The nation's first urban National Wildlife Refuge has a docking area where kayakers and canoers can ship off and explore the marshes of this 4.5-mile stretch of Darby Creek. Just time your ride wisely: The river is only accessible two hours before or after high tide. For more information on the high tides, hit up the refuge’s website.

When the views of the Delaware River from the pop-up park's hanging hammocks aren't enough, (carefully) hop on a standup paddleboard. Aqua Vida hosts yoga, meditation, and cardio classes multiple days of the week. And yes that’s all on standup paddleboards.

Independence Seaport Museum has tons of options for getting out on the water, from kayaking excursions (for the adventurous, according to their website) to paddle tours, to history lessons on the banks, there’s plenty to do.

On that same note, if you want something longer than a 12-minute jet across the Delaware, there's always the Spirit of Philadelphia's dinner, lunch, or brunch cruises. The cruise lasts a couple of hours with great views of the skyline and the Delaware. Prices vary but the more expensive time (dinner) will run you just over $70.

While you can't actually swim here, there is a small rocky beach at this pier that gets you pretty close to the water's edge. The former immigration pier is an ecological treasure that has views of Camden and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. When it opened in 2014, it became the first dedicated waterfront public space in South Philly.

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October 19 you can take free kayak and rowboat rides along the Schuylkill River over at Bartram's Garden, a 45-acre National Historic Landmark. Or, you can bring your own boat and take off from here.

The Philadelphia Canoe Club over in Manayunk has a jam-packed schedule of canoe and kayak trips and classes. A lot of them stick to local waters, but if you're really looking for an adventure they also do trips throughout the country. They also offer standup paddleboard and whitewater kayaking lessons.

There are plenty of spots along the Wissahickon where you can dip your toes in or let your pups splash around. You'll find impromptu beaches along Forbidden Drive, or you can hike the trail to the infamous Devil's Pool (which, despite its popularity, is not legal to jump or swim in. But you can wade through it!).

Patriot Harbor Lines is another way to explore the Schuylkill or the Delaware without having to lift a finger. The boat rides take off at two spots: at the Independence Seaport Museum on the Delaware and from the Schuylkill Banks at 2501 Walnut Street. One reader who recommended the cruise rides said they're "always a pleasurable experience."