WATER PLAY IN AURORA
Ever since we took our Mom’s Little Black Book Road Trip to the east coast and experienced standup paddle boarding on the Jersey Shores, we have been seeking to recreate the experience locally without the hassle of traffic and parking in the city; so, when we stumbled across Rocktown Adventures in the heart of Aurora, we were thrilled!
Located just a few steps from the Fox River, they have standup paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks readily available for your use – it’s like the fast food industry for water play fun with the added bonus of an unsuspecting calorie burn!
Although the paddleboards are recommended for those 13 years and older, this is a flexible family activity as kids of any age can join a parent or older teen in a tandem kayak or canoe. With youth rentals (under 18) at half price and drop-in flexibility, this activity becomes as easy as taking the family on a neighborhood walk in the park.
The staff at Rocktown Adventures walks down to the river with you and provides safety and operational instruction, so even the most novice child or adult can fully enjoy the activity. Lifejackets are available for those over 50 pounds, but if your child is lighter than 50 pounds – don’t forget to bring your own. If you are not comfortable doing it on your own, join one of the many scheduled events at the Aurora or Rockford location that are planned throughout the year. Don’t miss all the squeals, giggles and memories!
Overview....
Rocktown Adventures is a specialty outdoor retailer and adventure club offering sales, rentals, lessons, guided trips, and related apparel for kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards in the summer; and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. They also carry camping equipment, lifestyle apparel, and transportation equipment such as roof racks and trailers.
Rocktown Adventures
107 Spruce Street
Aurora • (630) 506-5706
www.rocktownadventures.com
Summer Hours:
10am to 8pm Tues-Friday
10am-6pm Saturday
11am-5pm Sunday
Check website for ongoing events.
Price $: SUP & single kayaks $25, tandems/canoes/fishing kayaks $30 for 2 hours; half-day SUP & single kayaks $35, tandems/canoes/fishing kayaks $40; full-day SUP & single kayaks $50, tandems/canoes/
fishing kayaks $55; multi-day rental SUP & single kayaks $30 for each additional day, tandems/
canoes $40. All youth rentals (under 18) half price!
about the writer
Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.
