Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Independence Seaport Museum for free paddle boating at FDR Park on select dates in the summer and fall!

Paddle boats are an easy and safe way for families and people of all ages to explore Edgewood Lake, just behind the FDR Park Boathouse. As you pedal around, use the kid-friendly binoculars provided to spot turtles, ducks, blooming flowers, and maybe even a great blue heron – the long-legged shorebird the boats are shaped after.

This event is geared toward our FDR Park neighbors.

Children must be able to fit into a life jacket (30+ pounds) in order to participate. Waivers will be provided and must be signed before participating. All minors must have an adult available to sign for them. There is no place to store belongings while out on the water, so we recommend bringing a small bag/waterproof case to store them in. We suggest having at least two people on each boat to balance pedaling; boats cannot hold more than four people.

TICKET PRICE: Free, RSVP appreciated but not required*

*We suggest RSVP’ing to receive any important weather updates and to allow for signing of Fairmount Park Conservancy’s waiver ahead of time (Independence Seaport Museum’s waiver will still have to be signed at the check-in table that day). RSVP’ing, however, does not guarantee a spot on the boat in the event your party doesn’t arrive on time (the last boat goes out 15 minutes prior to the end time, and there is occasionally a short line).

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM: The Independence Seaport Museum, located along the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing, invites visitors of all ages to discover Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections. With water as the unifying thread, stories of those who lived and worked along our regional waterways come to life through award-winning exhibitions. Our historic ships, the Olympia and the Becuna, connect Philadelphia to the rest of the world, telling tales about the people and cultures they have interacted with on their journeys. These stories are woven into every aspect of the visitor’s journey, from the first time they enter the lobby to when they walk off the gangway of Olympia.

QUESTIONS?: Feel free to reach out to programs@myphillypark.org.

Enjoy our programs? Play it forward for Philly parks! Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Fair Play Campaign is creating healthy park infrastructure, expanding people-centered programs, and preparing our organization for the future. Learn more and get involved at fairplayphilly.org