Get your family in on some local waterfront fun and rent a kayak, paddleboat, or canoe this summer! These nearby spots are great for spending the day outside on the water, and off the screens. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboating are memorable ways to try something new, 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 available
- Boat rentals are available daily from 10:00am – 5:30pm, opening dates for 2026 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 for residents, $15 for non-residents
- Season passes and lessons are also available
Three Oaks Recreation in Crystal Lake
Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boat, Pontoon, Rowboat, and Sailboat rentals available
- Row boat rental began April 18, 2026. Opening day for the remaining boat types will be in May. Open daily from 6:30am – sunset, weather dependent
- Kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals are $14/hour
- Other water craft pricing available on their website.
- Rentals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis
Lake Park Marina in Des Plaines
Paddleboat, Swan Boat, and Kayak rentals available
- See website for 2026 hours and pricing.
- Call (847) 391-5730 to confirm availability. Boat rentals are dependent on the weather.
- 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 available
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve
- Open daily, early April – late October, 2026
- Rentals are 9:00am – 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 available
- Glen Ellyn Park District offers canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats for rent during the Boating in the Park event series only
- No pre-registration is required
- Offered Sundays June 7 – August 9, 2026; 11:00am – 2:00pm
- 20-minute rental for $10; cash or credit card accepted
- Call (630) 942-7266 for additional information
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard in Lisle Community Park
Kayaks, Tandem Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddleboard rentals available
- Boat rentals are available on weekends through Naperville Kayak
- However, you can still bring your personal kayak, canoe, or paddle board to their new boat launch
- The best place 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 available
- Rentals are first-come, first-served daily from May 1 – September 30, 2026.
- 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 per hour, $35 per half-day or $45 per day activity fee
Paddleboat Quarry in Naperville
Paddleboat, Kayak, and Paddleboard rentals available
- Located along the Naperville Riverwalk. Paddleboat Quarry Rental (formerly the Riverwalk Cafe) is located near Rotary Hill
- Rentals available for 20 mins or 40 mins, check 2026 rates on their website.
- Rentals available weekends only through May 24 (Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am – 7:00pm)
- Then open daily from May 25 to August 12 (10:00am – 7:00pm)
- Then back to weekends only again starting August 15 (Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am until dusk)
Whalon Lake in Naperville
1-, 2- or 3- person kayak rentals by the Forge available
- Onsite rentals available most days from May 1 until October, weather permitting
- Open from 12:00pm – 7:00pm; days of operation vary by month
- See availability and book online
Salt Creek River Trail in Oak Brook
Kayak/Canoe Launch; no rentals
- 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 areas. For tips and river trail information, including when to remove your boat, 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 per hour for a single kayak; $30 per 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 rentals and lessons
- Paddle boat and kayak rentals are available for rental on weekends from 11:00am – 6:00pm, weather and crowd dependent. But will be open daily in summer.
- 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 run May 18 – October 12, 2026 (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
Tower Road at Skokie Lagoons
Canoe and Kayak rentals available
- Open daily from April to October 2026, weather permitting.
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve
- Rentals are available daily starting in May on a first-come, first-served basis
- The preserve asks that you call (847) 414-5883 before you go to confirm rentals are available
River View in St. Charles
Kayak and Pedal Boat rentals available
- Opens daily beginning May 9, 2026 through mid-August from 11:00am – 6:00pm (weather permitting)
- No rentals on July 4
- Rentals available on a first-come, first-served 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
Blackwell in Warrenville
Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboat and Row Boat rentals available
- Run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Open 11:00am – 6:00pm on weekends May through September 2026; open daily after Memorial Day -August 14
- Rentals available with a valid ID: $16/hour for row boats or single kayaks, $20/hour for double kayaks or canoes, $22/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 available
- Run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- Open 11:00am – 6:00pm on weekends May 23 through August 14
- Rentals available with a valid ID: $16/hour for row boats or single kayaks, $20/hour for double kayaks or canoes, $22/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 available
- Run by the Cook County Forest Preserve
- Open mid April – late October, 2026 weather permitting
- Rentals are 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday-Mondays on a first-come, first-served basis
- The preserve asks that you call (708) 506-0227 before you go to confirm rentals are available
- Weekend rentals are also available through The Forge at this location. Days and times vary, online reservations available
We’d love to see your family’s boating adventures – please share with us on Instagram (#sharekidlist)! And, check out our outdoor activities ideas to keep the fun going throughout the summer months!
