You always loved camp.

Well not so much the competitive sports or nature. But roasted marshmallows and contraband candybars? Heck, yeah.

Relive the highlights with a few hours on the Chain of Lakes. Rent a kayak from Wheel Fun Rentals for as long as you'd like and spend the hottest days of summer in cool waters, which will likely also soak you -- making you even cooler.

Here's our packing list:
• Water bottle
• Cash or credit card ($11/hour to rent)
• I.D. (so they'll let you take the kayak)
• Giant plastic bag (to keep everything in)
• Sunscreen (Neutrogena 100 is our pick)
• Candy bar (optional, but no longer punishable)

What to wear:
• Swimsuit
• Cover-up that can get wet
• Flip-flops or other water-friendly shoes
• Wide-brim hat

Then head over to the little shack, right near the pavilions at Calhoun and Harriet. The staff will push you off, with little instruction. But you won't need any. Then paddle your way around the maze-like isles and over to the somewhat enigmatic Cedar.

Before you know it, you'll feel like you were born to kayak.

Canoe believe it?

Wheel Fun Rentals, Calhoun (3000 Calhoun Pkwy. E., Mpls., 612-823-5765, 10 a.m. to sunset through Labor Day) and Harriet (612-823-0077, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

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