The Delaware River tubing trip from NYC is one of those summer things that sounds simple — float in a tube, let the current do the work — but the logistics of getting there with kids can make it feel like a project.
Day Trip
River Float
Outdoor Adventure
Family-Friendly Options
Drive Required
I’ve been eyeing the Delaware River tubing scene for a couple of summers now. The idea of floating down a river, cold drink in hand, while the kids splash around — it’s the kind of summer day that feels like a victory. But every time I looked into it, I hit the same question: is this actually doable with a 6-year-old and a 13-year-old, or is it one of those things that works better in theory?
The honest answer is both. It depends on how you do it.
What the River Actually Demands
The Delaware River near the New York-Pennsylvania border moves at a decent clip. The current on the stretches I’ve researched runs faster than a lazy river — Sourced Adventures, which runs an organized trip from NYC, lists the float time around 50 to 60 minutes for their route. That’s not a whole afternoon on the water. It’s a focused float, then you’re out.
For kids, that’s actually a reasonable window. Emma, at 6, can handle about an hour of floating before she starts asking what’s next. Sofia, at 13, would probably call a 60-minute float “short” but wouldn’t complain about the timing. The issue isn’t the duration — it’s the conditions. Sun exposure on open water is real, and the river doesn’t have shade. You’re committing to being in direct sun for that hour, plus the setup and breakdown time.
The water itself is cool but not cold, even in summer. Life vests are required and provided by every reputable outfitter. I wouldn’t put anyone on the river without one, regardless of swimming ability.
Tubing with kids is less about the river and more about how much stuff you’re willing to carry to the water’s edge. The actual float is the easy part.
— Sophie Bennett
The river demands attention, but not in a stressful way. You need to keep an eye on the little ones, make sure tubes stay together, and reapply sunscreen mid-float. The current does the rest. For a 6-year-old who’s comfortable in the water, the experience is mostly about kicking back and watching the trees go by. For a 13-year-old, it’s a chance to float without being told what to do.
Your Options on the Delaware
There are really two ways to do this: the organized bus trip from NYC, or driving up yourself and renting from a local outfitter.
The Organized Trip (Adults Only)
Sourced Adventures runs a river tubing and brewery day trip from NYC that handles everything. Two pickup points in Manhattan — 85 Delancey Street on the Lower East Side and 45th Street & 11th Avenue near Gotham Market. The bus leaves in the morning, you tube for about an hour, they serve lunch on the riverside, and then you visit The Drowned Lands Brewery for a complimentary beer. Then the bus takes you back. From $174 per person.
The catch for families: it’s 21+. No kids. So this is a “parents’ day off” option, not a family outing. I’ve had friends do this trip and rave about it — the Sourced Adventures river tubing and brewery trip has 245 reviews and consistently high ratings. But it’s not bringing Emma and Sofia along.
The Family-Friendly Route: Lander’s River Trips
For families, the better option is driving up to the Delaware River and using a local outfitter like Lander’s River Trips. They operate near the Pennsylvania border and offer tubing on the Delaware, including relaxing shoreline floats at Skinners Falls and a five-mile trip from the falls downstream. The five-mile float takes longer — think 2-3 hours depending on the current — and gives you more time to actually enjoy the river.
The drive from NYC to the Delaware River area is about two hours, depending on traffic. It’s doable as a day trip, though an early start helps. Lander’s and similar outfitters rent tubes, provide life vests, and can shuttle you to the launch point. You bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks.
If you want a more adventurous option, the OnlyInYourState list of lazy rivers in New York also mentions the Sacandaga River in the Adirondacks and the Ausable River at Ausable Chasm. But the Delaware is the closest to NYC and the most accessible for a day trip.
Getting There and What It Costs
The cost difference between the two options is significant. The organized Sourced Adventures trip is from $174 per person, which includes transportation, tubing, lunch, and a beer. For a family of four, that’s nearly $700 before tips. But you don’t need a car, and you don’t have to plan anything.
