Glowing Motorized Paddleboard Tours w/ Mobile DJ
One-of-a-kind evening paddleboard experience in Chicago using motorized boards so guests don’t need to paddle. LED lights illuminate the water for a personal light show while a mobile DJ provides the soundtrack. Includes motorized paddleboard, LED lights, life vest, ankle leash, whistle and a waterproof phone case. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible; present your ticket at our tent in Ping Tom
In Collaboration with Neon Paddle. Updated on March 29, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Neon Paddle, inspired by the tour Glowing Motorized Paddleboard Tours w/ Mobile DJ. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Motorized paddleboards (no paddling required)
- LED light show on the water
- Mobile DJ soundtrack during the tour
- All required safety gear provided (life vest, ankle leash, whistle)
- Meet at the Ping Tom Park tent (1700 S Wentworth Ave)
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Itinerary
Day 1
One-hour evening session. Sessions run at 19:00 and 20:30; total on-site booking time is 60 minutes (see schedule below). Present your ticket to staff at the tent in Ping Tom Park (1700 S Wentworth Ave).
Arrival & check‑in (prepare gear)
Group check-in, ticket presentation and distribution of safety gear. Staff will check life vests, fit ankle leashes, and hand out waterproof phone cases before the safety briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan transit time: Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S Wentworth Ave) is south of downtown — allow 20–30 minutes from the Loop by taxi or rideshare during evening hours.
- Bring a quick‑dry outfit and shoes that can get wet; lockers/changing facilities are excluded so arrive in or ready to change into water‑friendly clothing.
- Have your ticket (digital or printed) ready to show at the park tent to speed check‑in; look for the event tent near the park entrance.
Safety briefing & board fitting
Short safety briefing covering board controls, operating the motorized boards, leash use, whistle signals, and how the LED system operates. Staff will demonstrate basic maneuvers and confirm comfort with the board.
Tips from local experts:
- Pay attention during the briefing — instructors will cover how to control the motor speed and emergency stop procedures.
- If anyone in your group has a medical condition, disclose it to staff before boarding; the activity is not recommended for pregnant people or those with serious heart conditions.
- Keep personal items minimal; waterproof phone cases are provided — small dry bags are recommended for anything else you must bring.
On‑water glowing paddleboard tour with mobile DJ
Launch from the designated area in Ping Tom Memorial Park and enjoy the LED‑illuminated boards and DJ soundtrack on a guided loop. Staff remain on the water for support and to manage lights/music. Return to the launch area for a quick debrief and gear return.
Tips from local experts:
- The session runs after dusk for the LED effect—expect cooler temperatures on the water; bring a light jacket. Sessions are available at 19:00 and 20:30—confirm which time you booked.
- The activity is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and is not suitable for pets; infants must not sit on laps and infant seats are unavailable.
- Follow staff directions while returning to the launch to ensure an orderly disembark; rinse stations are not guaranteed, so bring a small towel if needed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Experience, Outdoor |
Why this experience
You're on the water at dusk, LED lights rippling beneath your motorized board as the DJ spins from a floating platform in Ping Tom Memorial Park. There's no paddling—just you, glowing water, and the energy of friends around you under Chicago's skyline. The summer air still holds warmth as the city shifts into evening mode, and for 60 minutes, you're part of something you've never experienced before: nightlife on the water, completely hands-free.
This experience works because it removes the barrier to water activities. You get the novelty, the vibe, and the memory without needing to be a strong paddler or dealing with the physical effort of traditional paddleboarding. It's pure social energy—the kind of night that becomes the story you tell for months.
Before you go
- Best time: Summer and early autumn, when evenings are warm and the sun sets late. Sessions run at 19:00 and 20:30—arrive early to catch the transition from daylight to the glow.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Factor in drinks and snacks if you grab them at the park beforehand.
- Difficulty: Easy—no paddling required, motorized boards handle everything.
- What to bring: Swimsuit or clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes or flip-flops, a light jacket for the ride back.
- Getting there: Ping Tom Memorial Park is on the south side of the Chicago River, easily accessible by rideshare or the nearby Clark/Lake CTA stop. Neon Paddle provides a check-in area right at the launch site.
- Accessibility: Motorized paddleboards and the entry/exit system are not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to the water-level launch and the nature of the floating platform.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear? Wear a swimsuit under clothes you're comfortable getting wet. Neon Paddle provides safety gear (PFD). Water shoes or flip-flops are ideal—the deck can be slippery.
How does the motorized board work? The board has a small electric motor controlled by a throttle. Think of it like a jet ski but slower and more stable. You're steered by weight distribution and the throttle—zero paddling, full control.
Can I bring my friends if they don't want to paddle? Yes. The whole point is that you don't paddle. Everyone rides their own motorized board or doubles up—check availability when booking. It's designed for groups.
What's the DJ situation? The DJ operates from a floating platform on the water and manages the vibe for the whole group. Requests are encouraged—it's a social experience, not a concert.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable parts—the motorized paddleboard session and DJ experience—are all available through your tour operator's booking widget.
Complete your trip in Chicago
Extend your water time with Chicago in a day: friends, energetic summer loop—it includes a traditional kayak Chicago River experience in daylight, a perfect complement to the evening glow.
For a full social weekend, try the 3-day fun and vibrant friends weekend in Chicago—Day 2 includes kayaking and deep-dish pizza, the other classics you can't miss.
Browse all Chicago itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
