5 Tips for Boating with Kids (Plus a Bonus Boating Hack!)

There’s nothing quite like a day out on the water with the ones you love most. As the saying goes, if you are lucky enough to get out on a boat, you are lucky enough!

 But let’s be real, making memories on the water isn’t always smooth sailing, especially when you are boating with kids. Here are 5 tips I swear by to ensure our day out on the water is full of memories, the fun kind 🙂 

1. Boat with Snacks

Ah, the age-old truth – everything is better with snacks! But on a boat, individual serving containers are crucial. No one wants to have to share a bag of pretzels.

But rather than use plastic baggies for portion control, consider bento boxes. It is so easy for baggies to fly away and no one wants to pollute the lake. Using individual bento boxes provides just the right amount of weight so the container won’t fly away on a windy day. Bento boxes are our go-to for keeping snacks secure and spill-free, making munching on the water a breeze.

2. Make Your Boat Snacks Special Treats

A day out on the water feels extra special when the snacks aren’t just the run-of-the-mill, things we have all the time.  The kids get a kick out of having something a tad bit different. But here is how you make it extra special (and refreshing). Take a large thermos and fill it with ice and popsicles. If it’s a good thermos the pops will stay cold and will be the perfect mid-day treat.

3. Boat in Comfort

Boating in comfort is key. When you’re out on the water, and in the elements it is critical to be dressed for the occasion. Being prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way will make your day out on the boat so much more enjoyable. Things I consider when heading out on the water for the day:

Bathing suit: I want a cute, comfortable suit that supports whatever activities lay ahead. Truly the best bathing suit is the one YOU feel most confident in. My favorite bathing suit for boating is a two-piece with bum coverage and thick straps. My go-to places to find boating bathing suits are Cupshe, Vineyard Vines, and even Athleta.

Life jackets: We found the perfect life jackets for the kids at West Marine. They are actually the West Marine brand. We like them because they aren’t overly bulky and don’t irritate the skin. When boating with kids, ensuring the kids are comfortable is CRUCIAL to everyone’s happiness.

4. Have a Ready-to-Go Boat Bag

I’m not sure what it’s like in your house, but in my house the mom (AKA, me) is always the one packing up the snacks and the kids and all the things. So to make it slightly easier, our boat bag is ALWAYS packed and ready to go (I shared how we love the Bogg Bag to hold our boating essentials). Chapstick, sunscreen, hair ties, extra goggles (because no one wants to deal with that fight) and of course towels are always in my boat bag ready to take on the next adventure. We just have to toss in the snacks.

My Bogg Bag is always ready for the next boating adventure. Having our boat bag ready to go has been a complete game changer. 

5. Boat Essentials: Easy Sun Protection

With the amount of time we spend in the sun, ensuring no one comes home sunburn is always top of mind. But the reality is sunscreen is typically messy and a pain to put on when out on the water. So this has been the best method for us to stay safe in the sun.

Before we head out, we use spray sunscreen at home. We always have extra sunscreen on the boat. But the truth is, my husband hates the thought of sunscreen on the boat seats so I found a way less messy alternative that is actually easier to put on and doesn’t leave the greasy residue. Stick sunscreen! Keep this in your boat bag- makes applying sunscreen on the boat such an easy task.

In addition to sunscreen, your boat wardrobe can also be key to preventing sunburn. Swim shirts, cover-ups, and hats are all great ways to reduce direct sun exposure. And don’t forget the SPF chapstick for your lips! 

6. BONUS TIP: Prep for Boat Days Like a Pro

Have an easy dinner/snack prepared for when you get home. Let’s be real, boating and hanging out in the sun, while fun, is also exhausting. Having dinner or snacks ready for when you get home will make your life SO much easier. While I am putting out some treats, I have the kids clean out the swim bag and get it reset for our next adventure. It takes them all of five minutes and then they can veg out with snacks and relax the rest of the evening.

Being able to go out on the boat is such a gift, and I LOVE making the memories with my family and friends, but being prepared and setting yourself up for success is the difference between a good day on the water and a GREAT day out on the water!