I have been coming to Hopkinton State Park for a few years now, and almost always rent a kayak from Outdoor Rec. I was just recently there to celebrate the 4th of July along with some friends. This time I decided to try one of the stand up paddle boards, instead of kayaking. I thought this was the perfect place to try the paddle board for the first time, since the water is normally so calm. The staff were very helpful and ensured that I had the right size lifejacket and that it fit properly. When you sign the liability waiver, you are indicating that you can swim, so I wouldn't suggest this (i.e. kayaking, canoeing, etc.) for anyone who is concerned about their swimming abilities (even though you will have a lifejacket and you're never very far from shore). When I was ready to push out on my paddle board, another staff member asked me if I've ever been on the board before and I said no, so they walked me through some of the basic paddling stokes. They told me to expect to fall in, so I was prepared! The lake itself is also on the smaller side, so you can definitely get around in about an hour or so. I had a great time out on the water and would highly recommend a stand up paddle board for those who are interested in giving it a try! Overall, the experience I had with the Outdoor Rec staff was very good and I would definitely suggest this place to anyone interested in taking a kayak, canoe, or board out on some generally calm water. Combine it with a cookout with friends and it's a pretty good day. read more

We have had a family Boating membership for many years: it's one of our best investments! It's a fun, convenient and flexible family activity. Boating is open long hours, every day. With our membership, we can try out all the different boats and stay on the water for whatever time we want to. I often spend 30 mins paddling at the end of my work day! Weekends can get busy on the water but I've never had an issue getting the boats we want. Having a membership also comes with some guest passes, so my kids get to bring friends along. It's so much fun! Also, since the Park does not allow power boats, it's really safe. My kids used to love exploring the two islands - now we race to and around them. Being on the water - even right in town - is so peaceful and (usually) relaxing. When I'm alone, i sometimes sit on my board and float around. With the kids, we splash and play and have a blast on the water. Any way we do it, Boating is a true highlight of our summer every year! read more

I have been boating at Hopkinton State Park multiple times. Looking at reviews that others have listed here, I am appalled that anyone could say the staff was careless! Not only do you sign a waiver that says you can tread water for at least five minutes and swim for 50 yards, but life jackets are provided with care. The staff has always been friendly and I have witnessed their lifeguard training with my own two eyes. I have inquired about such training, as I have a child to worry about, and every staff member is lifeguard certified. What I love about boating at Hopkinton is the independence and the ability to boat around the lake on your own. It takes a lot to tip a boat over, it has never happened to me. Please do not punish the wonderful staff for your own personal mistakes, these reviews speak loudly and it would be a shame to wrongfully label Hopkinton State Park as dangerous. I highly recommend boating here throughout the summer, it is a wonderful family outing. read more

I've been to Hopkinton State Park many times and I am actually shocked at some of the bad reviews on here. I've formed relationships with some staff members and have had an excellent experience every time. I enjoy kayaking the most, but I want to try the paddle boarding soon. The staff is friendly, helpful, and definitely not a bunch of "teenage girls" as some posts on here claim. They are lifeguard certified and many are college graduates. You sign a waiver ahead of time too, and I recommend doing what you are comfortable with as well as trying new things if you are a comfortable swimmer (I believe the waiver says you need to be able to tread water for a certain amount of time and swim a certain distance). I will continue spending a lot of time there this summer- especially by the boathouse renting different things. Love this place & the staff! :) read more

Me and my guy had the BEST time kayaking with Boating in Boston on the 4th of July. Cannot believe I hadn't made it out there yet, and cannot wait to go back. Really excited to try some of their other locations as well, such as Stoneham and Wakefield which I hear have beautiful lakes. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. I was also excited to see such a wide selection of boats to choose from. Getting on and off the water was a breeze, and the place is very reasonably priced, the lifejackets and paddles are included in the rental price! Also, the staff did a great job explaining the lake rules to us, how to properly hold our paddles, and even told us the hot spots to visit on the lake for best picture taking. Like I said, can't wait to get back out on the water with Boating in Boston! read more

