Kids and Kayaks

By Margaret Backenheimer
Special to the Tribune
Published April 24, 2005

The picturesque towns of Crete's southern coast are the setting for "Inn-to-Inn Sea Kayaking" family adventures that cover the basics of kayaking. Slated for June 11-18 and June 24-July 1, the paddling trips also allow time for snorkeling, hiking and exploring the beaches. The fee of $2,295 for adults and $1,195 for kids 7-18 years includes accommodations, daily breakfast, most dinners, luggage transfer, kayaking equipment, leadership and van support. Round-trip transportation to Heraklion, Greece, where the trip begins and ends, is additional. Closer to home, Wisconsin's Peninsula State Park serves as the base for the "Sea Kayaking Adventure Weekend," a family camping trip with kayaking on Green Bay the first day and Lake Michigan the second. The fee of $295 for adults and $245 for those ages 7-18 includes most camping gear, most meals, kayaks and leadership. Dates for this one are June 17-19, July 15-17 and Aug. 19-21. Offered by Wilmette-based The Northwest Passage, the Crete and Wisconsin trips are all rated as "easy," requiring no kayaking experience. (800-732-7328; www.nwpassage.com)

Prices generally are per person double and based on availability.

E-mail: tripsandtips1204@yahoo.com

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