How to Canoe with Kids

Until your family graduates from novice to pro, skip the whitewater and choose a calm lake or slow-moving river.

No matter the child's age, make life jackets (PFDs) mandatory. Look for ones with flotation collars (which keep the head above water) and a crotch strap. If you're buying one, versus borrowing with a rental canoe, have the kids try them on first. They are more likely to wear them without complaint if they are comfortable.

For your first outing, try a simple hour-long trip. The younger the children, the shorter the excursion. As you plan longer trips, find places to pull ashore, picnic and stretch legs.

Where everyone sits depends on how many adults and kids are canoeing, and of course their ages. Put a child under three at the bow, with the front paddler directly behind him. This helps you monitor your child and keep him involved and entertained. One or two other kids can usually fit in the middle of the canoe while a strong paddler sits at the stern.

Once you're on the water, keep things interesting by paddling near the shoreline to watch for birds, turtles or unusual trees. If possible, canoe under bridges. Kids love seeing a familiar sight from a new perspective. Encourage everyone to find shapes in the clouds or make circles in the water with sticks or rope.

Let the kids paddle. Though it might not add much to your speed, kids love to feel included and important. When they are older, let them take over so you can relax.

Once your family masters one-day outings, consider extended canoeing trips. Canoes are a great way to reach remote wilderness areas while also transporting all the gear a family requires. Canoe camping is more involved than car camping, but more kid-friendly than backpacking.