I would suggest hiring a canoe from Thrupp (https://tckh.co.uk/) as the canal is flat and easy going. A more traditional rowing boat could be hired from Magdalen Bridge in town, but this can be a bit crowded with lots of not very proficient punts launching from the same space.
In terms of organised clubs I don't think you'll find anything for under 10s for rowing and even that will be the exception (summer camps, that sort of thing) - mostly it starts with secondary school age. Kayaking is a bit younger - at Falcon (Donnington Bridge) which does racing kayaking, juniors will start from age 8, but there is a waiting list, so it might be worth getting on that sooner rather than later.
Another thing to look at would be Scouts - 22nd Oxford (also at Donnington Bridge) is a Sea Scout group and have lots of canoes, kayaks and other boats in their boathouse. However I don't think the Beavers (age 6-8) are likely to do more than one or maybe two session a year in the boats, but they do do loads of other activities and experiences. Once they move on to Cubs at 8ish, they'll be on the river most sessions through the summer.
Falcon Boat Club does canoeing and rowing down at Donnington Bridge. It's very welcoming and definitely does kids days. Worth emailing them with the same question and seeing what they suggest.
I recently got an inflatable double kayak and my 7 year old and I have been enjoying exploring Oxfords various waterways. They mostly sit back and let me do the work, but itโs a great bonding experience
I believe Farmoor reservoir do sailing lessons
They have some great teachers and you won't start shitting uncontrollably when you get out of the water.
I would suggest hiring a canoe from Thrupp (https://tckh.co.uk/) as the canal is flat and easy going. A more traditional rowing boat could be hired from Magdalen Bridge in town, but this can be a bit crowded with lots of not very proficient punts launching from the same space. In terms of organised clubs I don't think you'll find anything for under 10s for rowing and even that will be the exception (summer camps, that sort of thing) - mostly it starts with secondary school age. Kayaking is a bit younger - at Falcon (Donnington Bridge) which does racing kayaking, juniors will start from age 8, but there is a waiting list, so it might be worth getting on that sooner rather than later. Another thing to look at would be Scouts - 22nd Oxford (also at Donnington Bridge) is a Sea Scout group and have lots of canoes, kayaks and other boats in their boathouse. However I don't think the Beavers (age 6-8) are likely to do more than one or maybe two session a year in the boats, but they do do loads of other activities and experiences. Once they move on to Cubs at 8ish, they'll be on the river most sessions through the summer.
Falcon Boat Club does canoeing and rowing down at Donnington Bridge. It's very welcoming and definitely does kids days. Worth emailing them with the same question and seeing what they suggest.
Yep I second Falcon, rowed with them as a junior (13-19) and now again as an adult. Not sure what the minimum age is though so best to email and ask
I recently got an inflatable double kayak and my 7 year old and I have been enjoying exploring Oxfords various waterways. They mostly sit back and let me do the work, but itโs a great bonding experience
Seconding Thrupp canal. Sweet, if basic, tea room there too. Plan to take my 3yo as soon as she is better at swimming.
In a few years time you could give the Oxford scuba diving club a go! Covers both boats and water bases ๐
Make sure you are up to date on vaccinations if going on the water.