Kayak for Conservation
Learn, experience and take action for nature while paddling the Chicago River!
Join us this summer for one of our Kayak for Conservation tours, where you will paddle along the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River guided by a Shedd nature expert. These eco kayak tours offer you the opportunity to look nature in the eye, learn about innovative efforts to improve the health of the Chicago River for wildlife and help keep our waterways clean—all while taking in the beauty of our city.
Our kayak tours offer a great way to get out this summer safely—they are social distancing friendly!
Fresh air, nature, exercise and doing your part to keep Chicago clean—what a way to feel great about your summer!
We hope to see you there!
Meeting location
Cost
Individuals: Pay-what-you-can registration ranging from $20–$100 per participant, we recommend $40, the base cost of the program
Groups: $250 groups up to 8 / $600 groups of 9-15
Ages
Varies by program, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Days
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Meeting location
Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne, Chicago, IL 60642
Pay-what-you-can registration
We are committed to connecting Chicagoans to the Chicago River ecosystem to foster a community dedicated to restoring and protecting it. Register for the program by paying what you can—from $20 up to $100 (the base cost per person for operating the program is $40).
As you pay what you can, we appreciate your generosity to help offset the financial impact of the pandemic. We thank you for your support!
Individual Chicago Kayak Tours
Group Chicago Kayak Tours
What to bring
Participants must wear a face covering or mask when within 6 feet of others. We recommend bringing a water bottle and sunscreen and wearing weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes. Please see our FAQs below to learn more about how we are handling COVID-19 to keep participants safe during this program.
About the program
Kayak for Conservation was developed in partnership with environmental not-for-profit Urban Rivers, Shedd’s River Islands contribute to the “Wild Mile” project—the first mile-long floating eco-park on the Chicago River. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Chicago River ecosystem, discover the native wildlife above and below the water’s surface and learn how this new habitat is benefiting native wildlife.
-
Absolutely! The River Discovery Tour and River Explorers programs are accessible for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You’ll receive basic kayak instructions before going out on the river. Shedd staff will assist you with getting in and out of the kayak. Please note you will need to be within 6 feet of a Shedd Aquarium or Kayak Chicago staff member when getting into your kayak and will be required to wear a mask or face covering.
-
Absolutely! Swimming is not required for this program. All participants are required to wear life jackets while on the river and are assisted by staff in entering and exiting the kayak. At no point will participants be exiting kayaks between launch at the beginning of the program and disembarking at the end of the program.
-
Please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-3123 with additional questions.
-
Protecting our participants’ health and safety is the utmost priority at Shedd Aquarium. All staff and participants will be required to wear masks or face coverings on land but may remove their masks or face coverings while on the river provided they are at least six feet from participants outside of their household. Minimum distances of six feet will be maintained throughout the program except for staff assistance in and out of the kayaks. All equipment and materials, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, pens, trash grabbers, etc., will be sanitized prior to use. Hand sanitizer will be available as needed throughout the program.
Age
Varies by program, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Days
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Meeting location
Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne, Chicago, IL 60642
Cost
Individuals: Pay-what-you-can registration ranging from $20–$100 per participant, we recommend $40, the base cost of the program
Groups: $250 groups up to 8 / $600 groups of 9-15
What to bring?
Participants are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and sunscreen, and wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes.
Participants must wear a face covering or mask when within 6 feet of others. We recommend bringing a water bottle and sunscreen and wearing weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes. Please see our FAQs to learn more about how we are handling COVID-19 to keep participants safe during this program.
Questions?
Contact us by email or call 312-692-3123