Email
PrintLet's Canoe!
Summer Fun Close to Home
If you are already an avid canoeist, you don’t have to give up paddling because you have kids. And if you aren’t much of a paddler but want to build some great family outdoor memories, there are plenty of ways to ease into canoeing with youngsters. Along the way, you might see a Great Blue Heron searching for fish or turtles basking on a log. You are sure to spot dragonflies and damselflies.
It’s all about the kids
Forget the idea that a family canoe trip will be your great paddling experience. Canoeing with kids requires extra planning and suitable gear. Never mind the rapids and find a calm river or lake.
If you plan on renting a canoe (see list of area renters below), call ahead to find out if you need reservations and what size canoes are offered. Can you fit two adults and one child? Two children? The rental facility should be able to make a recommendation for you.
Your first time out, choose a small pond to get your young ones comfortable with their life jackets, the rocking motion of the canoe and the training to stay seated.
Make it fun
School age children want to paddle, too. Who cares if they only last five minutes, or they mostly dabble in the water? They’ll be proud to help. You can pick up a short paddle at most outdoors stores for around $20 or check with the rental facility to see if they will rent you an extra one. I’ve chased many a paddle floating downstream, so it’s a good idea to tether a child’s paddle to a thwart or cross piece.
Bringing a couple of toys is OK, too. If Erica wants to bring a plastic boat, great! If Jason wants to bring his stuffed teddy bear, suggest something more waterproof. Tie the toys to a thwart. I saw a family once towing plastic yellow rubber ducks, one for each of them!
Snacks in ziplock baggies are a must. Goldfish snack crackers seem appropriate. Pack a simple picnic for halfway or the trip finale.
Also, keep the trip under three hours. Don’t torture your kids with an all day marathon.
Safety first
Be sure you have a proper personal flotation device or life jacket for your child. Be aware that many rental places do not supply jackets for infants and many do not recommend canoeing with children that are three years and younger. Mom and Dad should set the example by wearing theirs, too. Since the canoe’s rocking motion can bring on a nap, be sure your children’s life jackets are comfortable enough to sleep in.
If your children are not swimmers, be sure they are in a canoe with someone who is. Since there is usually no seat in the center of a canoe, bring or rent a cushion for your child to sit on and one to rest their back against a thwart. Don’t sit on the thwarts!
If you are renting a canoe from a place that transports you to the launch, bring your child safety or booster seat to use in their van during the transport.
Also, protect your toes and don’t wear flip-flops. Old tennis shoes you can get wet or specialized water shoes are more appropriate.
Sunscreen and hats are critical. Bug repellent might be necessary if you are canoeing through the woods or at dusk. Cell phones are great for emergencies but not when they are at the bottom of the lake, so keep them in a ziplock bag.
It is also easy to become dehydrated when out on the water. Bring juice or water to drink.
Making Memories
A canoe trip builds great self-esteem, especially if a child helps to paddle. The first time you hear your child squeal as a nearby frog plops in the water, or when you admire a pair of wood ducks taking flight, you’ll be hooked on canoeing with kids!
Area canoe rental facilities
St. Joseph County Parks
St. Joseph River trips at St. Patrick’s County Park
Also hourly rental available on pond.
Fri-Sun and holidays
No reservations needed, except for large groups
South Bend, IN
574.277.4828
www.sjcparks.org
Bristol Canoe & Kayak
St. Joseph River
Bristol, IN
574.848.4465
Goshen Parks & Recreation
Elkhart River and Goshen Dam Pond
48 hr advance reservation required
Goshen, IN
574.534.2901
www.ci.goshen.in.us/260434.html
Doe-Wah-Jack’s Canoe Rental
Dowagiac River, by reservation
Dowagiac, MI
269.782.7410 888.782.7410
www.paddledcri.com
