Summer 2026 Outdoor Adventure Programs

A person wearing sunglasses and a hat floats in a kayak on a bright sunny day.

Link by Month:

Click on the links listed by date under each Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) activity to get more information and to register.

Link by Activity:

Summer

Custom Group Paddle Tour posing for a picture all holding paddles and sitting on and around kayaks.

All Summer at UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center

The UML Kayak Center opens June 13, 2026! Join us for regular kayaking by yourself or with friends! More information can be found on the Kayak Center website.

We offer rentals to paddle on your own throughout the summer, come at any time during our open hours on weekends 1 - 8 p.m. or Monday, Thursday and Friday from 3-8 p.m. to enjoy paddling on the river and see Lowell from a new angle! All instruction and gear is provided. It's easy and fun!

June 27: NEW THIS YEAR: $5 Paddle Lab Class Give our new staff a chance to practice their teaching skills by joining us on June 27 for our one-hour class. Our staff will be psyched to give you a one-hour lesson on the water!

Sunset Kayak Tours and Classes: We host kayak tours at sunset every week from late June through late August, plus 2- and 4-hour classes most Saturdays, and a shuttle upriver. It's a great way to learn a new skill, hang with your friends this summer, and enjoy Lowell! Open to the public and UML students, faculty, and staff.

June

a group stands on a rocky outcrop while looking over a beautiful vista

June 28, Sunday - Day Hike - Monadnock

Take a break this summer and enjoy hiking one of the most hiked mountains in the world. We'll enjoy rocky scrambles, fresh summer air, and 360 degree summit views! This hike is beginner-friendly and mildly challenging; lace up your shoes and join us!

July

The bow or front of a photographers red sea kayak sits at the bottom right of the image with rescue gear atop. A few kayakers can be seen sporting various styles and colors of kayaks off in the distance.

July 26, Sunday - Coastal Kayaking

Ready to take on the ocean?! Join us for a day of sea kayaking along the stunning Massachusetts coastline near Gloucester. We’ll paddle through waves, explore rocky shores, and experience the thrill of the open water.

  • Cost: $35 Registration Deadline: July 23
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed. Gear and transportation provided. Physical exertion: Moderate.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2026 - July 26 Coastal Kayaking
  • Group size minimum of 6 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

August

lake view with trees framing a golden sunset

Minnesota Wilderness Canoe Trip

Paddle with us into one of the most breathtaking wilderness areas in the country. Spend 7 days canoeing through the Boundary Waters, navigating crystal-clear lakes, portaging through pine forests, camping under the stars, and unplugging from everyday stress. This trip is about adventure, community, and challenge—no experience needed, just a willingness to try something new. If you’re craving fresh air, lifelong memories and a true backcountry experience, this is your chance.

You don't want to miss out!

  • Open to all incoming and current students, graduates (recent or a while ago!), as well as faculty/staff, and guests of those.
  • Dates: August 4-16, 2026
  • Cost for current UML students (including incoming first year students and outgoing 2026 graduates): $595 (in two payments, $300 deposit and $295 in early June)
  • Cost for Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Guest: $745 (in two payments, $450 deposit and $295 in early June)
  • See our Special Events page for more description and details!!
  • Group size is limited in the Boundary Waters to 9 people. Therefore, our maximum participants is 7 (plus two trip leaders). Minimum is 5. Encourage your friends to sign up!

Future and Past Trips

Future Trips

Have a say! Do you have ideas or opinions on what trips you would like to see in the future? Please fill out our quick survey:

Outdoor Adventure Program Feedback Survey

Archived Trips

Please visit our Archived Trips webpage for a taste of recent trips that are already completed.

Contact Us

Contact Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs, with any questions, concerns, or ideas for fun new trips at kate_ford@uml.edu.

Man wearing backpack standing near stream pointing at camera with smile Image by Daniel Cremin

Becoming a Trip Leader

Do you see yourself leading awesome adventures for UMass Lowell? Read more at our Becoming a Trip Leader page.