We love boat life! We love spending a summer day on the boat with our kids and exploring the lake. So many fun activities to do on the boat and spend some quality time as a family.
Here is our 5 Tips for Boating with Kids!
Our family is familiar with typical lake boating, but if you are new to the boat life or planning on trying it out with some friends here are a few tips to help you feel a bit calmer with your kids.
1. Most important, get your kids accustomed to the idea of the boat. Depending on your kid’s personality you will have to tackle this differently since they may dart right for the boat or cling to your arms.
For the fearful kid – go slow. Wear the life jacket around the shoreline, on the dock and even just sit in the boat without it moving. Reassure him/her they are safe and answer any questions they may have.
For the no-fear kid – focus on the safety of boating. We have only 2 rules when we are on the boat, but it keeps us safe.
1) Kids always have to wear a life-jacket – At all times.
2) “Bums on Chairs” when motor is on. No walking or standing while the boat is on.
2. Sun safety! Most often we are on the boat when it is swimsuits and sunglasses weather. So to keep the kids from burning to a crisp don’t forget about sun safety. With the reflection from the water and the breeze sometimes it is hotter than you think. So don’t forget to bring sunscreen and hats to shade you from the sun. (Ironically after gathering my photos I have no photos with my kids wearing hats… trust me I don have them with me…lol)
Toddler/Baby Tip – When our kids napped on the boat, we would bring an extra-large umbrella for sun shade.
3. SNACKS, snacks and more snacks. It’s just like a having a picnic, as soon as you pack it… the kids are hungry. Depending on how long we are boating for we bring fruit, veggies, sandwiches, chips, candy, crackers, etc. Most importantly make sure you have plenty of water for everyone to drink in the cooler. We also try to only bring snacks too that will keep the boat some-what clean. So, no Doritos on the boat!
4. Entertainment So how can you fill up a full-day on the boat! Tubing, wake boarding, wake skating, swimming (aka “dips”), listening to music, fishing and relaxing by cruising the shoreline for just a few ideas.
What to Pack? Towels, any water activity items, music on our phones and maybe a few toys for the kids to play with if they are smaller.
Check out our recommendations for Best Fishing Poles for kids HERE!
5. Fun Attitude – Bring some humour, a fun attitude and willingness to at least try something new. Your kids will love seeing you have some fun with them. Jump in the water and just have a good time. They will be memories you will cherish forever.
Check out more camping fun with Campfire S’mores and Cypress Hills in Canada!
Don’t forget to print out our FREE Camping with Kids Checklist!
Sharon Wilson-Smith says
Thanks for pointing out that it’s important for kids to wear a life jacket when you consider boating adventures with them. My husband and I are planning to rent a double-decker boat where we can have a party with our family and friends. We will bring our kids with us. We want to make sure that we won’t worry about drowning incidents because most of us don’t know how to swim. Thanks!
The Passport Kids says
Sounds like you guys will have an awesome time! Yes – life jackets are the most important part of boating. We always try to bring our own along to know they will fit for sure and not to have to worry around the dock and on the boat. Just lets everyone relax a bit more and enjoy lake life! Have a great time
Marc Elton says
Kids are so trendy now! Thanks for making this blog. Seems like a really useful thing to practice for boat life.
The Passport Kids says
Glad this was useful info for boating with kids!