Published on July 09, 2026
Kzoo Parks and the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council will host Youth & Family Paddle 101 on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woods Lake Park (2900 Oakland Dr). This free event is open to families with children ages 7 and up and does not require any prior paddling experience.
Participants will have the opportunity to try kayaking with guidance from experienced instructors, using kayaks provided by Kzoo Parks and canoes provided by Mainstream Tackle & Outdoors. In addition to on-the-water instruction, the event will feature hands-on educational activities and interactive games focused on the Kalamazoo River Watershed, giving families a chance to learn about local waterways while spending time together outdoors. Children who complete the day's activities will also receive a prize.
“We want every family to have the opportunity to get out on the water and connect with the natural resources we have right here in Kalamazoo,” said Bela Ballez, Executive Director at the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. “We hope families will join us to try kayaking, learn about our local watershed, and make memories together on the water."
Registration is available online at www.KzooParks.org/YouthPaddle. Walk-in registration will also be available at the event as space allows.
Kalamazoo offers several spots for residents to enjoy kayaking throughout the summer, including Spring Valley Park, Verburg Park, and an additional launch site on Woods Lake at Lake/Kensington Park. Verburg Park also features a self-service rental kiosk, allowing residents to rent a kayak on-site. More information on Kalamazoo’s parks can be found at www.kzooparks.org/Parks