Dipping in an oar in on a languid summer evening is a memory kids everywhere should be able to call upon when they grow up. Pretending to be Lewis & Clark is great fun, but where should families go when they want to paddle? North Alabama is known far and wide for it’s beautiful green spaces and waterfronts, and there are some great places listed below to put in your canoe or kayak with the kids.

But why should you head to an outfitter when you know of some perfectly good places to paddle on the lake, or the Flint or Elk Rivers? The people that run these establishments are pros, and part of their job is keeping stretches of water free of fallen logs, brush, and other obstructions. In other words, safe. They know the best type of equipment to use, and the type of water you’re likely to encounter at certain times of year. That’s the kind of expert advice parents need when they’re taking young kids for the first canoe or kayak trip.

Brown Bear Canoe & Kayak

Location: 107-A Michael Drive, Huntsville (map)
Phone: 256-885-6546
Seasonal Hours: Thursday & Friday 10AM-2PM; Saturday & Sunday 8AM-2PM
Brown Bear on Facebook

NACK – North Alabama Canoe & Kayak

Location: 1143 Moontown Road, Huntsville (map)
Phone: 256-529-0357
Seasonal Hours: By reservation throughout the week, Saturday 8AM – 2PM, Sunday 9AM – 2PM
NACK on Facebook

Huntsville Madison County Rowing & Watersports

Location: Ditto Landing (map)
Phone: 256-289-3359
Seasonal Hours: Rentals are available by appointment only.
View Website | Row Huntsville on Facebook

Muscle Shoals Sailing Club

Location: 1275 County Road 411, Killen, Alabama (map)
Phone: 256-508-4636
Seasonal Hours: member access 24/7
View Website | MSSC on Facebook

Paint Rock Canoe & Kayak Rental

Location: 3250 John T Reed Pkway, Paint Rock (map)
Phone: 256-508-9292
Seasonal Hours: Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 Am – 5:00 PM
View Website | Facebook Page

Going on a family paddle is tons of fun, and a great way to beat the Alabama heat – when it gets too hot, just jump in the water to cool off! Jeff Coy, Director of Row Huntsville, thinks it’s the perfect way for parents to spend quality time with their kids.

“Many of the most memorable times my family has shared involved being on the water together. Come to the river to try something new or get back to what provided you with peace and balance. Get away without going away.”

How can you argue with that?

You Might Also Like…

• Where to Play Disc Golf with Kids in Huntsville 
• Adventure Friendly Land Trust Trails 
• Summer Fun Guide to Huntsville & North AL

This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated with current information. 

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