Driving yourself and renting from a local outfitter like Lander’s is cheaper per person — tube rentals typically run $20-40 per person, plus the cost of gas and parking. But you’re driving two hours each way, you need to pack your own food and drinks, and you’re responsible for the timing.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Sourced Adventures | From $174 per person. Bus from NYC. 21+. Includes tubing, lunch, brewery visit. |
| Lander’s River Trips | ~$20-40 per person. Drive yourself. All ages. Tube rental and shuttle included. |
For a family with a 6-year-old and a 13-year-old, the DIY route makes more financial sense. I ran the numbers for our family and it came out to about half the cost of the organized trip. But it also requires more planning. The tradeoff is real.
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If you’re looking for other organized day trips from NYC that work for families, the day trips from NYC on Viator offer a range of options, though none specifically for family tubing on the Delaware.
What to Pack and How to Prep
The gear list for a tubing trip is specific enough that forgetting one thing can ruin the day. Here’s what I’ve learned from friends who’ve done it and from the research.
- Water shoes are non-negotiable at the Delaware River. The riverbed is rocky and uneven. Old sneakers work if you don’t mind them getting wet.
- A dry bag or waterproof phone case keeps your phone and keys safe. You’ll want your phone for photos, but not at the bottom of the river.
- Sunscreen that’s water-resistant and reapplied mid-float. The sun reflects off the water and you’ll burn faster than you think.
- A cooler with drinks and snacks that can float alongside you. Glass bottles are not allowed in the water.
- A change of clothes and a towel for after. The ride home in wet shorts is miserable.
Life vests are provided by every outfitter. The Sourced Adventures trip requires them and provides them. Lander’s does too. Wear them. The current on the Delaware is faster than it looks, and even strong swimmers can get tired. The Sourced Adventures policies page covers their safety requirements and cancellation terms, which is worth reading before booking anything.
Tubing with Kids on the Delaware River
Is the current safe for a 6-year-old who can swim but isn’t strong?
On the stretches used for tubing, yes. The current is steady but not aggressive. Emma would need to stay close to me, and a life vest is required. The risk isn’t the current — it’s getting separated from the group. Tie tubes together with a short rope if you’re worried.
What if my 13-year-old thinks tubing is boring compared to a pool?
Sofia called it “fine” when I described it, which is teenager-speak for “not exciting but I’ll do it.” The five-mile float from Lander’s gives enough time to make it feel like an actual outing. Bring a waterproof speaker if you want to make it more fun.
Where do you go to the bathroom on the river — is there any solution?
This is the question nobody wants to ask. The answer is: there aren’t bathrooms on the river. Use the facilities at the outfitter before you launch. For a 60-minute float, most kids can hold it. For the five-mile float, plan ahead and maybe skip the big coffee before you go.
Is the drive from NYC actually worth it for a day trip, or should we stay overnight?
It’s about two hours each way. For a 60-minute float, that’s a lot of driving for not much river time. The five-mile float makes it more worthwhile. Leave by 8 a.m., you’ll be on the water by 10:30, done by 2, and home by 4. Staying overnight adds a hotel cost but lets you do a second day on the river or visit a local brewery.
Can we bring our own food and drinks, or do we have to buy from the outfitter?
Yes, you can bring your own. Coolers are allowed on the river. No glass bottles. Pack lunch for after the float — most outfitters have picnic areas. The Sourced Adventures trip includes lunch, but the DIY route means you’re on your own for food.
So, Is It Worth the Trip?
The Delaware River tubing trip is worth doing, but which version depends on who you’re bringing. If it’s a grown-up day away, the Sourced Adventures trip is the easy, fun choice. If you’re bringing the kids, Lander’s River Trips or a similar outfitter is the way to go.
For me, I’ll probably do both this summer — the grown-up trip with friends and the family trip with Emma and Sofia. They’re different experiences, but they both involve floating down a river, and that’s a pretty good way to spend a summer day. For more ideas on what to do around NYC, check out everything available on TravelsWithSophie’s NYC guide.
Sources
River Tubing & Brewery Day Trip. Sourced Adventures, 2023.
5 Natural Lazy Rivers in New York For Tubing. OnlyInYourState, 2023.
Policies and Fees. Sourced Adventures, 2023.
Delaware River Tubing + Brewery Day Trip. Lemon8, 2023.
