Get your family in on some waterfront fun and rent a kayak, paddleboat, or canoe this summer! These local spots are great for spending the day outside on the water, and off the screens. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboating are memorable ways to explore nature with your kids and get everyone a little exercise, too.
For rentals, be sure to call ahead to confirm exact hours and pricing, especially on days where the weather is on the unpredictable side. Don’t forget your sun hat, sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water!
Lake Arlington in Arlington Heights
Paddle Boats, Kayaks, Sailboats, Paddle Board, and Pontoon Peddle Boat Rentals
- Boat rentals are available daily from 10:00am – 5:30pm, opening dates for 2025 are TBD.
- Cost of boat rentals vary by age of passengers and type of boat; visitors can also purchase a punch card for five
1-hour visits, costing $120 - If you have your own boat, you can launch it for a daily fee of $10 R/ $15 NR
- Season passes and lessons are also available
Three Oaks Recreation in Crystal Lake
Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boat, Pontoon, Rowboat, and Sailboat Rentals
- Open daily from May 1 – July 31, 2025 from 6:30am – sunset, weather dependent
- Kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals are $14/hour
- Other water craft pricing available here.
- Rentals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
Lake Park Marina in Des Plaines
Paddleboat, Swan Boat, and Kayak Rentals
- See website for 2025 hours and pricing.
- Call (847) 391-5730 to confirm
- Fleet of 11 paddle boats (one is ADA-compliant), 3 swan boats, and 6 kayaks
Busse Lake in Elk Grove Village
Canoe, Rowboat, Paddleboat and Kayak Rentals
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve
- Open daily, early April – late October, 2025
- Rentals are 9:00am โ 5:00pm daily on a first-come, first-served basis
- The preserve asks that you call (224) 415-6554 before you go to confirm rentals are available
- Rentals are also available Friday through Sunday from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak at this location
Boating in the Park in Glen Ellyn
Kayak, Canoe and Pedal boat Rentals
- Glen Ellyn Park District offers canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats for rent during the Boating in the Park event series
- June 8, June 22, July 13, July 27 and August 10; 12:00pm – 4:00pm
- 20-minute rental for $10; cash/credit card accepted
- Call (630) 942-7266 for additional information
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard in Lisle Community Park
Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddleboard
- Boat rentals are now available through Naperville Kayak at Lisle Community Park!
- However, you can still bring your personal kayak, canoe, or paddle board to their new boat launch
- The best park to park for the boat launch is the smaller parking lot by the baseball field near the police station. It is on the south side of Short Street, right after you cross the bridge.
- The new launch is intended for use of personal non-motorized boats or floating vessels
Monee Reservoir in Monee
Canoe and Kayak, Pedal Boat, and Rowboat Rentals
- Rentals are first-come, first-served daily from May 1 – September 30, 2025
- Rent at the Visitor’s Center, which is open Tuesday-Sunday in May-August from 6:00am – 7:00pm and in September from 7:00am – 6:00pm
- $20 cash deposit required; bring a valid driver’s license or state ID
- $15/hour or $35/half-day activity fee
Paddleboat Quarry in Naperville
Paddleboat, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals
- Rentals available for 20 mins or 40 mins, check 2025 rates here.
- Rentals available weekends only through May 25 (Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. โ 7:00 p.m.)
- Then open daily from May 26 to August 15 (10:00 a.m. โ 7:00 p.m.)
- Then back to weekends only again starting August 16 (Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. until dusk)
- Located along the Naperville Riverwalk near Rotary Hill and the Riverwalk Cafรฉ
Whalon Lake in Naperville
Kayak Rentals by the Forge
- Open most days between May 1-October, weather permitting
- Open from 12:00pm โ 8:00pm; days of operation vary by month
- See availability and book online
Salt Creek River Trail in Oak Brook
Kayak/Canoe Launch
- No rentals available at this site, but if you own a kayak or canoe, the Dean Nature Sanctuary to Plank Road Meadow Salt Creek is a great option and close to home
- Consists of four unique sections, each offering a distinct paddling experience
- Boaters are advised to take out at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Plank Road Meadow or before
- For tips and river trail information, visit the Oak Brook Park District website
Tampier Lake in Orland Park
Canoe, Kayak, and Rowboat Rentals
- Season runs early April through late October, depending on weather
- Rentals available 9:00am – sunset on a first-come, first-served basis
- Rentals are $25/hour for a single kayak; $30/hour for a fishing boat with motor (2-hour minimum), a rowboat, or a canoe; and $35/hour for a tandem kayak
- Discounted rates are available on Mondays
- The preserve asks that you please call (708) 830-5194 to ensure rentals are open
- Rentals are also available Friday through Sunday from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak at this location
Twin Lakes in Palatine
Paddle Boating, Kayaking, and Lessons
- Paddle boat and kayak rentals are available for rental on weekends from 11:00am – 8:00pm, weather and crowd dependent
- See website for rental fees by the hour or half-hour
- Beginner kayak lessons are available on select days
- You may not use your own boats or motorized boats in Twin Lakes
Lake Katherine in Palos Heights
Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Rentals May 19 – October 13, 2025 (as weather allows)
- Boats available daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Canoes and kayaks are $10/hour per person
- Must be six years or older to participate; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Advance reservations required; call ahead or register online
River View in St. Charles
Kayak and Pedal Boat Rentals
- Opens daily beginning May 10, 2025; 11:00am – 6:00pm beginning May 27 (weather permitting)
- No rentals on July 4
- Rentals available on a first-come, first-served basis
- A valid driverโs license/state ID required as a deposit
- Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Launch from the dock behind mini golf in Pottawatomie Park
Blackwell in Warrenville
Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboat and Row Boat Rentals
- Run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Open on weekends May 3 through September 28, 2025; open daily 11:00am – 6:00pm beginning Memorial Day
- Rentals available with a valid ID: $15/hour for row boats or single kayaks, $18/hour for double kayaks or canoes, $20/hour for paddleboats
- Children 9 and under must be in a boat with someone 18+
Herrick Lake in Wheaton
Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboat and Row Boat Rentals
- Run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Open on weekends May 3 through September 28, 2025; open daily 11:00am – 6:00pm beginning Memorial Day
- Rentals available with a valid ID: $15/hour for row boats or single kayaks, $18/hour for double kayaks or canoes, $20/hour for paddleboats
- Children 9 and under must be in a boat with someone 18+
Maple Lake Boating Center in Willow Springs
Canoe, Kayak, and Row Boat Rentals
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve
- Open mid April – late October, 2025
- Rentals are 9:00am โ 5:00pm daily on a first-come, first-served basis
- The preserve asks that you call (708) 506-0227 before you go to confirm rentals are available
- Rentals are also available Friday through Sunday from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak at this location
We’d love to see your family’s boating adventures – please share with us on Instagram (#mykidlist)! And, check out our outdoor activities ideas to keep the fun going throughout the summer months!
