Row, row, row your boat toward the perfect summer activity! Canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating and pontooning are great ways to explore the natural beauty of Ohio’s waterways. Plus, you get to enjoy some quality family time, exercise and fresh air. What more could you want?
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle on a canal, a scenic pontoon trip across a calm lake, or an adventurous rowing journey down a rushing river, there are plenty of options in the region.
Barefoot Canoe
Enjoy some relaxing water fun with the Scenic Stillwater Canoe Trip. This 4/5 mile trip typically takes one to two hours, but you can take as long as you wish up until 6pm no matter what time you start. Double canoes and kayaks are available, and kids under 12 can ride in the middle free of charge. 235 East Tipp Pike, West Milton | facebook.com/barefootcanoe
Bellbrook Canoe
Offering canoes, kayaks and tubes, Bellbrook Canoe emphases that no experience is necessary for any of their trips. The 5.2 mile round trip on the Little Miami River usually takes around 3 hours, but you can take your time and stay out as late as 7 pm. 3234 Washington Mill Rd, Bellbrook | bellbrookcanoerental.com
Green Acres Kayak
Currently only providing single-person kayaks, Green Acres Kayak offers three different trip options – 3, 5 or 8 miles! Kids must be at least 12 years old and over 75 pounds. 10465 Suspension Bridge Rd, Cincinnati | greenacreskayak.com
Little Miami Canoe Rental
The Little Miami River is a favorite among canoeing/kayak enthusiasts — but there are loads of options for first-timers, too. The 2-mile trip offered at Little Miami Canoe Rental is perfect for kids, clocking in between 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours of light paddling. 219 Mill St, Morrow | facebook.com/LittleMiamiCanoeRental
Loveland Canoe and Kayak
Loveland Canoe prides itself on being kid friendly, and features lots of fun trips for families. Kids over 5 and 40 pounds are welcome. We suggest the Castle Adventure, a 5-mile ride that floats past the Historic Loveland Castle! 174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland | lovelandcanoe.com
Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor
This Great Park is a perfect place for west-side families to canoe. At just 85 acres, Miami Whitewater’s harbor is an accessible and kid-friendly place for families “test the waters.” The boathouse offers row, pedal, motor and pontoon boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bicycles for rent. 9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Crosby Township | greatparks.org/parks/miami-whitewater-forest
Morgan’s Canoe
Morgan’s charges per canoe or kayak — rates are based on the length of trip. Each canoe will accommodate up to three adults, or two adults and two children. Single or double kayaks are available. Note that kids must be over 4 years of age to ride. 7040 Whitewater River Ln., Brookville or 5701 OH-350, Oregonia | morganscanoe.com
RiversEdge Canoe & Kayak Outfitters
Explore the river with canoe, kayak, and raft rentals at this Northern Cincy spot, located between Mason/West Chester and Dayton. As its name suggests, “Blue Jacket’s Best” is your best bet for younger kids: this 3.5 mile trip clocks in between 1.5-3 hours to complete. 3928 US 42, Waynesville | riversedgeoutfitters.com
Scenic River Canoe Excursions
Scenic River is all about preserving and respecting Ohio’s beautiful rivers. Families can try either Fletcher’s Mid Trip, a 6 mile ride (2-3 hours), or the longer Remington’s Run Trip, an 8.5 mile ride that is 3-5 hours long. Kids must be at least 5 years old and over 50 pounds. 4595 Round Bottom Rd., Cincinnati | scenicrivercanoe.com
Winton Woods Harbor
The 156-acre Winton Lake is a great place to take canoeing newbies, with gentle waters and a very family friendly size. The harbor offers canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, pedal boats, motorboats, mini-pontoon boats and tour boat charters. 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati | greatparks.org/parks/winton-woods
