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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours per day
Fitness Level
Participants should have general physical fitness with ability to paddle and sit for extended periods comfortably.
Wildlife
History
Monroe Harbor has been a central recreational boating site in Chicago since the early 1900s.
Conservation
Urban Kayaks promotes eco-friendly paddling practices to protect Lake Michigan’s water quality and shoreline habitats.
Urban Kayaks
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.
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.
Location
Chicago, IL
Paddles depart from Monroe Harbor
Age Range
Kids 9–16 • Adults 18+
Programs for youth and adults
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
From 1-hour rentals to 4-day courses
Instructor Training
Level 2 Course
4-day essentials of kayak touring
Reserve guided tours, youth classes, rentals, or Level 2 instructor training—check seasonal schedules and weekend rental availability through mid‑September.
Wear a USCG-approved life jacket
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket to stay safe on the water.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect young skin from sunburn during long hours on the water by using reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring a water bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially during warm summer days on the lake.
Dress in quick-dry clothing
Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes to stay comfortable during the sessions.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A USCG-approved life jacket is vital for safety on the water.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Protects eyes and face from harmful UV rays during sunny days.
summer
Quick-dry synthetic clothing
Keeps the paddler comfortable by drying quickly after splashes or spills.
summer
Water bottle
Staying hydrated helps maintain energy and focus during sessions.