I just bought two kayaks for the price of one . . . canoe believe it??? Mom joke aside, get in on some waterfront fun and rent a kayak, paddleboat or canoe! These local spots are great for spending the day outside and on the water. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boating are memorable ways to explore nature with the kids and get 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 plenty of water and sunscreen!
2021 Kayak, Paddleboat and Canoe Rentals in the Chicagoland Area
Paddleboat Quarry in Naperville: Paddleboat Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
- Open daily from Memorial Weekend – Mid August 2021, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily.
- Beginning mid August- Fall 2021, the quarry is open weekends open from 10:00 am – dusk.
- Paddleboats (up to four people can ride): $12 for 20 minutes, $17 for 40 minutes.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult for paddleboats.
- Paddleboards: $10 for 20 minutes, $15 for 40 minutes
- Ages 13 and up may operate a kayak/paddleboard, and under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to sign the waiver.
- 1 person kayak: $10 for 20 minutes, $15 for 40 minutes
- 2 person kayak: $15 for 20 minutes, $22 for 40 minutes
- Located along the Naperville Riverwalk near Rotary Hill and the Riverwalk Café.
Whalon Lake in Naperville: Kayak Rentals
- Open Thursdays through Sundays until the third week in August – 10am until dusk.
- Open weekends only from the fourth week of August through the end of September – 10am until dusk.
- $15 for 45 minutes (single).
- $25 for 45 minutes (tandem).
- $20 for 60 minutes (fishing kayak).
- Rentals near the boat launch at Whalon Lake.
- Walk-ins only, no reservation required.
Lake Park Marina in Des Plaines: Paddleboat and Kayak Rentals
- Rentals are available April – October, 2021, dependent on weather.
- Hours: April, May, September, October: 8:00 am – dusk. June, July, August: 7:00 am – dusk.
- Boat rentals close 1 hour before dusk.
- Call (847) 391-5730 to confirm, credit cards only.
- Fleet of 11 paddle boats including one that is ADA-compliant.
- Paddleboat rentals are $13/30 minutes and $21/hour.
- Single kayak rentals are $11/30 minutes and $17/hour.
- Tandem kayaks rentals are $15/30 minutes and $21/hour.
- $2 discount offered for residents of DesPlaines, Park Ridge and Rosemont.
Busse Lake in Elk Grove Village: Canoe, Rowboat, Paddleboat and Kayak Rentals
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve.
- Open early April – late October, 2021.
- Hours: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm, with limited rental capacity.
- Must be 18 or older with government issued-ID to fill out a rental waiver.
- No more than three adults per row boat or fishing boat.
- Minimum age and weight: 3 years, 35 lbs.
- Dogs welcome at owner’s risk and operator’s discretion.
- Properly-fitted life vest must be worn by every paddler for duration of rental period.
- Kayak (single/tandem), canoe, rowboat and paddleboat rentals start at $20/hour.
- Please call (224) 415-6554 to confirm rentals are open.
Lake Ellyn during Boating in the Park in Glen Ellyn: Kayak, Canoe and Pedal boat Rentals
- Rentals are available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following Sundays at Lake Ellyn Park: June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18.
- Kayaks, canoes, and pedal boat rentals for $5 per boat for 20 minutes.
- Boating in the Park is open to all ages; however, each participant must be able to safely fit into a Glen Ellyn Park District life jacket.
Monee Reservoir in Monee: Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Rentals are first come, first served May 1 – September 30, 2021.
- Rent a one-person kayak, a two-person tandem kayak, or a canoe with a maximum capacity of three people.
- $20 cash deposit required; bring a valid driver’s license or state ID.
- Rent at the Visitor’s Center, which is open Tuesday–Sunday from 6:00 am – 7:00 pm until September 14 (or until 5:00 pm from September 15–30).
- $10/hour or $30/half-day activity fee.
- Children under the age of 13 must wear PFDs in all instances when on water.
Tampier Lake in Orland Park: Canoe, Kayak, and Rowboat Rentals
- Season runs early April through late October.
- Hours: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm (hours may be restricted in colder months).
- Call ahead to ensure rentals are open: (708) 830-5194.
- $20/hour – row boat or single kayak rentals.
- $25/hour – tandem kayak, canoe or fishing boat (2 hour minimum).
Lake Katherine in Palos Heights: Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Rentals May 24 – October (as weather allows).
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00 am to 5:45 pm.
- 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.
- Advanced reservations required.
River View in St. Charles: Kayak and Pedal Boat Rentals
- Rentals until mid August. (No boat rentals on July 4 and August 7)
- Open weekends 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (weather permitting).
- $19 per hour/per boat, first come, first served.
- Hourly rentals are in a first come, first serve basis.
- A valid driver’s 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.
Twin Lakes in Palatine: Paddle Boating, Kayaking, and Lessons
- Paddle boat and kayak rentals are available for half-hour rentals from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm on weekends only.
- Half hour rentals are $6, reduced rates for children.
- You may not use your own boats or motorized boats in Twin Lakes.
- Beginner kayak lessons are available on select days.
Three Oaks Recreation in Crystal Lake: Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Boat, Stand-up Paddleboarding Rentals
- The boat rental marina is currently open for weekends only (weather dependent).
- Parking is $5 for non-residents.
- Kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals are $12 and paddle pontoons are $30 for non-residents, Row boats start at $25 for 2 hours.
- Open daily from 10:00 am to one-half hour prior to sunset
Salt Creek River Trail in Oak Brook: Kayak/Canoe Launch
- 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, river trail information, and more, visit https://www.obparks.org/salt-creek-river-trail.
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!
