option, making this a great choice for beginners. The venue is only 2 hours and 30 minutes from NYC and welcomes participants from age four and older.
**Farmington River Tubing**
Head to Hartford, Connecticut, for an exciting tubing experience on the Farmington River, located about two hours from New York City. A specially designed river tube takes you down a thrilling 2.5-mile stretch of the wild Farmington, complete with three sets of whitewater rapids. Always check the daily conditions and hours before you visit for the best experience.
**Farther Afield Options**
For those willing to venture farther from the city, check out the Sacandaga River. Wild Waters offers a two-hour rafting adventure that guarantees a splash for the entire family, starting at Stewarts Dam.
For a more challenging ride, the Sacandaga Outdoor Center presents class II and class III whitewater rapids, where precise maneuvering is required. Located roughly three hours and twenty minutes from the city, this option promises exhilarating fun for the intrepid adventurer.
With so many diverse river tubing options available near New York City, each with its unique charm and excitement, you’re bound to find the perfect spot for your next summer outing.
image source from：amny
