8 Tips for Boating Family Fun with Your Kids
Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
8 Tips for Boating Family Fun on the Water
Spending quality time with your kids is one of the most important things you could ever do as a parent. Apart from the fact that it helps you build a deeper relationship with them, it also creates memories they will cherish as they grow older. Family boating is a great way to create these memories. Taking your kids out on the water helps to connect with nature and with each other. But to make sure you get the best out of your boat trip, you need to plan ahead.
Here are 8 pro tips to make sure you and your kids have a great time when you’re out on the water.
Rent a Family-Friendly Boat
The first step towards having a fun-filled family boat trip is to get a boat with plenty of space. While sailboats are great for adults, it poses a few more risks for kids under 12 years old. Instead, you should consider renting a more family-friendly boat with enough space for your kids.
Ensure You Have All the Necessary Safety Gear
You can never be too safe when you are on the water with kids. According to the Coast Guard, you are expected to have:
- A whistle or bell
- Fire Extinguisher
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) But when you have kids onboard, you can never be too careful. Take extra precautions by packing extra floats, a complete first aid kit, and life jackets.
Pack Towels and Extra Clothes
This is essential if you plan on getting wet during your boat trip. And what kind of boat trip would it be if you don’t get wet? Towels and an extra pair of dry clothes will come in handy if you plan on dining in at a waterfront restaurant. And sometimes a blanket can be helpful when the winds get a little chilly!
Pack Sunscreen and Bring Extra Shade
Packing sunscreen is a must if you want to really have a good time. Sun rays reflecting off the water can cause serious bodily harm to your kids if you don’t lotion up. For best results, it is a good idea to regularly apply sunscreen on your kids every few hours or after swimming. Bringing along a hat and a pair or two of sunglasses may be helpful too!
Pack Snacks and Beverages
Dehydration and hunger are two things you want to avoid when you have kids onboard. Pack snacks and drinks to ensure you don’t have to worry about heading back to the dock when your kids’ stomachs begin to growl. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to pack a sandwich or two for yourself as well. You are going to need it if you want to keep your energy levels up!
Plan Fun Activities for Your Kids
If you don’t want your kids to get bored, you need to plan some fun activities to keep them engaged throughout the day.
Some fun things to do with your kids include:
- Fishing; which means you will need a fishing rod and bait
- Bring a slide if you have younger kids
- Consider water skiing (or any other water sport) if you have older kids
- Snorkeling (aka treasure diving) is also a good idea if you have adventurous kids. Just don’t forget your snorkels or be sure to rent a boat that provides them for you! Regardless of which activities you decide to do with your kids, the most important thing is for everyone to have fun.
Bring Adult Company
Having an extra pair of hands is always a good idea if you want to have a stress-free boat day with your kids. And when you have company, it becomes easier for someone to watch over the kids while some else is charting the course to some amazing destinations.
Be Prepared for Motion Sickness
There is a good possibility that your kids might suffer from seasickness once the boat starts moving. This is perfectly normal, especially for first-timers. Normally, drugs like Dramamine work wonders for adults, but they are not recommended for kids under 12. However, there are good homeopathic alternatives that are perfectly suitable for kids such as Ginger and Peppermint.
So, there you have it, 8 amazing tips on getting on the water with your kids. Did we miss anything? Please share your thoughts and comments with us below – we’d really love to hear from you.
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