Kayak on the Schuylkill

You don’t have to seek out raging rivers or rolling waves for a great kayak experience. Paddle along the scenic Schuylkill Banks and take in the Philly skyline like you never have before with Hidden River Outfitters. The one-hour trips, led by a professional guide and preceded by a half hour of instruction, are perfect for beginners, but still challenging for your arms as you push yourself upstream from the Walnut Street Dock to the Fairmount Water Works. For more experienced adventurers, Hidden River also offers an advanced 4-hour tour to Bartram’s Garden, the site of America’s oldest living botanical garden. You may want to leave your camera on shore though; you’ll likely be splashed with a little Schuylkill water—but that’s half the fun, right?   —  Kathryn Siegel

$40 for basic tours, $75 for advanced tours, scheduled regularly throughout summer (see website for dates and times), Walnut Street Dock, 267-588-3512, schuylkillbanks.org/stories/2011-kayak-tours.