The service at the Hopkinton state park boat house was exceptional. I went to the state park on a hot Saturday with my friends and there was nothing better to do than to ride on some paddle boards. Luckily our state park has them there to rent for a very affordable price. when we pulled up to the booth, we were greeted by Josh, who was a very nice guy, he was very easy to talk to, and was really helpful He put all the boards in the water for us, gave all of us paddles, and let us on our way. When we returned, Josh and Riley both helped us out of the water, and put our boards back. The whole experience was hands free, and I highly recommend it to others read more

I absolutely love Hopkinton State Park! My family and I have been here several times to rent out the kayaks and we have nothing but good things to say. Each time I was especially impressed with the staff. They were extremely friendly, well trained, and very professional with their work. Overall, the staff displayed excellent customer service by listening to/answering all of my questions and by going the extra mile to make the experience enjoyable for all. My family and I will, without a doubt, continue to visit Hopkinton State Park! I definitely recommend this place for others to visit if in the area and looking for something to do on a hot summer day! read more

I'm a season pass holder. With the pass you can use whatever you want and the staff is really helpful. I went for a SUP workout today and then the wind came up so I went sailing. I grabbed the wrong sail and they ran up the dock to get me the right one. The winds on the lake are challenging but it sure improves your sailing fast. Often times you can skip the line with a quick check in. They are buying some new club race boats, which probably doesn't make economic sense, but shows a passion for the waters. These new boats are cool to use and challenging to run. It's too bad I don't join before because I've lived in town for a while. read more

My favorite location out of them all! Lots of boat options and classes available. However to rent a sail boat you do need to be a seasons pass holder but luckily they have a few deals such as a family pass, and adult single, a student, and a senior pass. Lines can get extremely long on the weekends and the park can sometimes get full making parking hard to find, so I would highly recommend going during a weekday (especially after 4:30 because that is when camp is let out). read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about Boating in Boston. We have been season pass holders for 3 years. We enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and 2 of us are certified to sail. Our son can not say enough good things about his day camp experience! We are a really active family and it has been great to be able to play on the water together while getting a fabulous workout! Thank you so much to the amazing staff who support us in our newest hobby! read more

This is a pretty great place to get on the water with friends and family for a low cost. Kayak rentals are pretty inexpensive and canoes are only a little more per hour. If there's no line, you just sign up for a boat at the back window, get your life jackets and a staff member puts you right into the boat. About 5 minutes of prep time. If you're not going to Boston or down the cape, this is a really nice way to spend the afternoon. read more

We took the kids and grandparents out kayaking, in two single and two double kayaks (all rented there). The price was reasonable, and the staff was extremely helpful. They fit life jackets to the kids and the adults, got us into our kayaks, launched our kayaks, and pulled us back in when we were done. Everyone was friendly and cheerful. The kids had never been kayaking before, and they loved it. Highly recommended. read more

Absolutely wonderful. Rented a row boat and a canoe for my family of eight (three very small children) (two regular sized children) (three adults). The staff where simply amazing, a whole new name to full service. The place wasnt too busy, a few other renters where in line behind us, got onto the water within 10 mins of arrival. The lake was a bit windy but we had no problems, only adventures. read more

Ever since the boat house opened in Hopkinton, I heard nothing but wonderful things. I eventually checked it out for myself with a group of friends and it was everything I had hoped for!!! The staff were super attentive and fitted us with the right equipment. We had such a great experience! Coming back again soon!!!! read more

The staff at the boat house in Hopkinton were extremely thoughtful in helping me with my first boating experience! They had great attention to detail, were enthusistically professional, and very passionate about their work. I had a wonderful experience and absolutely will be telling all of my friends to go!!! read more

We had a fantastic experience kayaking and paddle boarding. Not expensive and totally relaxing!! The staff is very pleasant and helpful. Will definitely go again! read more

Had a great time, Staff where very polite. The location had great equipment and was so well organized. Will be back

Great place. Staff is awesome and super helpful!