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Join Urban Kayaks’ 5-day Youth Kayak Class in Chicago’s Monroe Harbor and help your child gain confidence and paddling skills in a fun, safe environment. Perfect for ages 9-16, this program blends expert instruction with engaging activities.
Join Urban Kayaks’ 5-day Youth Kayak Class in Chicago’s Monroe Harbor and help your child gain confidence and paddling skills in a fun, safe environment. Perfect for ages 9-16, this program blends expert instruction with engaging activities.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Urban Kayaks · Chicago, Illinois
Urban Kayaks’ Youth Kayak Class is a fantastic 5-day program designed for kids and teens aged 9 to 16. Set against the stunning backdrop of Monroe Harbor in Chicago, this class offers a perfect blend of fun and learning. Participants will build essential paddling skills while boosting their confidence on the water, all within a safe and supportive environment. The curriculum is crafted so that beginners can progress comfortably from basic maneuvers to more advanced techniques. Experienced instructors focus on developing water safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for nature, making it a well-rounded experience. Kids will also enjoy interactive games and challenges that keep the energy high and the learning engaging. By the end of the week, many participants feel inspired to continue kayaking year-round or even become future instructors themselves. The harbor’s calm waters and beautiful cityscape provide an ideal setting for an active summer adventure close to home. Whether your young adventurer is new to kayaking or already familiar with paddling, this class is tailored to help them grow skills and create lasting summer memories in the heart of Chicago.
easy.
2–3 hours per day.
Participants should have general physical fitness with ability to paddle and sit for extended periods comfortably.
The class is open to kids and teens ages 9 through 16.
No previous experience is required; the class is designed for beginners.
Participants should bring water, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and a hat.
Yes, water safety and proper kayaking techniques are taught throughout the program.
Small groups ensure personalized instruction, typically with 6-8 participants per session.
In case of severe weather, sessions may be rescheduled or moved indoors for safety.
Monroe Harbor has been a central recreational boating site in Chicago since the early 1900s.
Urban Kayaks promotes eco-friendly paddling practices to protect Lake Michigan’s water quality and shoreline habitats.
Urban Kayaks is a Chicago-based paddling company operating from Monroe Harbor that offers guided kayak tours, paddleboard classes, rentals, and instructor training. Specializing in urban waterways, the company runs a range of experiences on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, including sunset and twilight paddles, fireworks tours from Navy Pier, and family-friendly rentals. Programs include beginner paddleboard lessons, youth kayak classes for ages 9–16, an after-school kayak class for ages 10–16, and a multi-day Level 2 kayak touring instructor certification workshop. All activities are led by experienced instructors who prioritize safety, small group sizes, and hands-on learning. Equipment rentals include single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards suitable for beginners and confident paddlers. Seasonal lakefront rentals operate on weekends through mid‑September, while guided river and harbor tours run throughout the paddling season. Urban Kayaks emphasizes education and progression with dedicated youth programs and formal instructor certification opportunities. The youth five-day kayak class and the five-day after-school format provide progressive skill development in a supervised environment. The Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor Certification is a four-day immersive workshop focused on teaching methods, group management, and risk management for aspiring instructors. By combining guided exploration of Chicago’s architecture, waterfront history, and natural shoreline scenery with structured learning and equipment access, Urban Kayaks provides reliable, memorable paddling experiences for families, beginners, and prospective instructors. Booking is available online or in person at Monroe Harbor, with seasonal schedules and class details posted on the company's website. Safety briefings included before every activity.
Book with Urban Kayaks