Sunday outing: Kayaks and dumplings in Chinatown

Why it matters: It's a beautiful place for kayakers who want to explore the South or North Branch of the Chicago River.

How it works: Renters choose a single or double kayak, get fitted for a life vest, sign a waiver and then head down to the launch with a guide who teaches newbies the basics.

• Then kayakers can choose to head north (toward downtown) or south toward the old Bubbly Creek.

Our trip: Even as novice kayakers, my daughter and I enjoyed a nice hour of paddling, didn't tip over and saw a family of turtles — much smaller than "Chonk."

Be smart: Bring a sun hat, sunscreen and an extra pair of pants, because your seat might get wet during the journey.

• Guides welcome tips.
• Practice staying to one side of the river; big boats have the right of way and can come charging up fast.

Pro tip: REI staffers offer dry bags to store phones on board, but if you wait for a calm moment and carefully take out your phone you can capture one of the city's best skyline views.

Cost: The first hour of rental costs $30 for single kayaks and $40 for doubles, and $15 per hour after that.

• Bonus: You can get 30% off rentals until Tuesday using code KAYAK23.

The intrigue: A big reason to kayak from Ping Tom is all the great food that awaits you upon your return.

Monica's five Chinatown recs:

• Hunan Cuisine: For smoked bamboo shoots with preserved pork and more.
• Hing Kee: For soup dumplings and housemade noodle soups.
• Triple Crown: For dim sum, especially their XO sauce fried turnip cakes.
• Chiu Quon Bakery: For Portuguese egg tarts, buns and dumplings.
• Heungseng Square basement food court for belt noodles at Shaan Shaan Taste.