Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Independence Seaport Museum for free paddle boating at FDR Park on select dates in the spring, 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. All minors must have an adult available to sign for them.

Waivers will be provided and must be signed before participating. You can do this ahead of time by clicking the ‘sign up for event reminder’ button below. Please include everyone in your party on the form. This will also ensure that you receive any important weather updates that may affect the event. Please note, clicking the ‘sign up for event reminder’ button does not guarantee a spot on a boat! There is often a line to get on the boats. If the wait time for boarding is longer than 30 minutes, the line will close before the actual event end time of 2:00 PM.

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*

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