Entry No. 61 — the Chicago file — filed under: after-dark

Wateriders Moonlight Paddle

After dark the Chicago River empties of tour boats and Wateriders sends small groups out in kayaks under the lit-up skyline, gliding past Marina City's corncob towers and the glowing canyon of downtown. The water is calmer and quieter at night, and on Friday and Sunday paddles you drift beneath the giant projected animations of Art on theMART. The outfitter has been running urban kayak trips here since 1997.

The move: Book a Friday moonlight paddle in a tandem kayak and float beneath the projected art on theMART with the skyline doubled in the dark water.

📍 Before you go Seasonal (warm months); offered select evenings (often Fri/Sun/Mon). Basic paddling lesson and life vest included; book ahead.

• 📍 River North / Kingsbury, Chicago
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Kingsbury St launch, Chicago, IL (near North Branch Chicago River)

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23