Paddling Programs

This beginner-friendly paddling experience is all about bringing joyful summer outdoor vibes while intentionally creating a supportive, affirming space for all. This program centers queer community, connection, and collective exploration.

This is a space to build skills, share laughter, and experience the outdoors in a way that feels welcoming and accessible.

Canoes, paddles, and lifejackets are all provided; just bring yourself and an openness to try something new.

This beginner experience covers basic paddling techniques, safety essentials, and boat handling to help everyone feel confident on the water.

We’ll have a peaceful, family-friendly paddle as we introduce the joy of canoeing! Play simple games as you maneuver around buoys, paddle out to the islands for an up-close look, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Canoes and life jackets are provided. Be ready for light to moderate activity including lifting, bending, reaching, and crouching. Children must be accompanied by an adult onsite.

Have a goal to learn a new skill this summer? Try kayaking!

Join us for a relaxing kayak experience on the Washington Park Lagoon, designed to build a strong foundation for paddling on larger waters. We’ll cover essential safety and basic boat movements through a guided group paddle around the islands, simple paddle games, and small-group coaching.

Kayaks and life jackets are provided. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

This beginner level paddle will be hosted as the full moon rises in Milwaukee.
Those with previous paddling experience are encouraged to join us as we canoe through downtown and try to spot the full moon rising.

Our staff are happy to assist in launching and disembarking your canoe. Lifeguard certified staff will be your guides on this unique paddle.

This beginner level paddle will be hosted as the full moon rises in Milwaukee.
Those with previous paddling experience are encouraged to join us as we canoe through downtown and try to spot the full moon rising.

Our staff are happy to assist in launching and disembarking your canoe. Lifeguard certified staff will be your guides on this unique paddle.

Time to unplug, get outside, and tap back into your inner camper: it's Grown Up Summer Camp at the Urban Ecology Center!

Spend the afternoon reconnecting with the outdoors as you paddle the Washington Park Lagoon, unwind with yoga, laugh around a crackling campfire, and get creative with hands-on crafts all without having to pack a sleeping bag!

Whether you're chasing childhood memories or making brand new ones, this is your chance to play, connect, and recharge in the fresh air.

It’s just you and the water when you’re kayaking!

Activities include:
-Common kayak strokes & movements
-Proper life jacket fitting
-20-minute independent paddling Single kayaks for ages 12+, tandem kayaks for ages 6+ with an experienced adult.
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Ages 12+ are able to paddle in a single kayak independently, ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem boat.
*No children sitting on laps in boats.

Beavers are busy builders, shaping the habitats they live in with the dams they create.

Paddle in kayaks with us along the Menomonee River where we'll learn about beaver ecology and their triumphant return to Milwaukee.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for beaver activity and may even catch a glimpse of one.

Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets provided.

Have a goal to learn a new skill this summer? Try kayaking!

Join us for a relaxing kayak experience on the Washington Park Lagoon, designed to build a strong foundation for paddling on larger waters. We’ll cover essential safety and basic boat movements through a guided group paddle around the islands, simple paddle games, and small-group coaching.

Kayaks and life jackets are provided. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

This beginner level paddle will be hosted as the full moon rises in Milwaukee.
Those with previous paddling experience are encouraged to join us as we canoe through downtown and try to spot the full moon rising.

Our staff are happy to assist in launching and disembarking your canoe. Lifeguard certified staff will be your guides on this unique paddle.

It’s just you and the water when you’re canoeing!

Activities include:
-Common canoe strokes & movements
-Proper life jacket fitting
-20-minute independent paddling
‍
*No children sitting on laps in boats.

Celebrate the full moon with your friends at the Urban Ecology Center!

This beginner level paddle will be hosted as the full moon rises in Milwaukee.

Those with previous paddling experience are encouraged to join us as we canoe through downtown and try to spot the full moon rising. Our staff are happy to assist in launching and disembarking your canoe.

Don't see a date or theme that quite fits your vibe?

Request a custom paddle program with our staff!