Swan Pedal Boats at Indy’s Downtown Canal Walk

Downtown Indianapolis has plenty of ways to burn off kid energy, but swan pedal boats on the Canal Walk come with a different kind of novelty: the kids get to sit inside a giant swan while someone else does most of the pedaling.

Wheel Fun Rentals operates the boats from Firehouse #13 on the Downtown Indianapolis Canal Walk. The boats rent by the hour, fit up to five people and give families an easy way to see the canal from the water without committing to a full paddling trip.

Swan Pedal Boats at Wheel Fun Rentals

The large swan pedal boats fit up to five people with a total capacity of 1,400 pounds. Each boat has a Bimini top for shade, which matters on the canal when the sun is doing its full summer routine.

Families can bring snacks and nonalcoholic drinks on board, but alcohol and large coolers are not allowed. Life jackets come with every rental, and all passengers ages 12 and younger must wear a correctly fitted, fully buckled life jacket the whole time on the water.

Rentals are first come, first served, so no reservation is needed for a regular family outing. Group reservations are available for parties of 10 or more.

Related Page: Unique Activities in Indianapolis

Cost, Hours and Good-to-Know Details

• Cost: Large swan pedal boats are $44 per hour. Single kayaks are $22 and double kayaks are $28.
• Rental length: One-hour minimum. After the first hour, additional time is prorated in 15-minute increments.
• Sunset rides: During the summer season, the same swan boats are available for sunset rides, offered daily from sunset to 10 p.m. at the regular $44 per hour rate.
• Location: Wheel Fun Rentals Canal Walk is at 429 W. Ohio St., Firehouse #13, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
• Weather policy: Hours are weather permitting, 50 degrees or warmer and dry. Rentals may pause or close during rain, lightning or high winds.
• Last rental: The last rental goes out one hour before closing.
• Renting: The person renting must be 18 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Other rentals: Single and double kayaks are also available. Guided kayak tours start in June and require a reservation.

Wheel Fun Rentals Canal Walk Hours

Hours change with weather, staffing and canal conditions, so check the official Wheel Fun Rentals Canal Walk page or social media before heading downtown. The seasonal schedule:

• May 23 to Aug. 9: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunset rides daily from sunset to 10 p.m.
• Aug. 10 to Sept. 7: Monday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunset rides daily from sunset to 10 p.m.
• Sept. 8 to Sept. 27: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
• Sept. 28 to Nov. 1: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Nov. 2 to March 26: Closed for the season.

The History of Swan Boats

Swan boats have been part of American park culture since 1877, when the Swan Boats of Boston began operating in the Boston Public Garden. The idea has lasted for a reason. There is something very kid-friendly about climbing into a bird-shaped boat and moving slowly through the water while downtown buildings, bridges and ducks pass by at snack-speed.

Related Article: Where to Canoe and Kayak in Central Indiana

Plan Your Visit

• What: Swan pedal boat, kayak and double kayak rentals on the Downtown Indianapolis Canal Walk
• Where: Wheel Fun Rentals Canal Walk, 429 W. Ohio St., Firehouse #13, Indianapolis, IN 46202
• Phone: 317-363-9353
• Website: wheelfunrentals.com/in/indianapolis/canal-walk/

Specialty cycle and bike rentals are also available nearby at Wheel Fun Rentals in White River State Park, including Surrey bikes, two-wheel bikes and kids’ bikes. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals in Indianapolis, visit wheelfunrentals.com/indy.