Canoeing for Kids in Kent

The county of Kent is very well-served in terms of facilities for water sports enthusiasts. The proximity to the coastline and the abundance of excellent rivers, including the Medway and the Stour lend themselves to the provision of top notch canoeing experiences for the kids.  

We have a run-down of the top five canoeing experiences for kids in Kent below. 

Elveys Canoe

Based in Yalding in Kent, this family-run canoeing centre takes tours out on the River Medway Canoe Trail and has canoes and kayaks which are suitable for all abilities and experience levels. As family friendly canoeing trips go, this is one of the best. They also cater to private groups of 10-20 people so if you are looking to have a canoeing birthday party for your kiddo during the summer months, this would seem an excellent option.

Mote Park Watersports Centre

Located in Maidstone, Kent, Mote Park Watersports Centre is a popular watersports teaching facility with both lessons and boat hire available. They have experienced instructors on hand seven days a week, all year round who offer kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, sailing and stand up paddle boarding. Mote Park Lake is considered to be an extremely safe venue and therefore perfect for children. The water is shallow and even children are able to stand up. There are no moving currents and there is a large launching and landing area for use by the public.  

River Medway Canoes

River Medway Canoes has an extensive fleet of canoes, kayaks and paddle boards for hire to use on the 16 mile non-tidal stretch of the River Medway. The river is perfectly suited for beginners and more experienced canoeists alike. The Canadian style canoes are large enough to take multiple people in comfort and make for an excellent family experience. It is easy to bring a picnic to eat either on the water or the shore and canoe hire is for a generous 6 hours.  

Canoe Wild

Offering taster sessions, canoe hire, training courses and guided tours on the River Stour, Canoe Wild offers an amazing time for children and all of the family. They have a dedicated Young Paddlers club which allows children and teens to meet and befriend others who share their interest in this water sport. This club offers raft building, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding in an affordable weekly session for ages 8-14 that is sure to leave them enthused. 

Seapoint Canoe Centre

Situated in Hythe, a coastal market town on the Kent coast, Seapoint Canoe Centre offers regular canoeing sessions for adults and juniors as well as lessons and courses to teach more about the subject and help to achieve British Canoeing Awards. Seapoint has dedicated instructors who are experienced at assisting young people with disabilities and are focused on accessibility as well as safety. Canoe hire is available outside of formal classes and it is possible to just book a practice session.   

Looking for other things to do in Kent?

Family activities listed on Hoop in Kent

Best beaches in Kent for families

10 best castles for kids in Kent

Best sailing clubs in Kent

Best parks for families in Kent

Make a short break of it with our list of the best campsites in Kent

Prefer to stay in a hotel? We've got a list of the best family-friendly hotels in Kent.

Photo by Kristaps Ungurs on Unsplash