Paddling
Events
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Canceled Hispanic Heritage Paddle
Powderhorn Lake • Burnham, IL 60633Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Friends of the Chicago River and Audubon Great Lakes through bi-lingual bird paddling, storytelling, and connecting with nature and culture […]
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Fall Colors Paddle
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Enjoy stunning fall foliage while paddling through scenic waters at Kickapoo; experience the changing season from the water’s view. In partnership with Friends of the Chicago […]
Free • Registration Closed -
Fall Paddle Festival
FeaturedLake Arlington • Arlington Heights, IL 60004Forest Preserves of Cook CountyFinish fall with family-friendly activities like paddling, pumpkin painting and more. Presented with Arlington Heights Park District.
Free • Registration Required -
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Open Pond Paddle
Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305Kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis. Instruction & equipment provided. Ages 5 & up w/ adult. Hosted at Thatcher Glen Pond. […]
Free -
Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon
Dam No. 2 Woods • Cook County, IL 60056 (near Mount Prospect)Join the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States! Race begins at W Oak Spring Rd and ends at Dam No. 2 Woods.
Free • Registration Required -
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Paddle the Upper Des Plaines River: Part 1
Allison Woods • Cook County, IL 60062 (near Northbrook)Discover this magnificent watershed by means of canoe and bear witness to the flora and fauna that call it home. Ages 12 & up. Equipment […]
Free • Registration Required -
History of the Lagoons Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Explore the uniqueness of Skokie Lagoons by water. Equipment provided. Presented with Chicago River Canoe & Kayak.
Free • Registration Closed -
Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free -
Beaubien Woods Celebration
FeaturedBeaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827Immerse yourself in the beauty of Beaubien Woods as we celebrate the wonders of nature. This exciting day features a wide range of activities to […]
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Juneteenth Paddle
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Closed -
Juneteenth Paddle
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on 10-person canoes. Presented with Openlands. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Closed -
Intro to Kayaking Class
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.
Free • Registration Closed -
Community Paddle
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Drop in and experience a guided paddle tour on a voyager canoe. Limited spots available; first come, first served.
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Kayak the Des Plaines
Schuth’s Grove • Cook County, IL 60546 (near Riverside)Kayak 3 miles from Schuth’s Grove to Plank Road Meadow. Equipment and shuttle provided. Beginners welcome.
Free • Registration Closed -
Community Paddle
Wampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)Open community paddle on 10-person canoes. Registration opens one month prior to event date.
Free • Registration Required -
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Kids’ Fest
FeaturedWampum Lake • Cook County, IL 60476 (near Thornton)Get ready to embrace the beauty of summer, the great outdoors and the wonders of nature at Kids' Fest 2026! This exciting festival is the […]
Free • Registration Required -
Intro to Kayaking Class
Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60480 (near Willow Springs)Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers. Equipment provided.
Free • Registration Closed -
Kayak the Des Plaines
Irving Park Road Canoe Landing • Schiller Park, IL 60176Kayak 9 miles from Irving Park Road to Schuth’s Grove. Equipment and shuttle provided. Experience recommended.
Free • Registration Closed -
Canceled Dog Days of Summer
FeaturedBeck Lake • Cook County, IL 60016 (near Des Plaines)Join us for adoption opportunities, canoe paddles, training tips, treats and more. Dogs must be pet/person-friendly and on leash.
Free -
Canceled Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free -
Paddle the Upper Des Plaines River: Part 2
Northwestern Woods • Des Plaines, IL 60016Discover this magnificent watershed by means of canoe and bear witness to the flora and fauna that call it home. Ages 12 & up. Equipment […]
Free • Registration Closed -
Full Moon Paddle
Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093 (near Winnetka)Enjoy an exclusive after-hours sunset and moonlit paddle through the Skokie Lagoons.
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Canceled Together for Trees
Kickapoo Woods • Riverdale, IL 60827Kick it at Kickapoo Woods & Prairie! From casual walks and invigorating paddling excursions to peaceful wildlife watching and more. Kickapoo Woods offers something for […]
Free -
Little Cal Paddles
Beaubien Woods Boat Launch • Chicago, IL 60827Join Chicago Adventure Therapy for a paddle in 10-person canoes, exploring the history, people and stories that shape the community.
Free
