Kayak for Conservation
Learn, experience and take action for nature in a fun and engaging way — paddling the Chicago River!
Join us this summer for one of our pay-what-you-can Kayak for Conservation tours, where you will paddle the Chicago River guided by a Shedd nature expert. These eco kayak tours offer you the opportunity to look nature in the eye and learn about innovative efforts to improve the health of the Chicago River for wildlife —all while taking in the beauty of our city.
Kayaks will be supplied by Kayak Chicago through an arrangement with Shedd Aquarium.
Fresh air, nature, exercise and exploring Chicago’s second shoreline—what a way to feel great about your summer!
Meeting location
Ages
Varies by program
Days
Check back for future dates
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.
As you pay what you can, we appreciate your generosity to ensure that our mission to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world remains resilient through all times. We thank you for your support!
Individual Chicago Kayak Tours
Group Chicago Kayak Tours
What to bring
We recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen and wearing weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes.
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.
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Absolutely! The River Discovery Tour is accessible for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You’ll receive basic kayaking instructions before going out on the river. Shedd staff will assist you with getting in and out of the kayak. Previous successful kayaking experience is required for the River Exploration tour.
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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.
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Please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-2737 with additional questions.
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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
Days
Check back for future dates
Meeting location
Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne, Chicago, IL 60642
Cost
Check back for future dates
What to bring?
Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, hat, and sunscreen, and wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes.
Questions?
Contact us by email or call 312-692-2737