Get Up & Go! Boats Ahoy!

Life in Massachusetts offers many recreational activities – including easy access to boating during the beautiful summer weather months. No ocean view outside your apartment home? No problem! A taste of the nautical life awaits—no kayak, canoe or sailboat needed! This week’s “Get Up & Go!” provides suggestions for nearby facilities where you can enjoy boating on a lake, river or the ocean—of course! Whether you are an experienced boater or a novice, there’s nothing like a day on the water when it comes to family fun or recreational pleasure with friends. When you go, don’t forget to tag a digital snapshot on our Facebook page!

Boating in Boston: Spot Pond – Located in Stoneham just off I-93, this family-friendly facility in the Middlesex Fells Reservation provides rentals for every age! Kayak, canoe, rowboat and sailboat rentals are available, which make it easy to pack a picnic and head out to one of three islands on the reservoir. If you prefer fishing to checking out birds and wildlife, Spot Pond is stocked with trout and bass. Visit their website for info on hours, rentals and lessons.

Boating in Boston: Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield – Boating at Lake Quannapowitt (say that five times fast!) offers access to beautiful shoreline and running trails as well as kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals. Use Spaulding Street in Wakefield for easiest access to boat rentals.

Boston Sailing Center – The Sailing Center gives beginners a chance to learn sailing in the open waters of Boston Harbor. In addition to free Sailing Open Houses (including 30-minute sail cruise around the harbor), BSC’s Learn-To-Sail program starts covers nautical sailing and on-the-water experience. The program offers students use of boats outside of class as well!  

Paddle Boston – This canoe and kayak rental service has five different locations along the Charles River in Boston, Cambridge, Newton and Waltham. Offering guided tours, lessons and rentals, Paddle Boston also has Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Check out their SUP yoga classes, which provide a full workout on the water!

Courageous Sailing – Courageous Sailing (CS) offers another opportunity to learn to sail on the Boston Harbor but has special focus on children and families.  Visit their website for a full listing of courses, camps and activities.