We know that water activities aren't the first thing you think about doing while visiting New York City, but, hey, we're surrounded by water, people. What we lack in palm trees, we more than make up for in iconic skyline views!

This Saturday, July 13th, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., get thee into the water all around the city's 1,600 miles of coastline and take part in over 50 events across five boroughs for City of Water Day.

So what kind of events will there be? The South Street Seaport museum will provide visitors to downtown Piers 16 and 17 the opportunity to conduct science experiments, participate in crafts and water-based activities like rowing, outrigger paddling, fishing and kayaking. Along the way, participants will be educated on what is needed to protect and preserve our beautiful waterfront from rising seas and increasing coastal storms.

A highlight will be the cardboard kayak race, in which 15 teams that include high school students and professional engineers build kayaks using only cardboard and tape, then race them in the East River. In addition, tall ships, tugboats and any other type of vessel you can think of will provide water tours throughout the city.

For a full list of all the free (did we mention that it's all free?) activities, head here.

Image via Shinya Suzuki/Flickr