Kayaking for Kids Open
Wheel Fun Rentals | Bde Maka Ska
4.3(326)4.3 out of 5 stars, 326 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About Wheel Fun Rentals | Bde Maka Ska
Wheel Fun Rentals at Bde Maka Ska offers an accessible and fun way for families to explore the chain of lakes (e.g., paddling to Cedar Lake) by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, especially suited for a relaxed 2-hour excursion.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: A relaxed summer family outing for older children and teens interested in water activities like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.Families looking to explore the scenic chain of lakes by water.Individuals or families wanting to try kayaking for the first time, benefiting from helpful staff assistance.No specific age details are provided, but the activity (kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding) is generally suitable for older children and teens with adult supervision. Not specifically designed for very young children or toddlers.
Why families love it
- Easy and accessible rental process, accepting both card and cash payments.
- Staff provides life jackets and offers assistance with getting on and off watercraft.
- Warm and helpful staff who prioritize safety by operating only when wind conditions are favorable.
- Variety of rental options including single kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
- Opportunity to paddle a chain of lakes, allowing for a scenic and relaxed experience to destinations like Cedar Lake.
- Flexibility to rent watercraft for an hour or more.
Insider tips
- **Crucial Tip**: Always call ahead to confirm operating hours and availability, especially towards the end of the season (e.g., late September) or on specific dates, as listed hours can be inaccurate and calls may go unanswered.
- Do not rely solely on website information or on-site signage for current operational status.
- If you require a dry bag for personal items, bring your own or be prepared to purchase one on-site, as they are not available for rent.
- Be prepared to leave a form of ID with the rental staff as a deposit.
- Do not expect to rent bikes at the Bde Maka Ska location, despite the business name and signage.
- Consider renting for 2 hours to comfortably paddle the chain of lakes to Cedar Lake and back at a relaxed pace.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting without confirming current operating hours, particularly outside of peak summer or in late season (e.g., mid-September onwards), due to reported unreliability.
- Going if your primary intention is to rent bikes at this specific Bde Maka Ska location.
- If you expect brand-new, top-of-the-line rental equipment; be prepared for older gear.
- Unreliable operating hours: The venue was reported closed on 9/19/24 despite listed hours on the website and signage, with no one answering phone calls.
- Outdated and misleading signage: Signage indicated 'BIKE and Boat Rentals' and 'WHEEL Fun Rentals' but no bikes were available at the Bde Maka Ska location, with staff stating bikes get stolen easily.
- Value
- Kayaks are approximately $24 per hour, with options to rent for an hour or more. Dry bags are not included in the rental and must be purchased. The equipment is noted as 'pretty old,' which might affect the perceived value for some customers.
- Accessibility
- Staff provides assistance with getting on and off watercraft, which may be beneficial for individuals with some mobility challenges. No other specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- Life jackets are provided to all renters.
What parents say
"Rental options include kayaks (single or double), canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. I would recommend renting for 2 hours to paddle the chain of lakes to Cedar Lake and back at a relaxed pace."
8 months ago
"Renting a kayak, canoe, and paddle board is accessible and easy. You can pay with a card or cash. You need to leave your ID with them. You can rent for an hour or more. The dry bags are not for rent. You can buy them there, though. They give out life jackets, too. The paddle board doesn't have a leash attached to it. They claimed that it wasn't necessary as there weren't any currents in the lake. They help you get on and get off. It's a great summer activity and a lot of fun."
a year ago
"9/19/24: Closed today despite hours listed on the website. Arrived at 2:15pm especially to kayak. Called but no one answered. Lake Harriet location clearly states closed for the season, but that Bde Maka Ska is open until 9/29. Returned at 3:30 after walking to the lake Harriet location, still no one around. Signage is clearly out of date."
7 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More kayaking for kids in Minneapolis
Kayaking for Kids Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
4.6(7,003)4.6 out of 5 stars, 7003 reviews120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul
Kayaking for Kids Bde Maka Ska
4.7(4,323)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4323 reviews3000 E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis
Kayaking for Kids Lake Nokomis Park
4.7(2,832)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2832 reviews4955 W Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis
Kayaking for Kids Lake of the Isles Park
4.8(1,896)4.8 out of 5 stars, 1896 reviews2500 Lake of the Isles Pkwy E, Minneapolis