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Location: Central, In/Outdoor: Outdoor Activity level: Moderate Features: Zilker Park Boat Rentals has been in business since 1969. They rent canoes and kayaks by the hour, providing the paddles and life jackets. Cost for a family of four: $10 (cost for a canoe is $10 per hour or $40 for the day) Best for ages: all ages |  |
The Experience: A peaceful journey in a canoe down a slow, wide river with beautiful tree-lined banks. Cars passing on bridges high overhead and the view of towering skyscrapers nearby, but the feeling that all the rush and chaos is very far away. The comforting sound of oars dipping into the water with a little splash. You may have to remind yourself that you're right here in the middle of Austin and not vacationing in some tropical paradise.
When we went one June afternoon, we found that the canoes were very affordable and it was only a short paddle to Town Lake, where we could float under the First Street bridge and see the lovely trees and shoreline. We saw several turtles, swans, ducks, and cranes on our journey. The ride is slow, pleasant, and relaxing (especially if you can talk your kids into paddling for you). The only difficulty we had was first getting into and launching the canoe without getting our shoes wet. You may want to wear water shoes.
Before you go: Bring sunscreen, water, and a camera in a plastic baggy. Wearing shorts or swimsuits may make it easier to get the boat in the water without getting your clothes wet. The canoes can hold three adults, or two adults and two children maximum. If you have a toddler, you will want to make sure to have two adults so that one can make sure the toddler remains seated. The person renting canoes can advise you which life jacket everyone should put on.How to go cheaper: There is a coupon you can print out from the website that is good for non-peak hours for a second boat or a second hour free (see coupon for details).
Birthday Parties: Do it yourself.
Accessibility: Coming soon.
Fun Factor: 9/10
Yum Factor: N/A
Value Factor: 9/10
The Lowdown: Try a canoe ride for an exotic hour-long vacation from real life.
Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am until dark, Sat-Sun 9 am until dark, open in spring, summer, and early fall
Website: http://www.zilkerboats.com
Address: In Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin (to get there, take the stairs leading down to the creek from the playscape area, and turn left at the bottom of the stairs. You will see it just a short distance down the trail, right by the water). Map: Google Map Phone: (512) 478-3852
