Where-To-Go Wednesday - Family Ecology Sail

We were given a Family Ecology Sail for free for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

 

What: Family Ecology Sail

Where: South Street Seaport
            Pier 16
            New York, NY

Who: Parents and Kids Ages 5 to 12
 
  
Me - The Family Ecology Sail was interesting. We went on boat called the Pioneer Schooner. It was a much smaller boat than other boats we have gone on like the New  York Water Taxi and the Staten Island Ferry. There was a bunch of other families on the boat too, but there were not nearly as many people as on those other boats. On the other boats, we sat inside although you could sit outside. On this boat, there was no inside. Sitting outside and also because the boat was smaller, it made me feel closer to everything. The view was beautiful. While we were on the boat, we helped with things. We got to raise the sails. Also, we helped to wind up the rope. We all got to help put out the fishing net and then haul it back in. We caught a bunch of fish and other sea creatures including a couple of BlueClaws. We learned about them. We were also able to touch all of them except the BlueClaws because BlueClaws can pinch you hard enough to make you bleed. It was really fun getting to touch the fish and sea creatures. That was my favorite part. Afterwards, we freed the fish and sea creatures by putting them back into the water. I got to free the fish and one of the BlueClaws by throwing them back into the water. There was bathroom on the ship, but it wasn't like a regular bathroom so I didn't use it. I didn't need to go, but I didn't want to use it anyway. Some people ate lunch on the ship. We had a snack. You had to bring your own food with you. They didn't give you any food. A Family Ecology Sail is a lot of fun for families because they get to do a lot and see a lot.
  
 
Mom - If you want to spend a fun time out on the water with your family and have them actually learn something in the process, a Family Ecology Sail is a good choice. These sails take place on the Pioneer Schooner at the South Street Seaport from approximately June through September. On the sail, children will have the opportunity to learn about sailing and participate in activities related to sailing as well as learn about some of the living creatures found in the sea. The sail takes about three hours which sounds like a long time to be out on a boat with your children. and a bunch of other people and their children. However, the sail is so much fun that the time will pass by rather quickly. It is also nice, for adults especially,  to have the opportunity to admire the beautiful views of New York City from out in the open air on the water. There is no food or drink available on the boat, but you are allowed to bring your own. A Family Ecology Sail is not a good activity for very small children who cannot be expected to keep away from the sides of the boat even if you tell them to. However, slightly older children will love it. Life vests are not provided while you are on-board the ship although it is our understanding that they are available if they are needed.  Purchase of your tickets to the Family Ecology Sail also gives you access to the South Street Seaport Museum which is located not far from where you board the ship and which is also where you pick up your tickets for the sail when there is something going on at the pier. We will talk more about the South Street Seaport Museum in a future post.
 
  
For more information or to book a Family Ecology Sail visit southstreetseaportmuseum.org/family-ecology-sail/.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.