Columbus may not be coastal, but there are still plenty of places to get out on the water around the city! Keep reading to check out where you can paddleboard, kayak, canoe and rent pontoon boats this summer in Columbus.
Kayaking on the Scioto Mile. Photo by Randall L. Schieber.
The Scioto River
One of the most accessible rivers runs right through the center of Columbus and you’ve got a few options to kayak or paddleboard throughout the summer, sometimes even for FREE! Windrose Outdoor offers SUP skyline tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, May - September. Tours launch from Bicentennial Park and run 1.5 hours, including a paddleboard lesson and a water tour of the Downtown riverfront.
Free kayak days are hosted annually by the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department and are scheduled for July 11 and 12, 10 am - 2 pm, in 2026. Tandem, single, and SUP paddleboards will be available for free rental on a first-come, first-served basis. The line will begin and kayaks will launch from the bridge below Bicentennial Park. Wristbands are available starting at 10 am and will run out quickly, so plan to arrive early! Children must be 5+ years old to ride in a kayak, and those who are under 12 must ride with a parent. More information can be found here.
Paddleboarding at Alum Creek State Park. Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus.
Alum Creek Lake Marina
One of Columbus’ largest recreation areas offers affordable pontoon boat rentals as well as canoes, kayaks and SUPs. Pontoon Boats are rented by the hour and can fit up to 14 people. You must be 21+ to rent/drive, and you can get a 20% discount if you rent for 7+ hours. On select days, enjoy summer concerts at the marina, too!
If you’d like to rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP, they are also rented by the hour, and you can reserve yours ahead of time here.
Paddleboarding at Quarry Trails Metro Park. Courtesy of Columbus Metro Parks, photo by Liz Christian.
Columbus Metro Parks Seasonal Programming
Columbus Metro Parks has a robust summer schedule of special events where you can try your hand at archery, rock climbing, and yes, even paddleboarding and kayaking… for FREE! Kayak and SUP experiences are offered primarily at Quarry Trails and Prairie Oaks Metro Parks. Check out their events calendar here to register ahead of time if required.
Paddling on Big Walnut Creek. Photo by Experience Columbus.
Gahanna Creekside Park
Smaller waterway, but big fun! Enjoy the cool breeze under the trees and float along in a kayak or pedal boat at Gahann's Creekside Park. They are open daily on weekday evenings and weekends. Make a reservation ahead of time for just $10 per boat for 30 minutes. All rentals require an 18+ year old to be present and riders 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. During certain festivals like the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, boat rentals are free!
Photo by Sunrise Kayaking.
Delaware O'Shaugnessy Reservoir
For those who want to explore an area a little off the beaten path, consider Sunrise Kayaking in Delaware. Choose from a one or two-hour rental in the O’Shaugnessy Reservoir, where you’ll have the chance to see lots of wildlife and birds. They also offer the rare 3-person triple kayak if you have an odd number of people in your group.
Got Your Own Kayak or SUP?
If you already own your own kayak or SUP, there are lots of Columbus Metro Parks to choose from to launch. Check out the “canoe access” points on designated maps at the following parks: Alum Creek, Three Creeks, and Olentangy Water Trail. You can find the exact launch points by searching the Metro Parks trail maps for icons labeled “canoe access”. Pay close attention to signage and park messaging about water safety.
Whether you’re ready to rough it on the waters of Big Walnut Creek or just want to have a fun pontoon boat day at Alum Creek, there’s something for everyone to enjoy to get out on the water in Columbus!
