Boating as a family is one of our favorite things to do together. We have been going out on the water most of my life and all of my kiddos’ lives. Therefore, we have come across some Family Boating Essentials we need for each trip. Read on for our top 12 must-haves for family boating.
![girl in lifejacket on the front of a pontoon boat](https://exploringdomesticity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Family-Boating-Essentials-12-Must-Haves-for-a-great-day-on-the-boat-683x1024.jpg)
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Visit our posts on Family Boating and Summer Staycation Ideas to learn more about boat rentals, charters, buying a boat, etc.
Family Boating Essentials
Being out of the the boat as a family is one of our favorite past-times in the summer. Our kiddos have been raised on the boat. We all enjoy spending time together, unplugging, and enjoying nature.
Having had kids out on the boat for 8 years now, we have a few things we never leave home without. Without further ado, our top 12 family boating essentials!
Also Read our post all about our favorite purchase of the summer – our water mat!
12. Water Toys
What is a day on the boat without some water toys? We have gotten the best new toy. It’s a bit of an investment, but it’s already our favorite thing on the water! Water mats are all the rage on our lake, and they’re so much fun. We also love to have a tube to throw in the water. The kind with a covering on the bottom are fun for letting little ones splash around in. Our kids also love the water launchers that suck up the water and push it out in a big stream.
Don’t forget to bring a bucket so the kids can play with some water right on the boat!
![Girl on the front of the pontoon boat playing with water toys](https://exploringdomesticity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Girl-on-the-front-of-the-pontoon-boat-playing-with-water-toys.jpg)
11. Small Toys for the boat
While being on the boat is it’s own form of entertainment, the kids can sometimes get restless. Especially when the kids were younger, we would keep some small toys on the boat. Small dolls, boats, or cars can really help stretch the day with a little one. Set them up in a shady spot with a couple smaller toys when they start to get a little too much sun.
10. Hats
No matter how much sunscreen you put on, that sun can be killer. Swim hats will add some extra protection for the kiddos. Ball caps are just enough to keep a little more sun out of the captain’s eyes. Wide brimmed hats are good for anyone for a little extra protection.
9. Hair Ties
I always pack a couple extra hair ties in my boat bag. Once you get moving those little hairs can tie themselves in some pretty nasty tiny knots. I always forget to grab a hair tie right before going on the boat, so it helps to keep a few extra on hand. It also helps to keep a comb for after swimming or a fast ride.
![Summer Staycation Ideas - Boating and Swimming](https://exploringdomesticity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Summer-Staycation-Ideas-Boating-and-Swimming-1024x768.jpg)
8. Change of clothes
When everyone heads out on the boat in their swim gear, it can be easy to forget to bring a change of clothes.
I often bring a change of clothes for the kids especially. After a swim, we seem to go for a ride and that can be really chilly when wet. The kids usually wear their swimsuits on the boat, but don’t want to stay in them after a swim. A change of easy, comfy clothes that can get pulled on when wet are a lifesaver. It’s great to just bring jammies after an evening swim and maybe even a bath in the lake. It’s also helpful to have some wet dry bags for wet suits too.
7. Potty Chair
If your kiddos are at potty training age, this is something I’m sure you wouldn’t think of leaving behind.
From experience through that stage and older, I can tell you it’s still good to have one on hand. There isn’t a kid I know who doesn’t need to go at the worst times. Having a potty on the boat ensures that there is no panic and everyone can enjoy the day on the boat. We always carried a little potty chair like this.
6. Soap
Now, if you’re not a fresh-water boater like we are, maybe this doesn’t work for you. However, the great thing about boating on a nice, clean lake is ending your swim with a bath. This is so common up at the cabin. A cool, refreshing bath in the lake feels so good! We keep soap and shampoo on the boat. It’s great to wash the sunscreen off and return home fresh.
This used to be a normal part of lake life when we were little but, of course, with more people and more chemicals in our products come problems with this refreshing practice. To help a little bit, you can choose biodegradable and eco-friendly products. You can try something like this trail soap, Stream2Sea 3-in-1, or Joshua Tree Eco Soap.
![Family bonding during a boating summer staycation](https://exploringdomesticity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Family-bonding-during-a-boating-summer-staycation-768x1024.jpg)
Top 5 Family Boating Essentials!
This post came about because I had too many family boating essentials to fit into our Family Boating post. Therefore, it got split into two.
For our absolute top 5 family boating essentials, visit that post with all our family boating memories. You’ll also find links to all sorts of fantastic boating resources!
Top 5 Family Boating Essentials
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![pontoon boat out on the lake - Family Boating Essentials - 12 Must-Haves](https://exploringdomesticity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Family-Boating-Essentials-12-Must-Haves-585x1024.jpg)
My family and I are hoping to buy a boat at some point. We all love to be out on the water and having fun. Thanks for sharing these great must-have items for when you’re out on the boat.
That sounds so great! You’ll create some fantastic memories!
i like boat travel.Thanks for sharing the content.