Must Have Boat Day Essentials for Families
From snacks to sunscreen, here’s what busy moms need for a fun and smooth boat day with the kids. Stay prepped and ready for anything.
Growing up in the Midwest, summer always translates to being in the water. It could be the lake, the pool, or the occasional boat ride with friends, but there is always something about being out on the water that instantly feels like vacation. Now with nine kids between the two of us, we’ve learned that boat days are a blast, but only when we come prepared. The difference between a dreamy day and a meltdown-in-the-middle-of-the-lake situation is definitely having the right stuff.
From packing quick snacks to preventing motion sickness, we’ve pulled together our favorite tried-and-true Amazon picks that help take the guesswork out of planning. These are the things we never leave behind.Let’s get to it!
What to Pack for a Smooth Boat Day
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Start with Snacks
As if we had to say it, but what is a day out any where without snacks? Having a lack of snacks is definitely the worst thing you can do for a ride out on the boat. As soon as our kids get any where near water, it’s like they are instantly hungry. You’ll need to be prepared. We like to pick things that are easy to pass arround that won’t make a huge mess, like grapes or fruit snacks. We love using our snackle box to keep everything fresh and easily accessible for the kids.
Inflatables and How to Manage Them
The second worst thing that can happen out on the boat is not having enough places to move about. Some of our little ones still get nervous getting in the lake, but with an inflatable or floating island or lily paid, they could hang out all day with the chance to go back and forth from the water to the boat. If you are bringing any tubes or floaties, you’ll definitely want a portable air pump to save yourself so much time and breath. Inflatables can easily take up a lot of room on a boat, so make sure you have a plan for where they’ll be stored when you are taxiing out.
Keep the Vibes Going All Day
Another thing that can end your day out on the boat early is lack of sunscreen. Make sure to apply sunscreen before you board, but also don’t forget to bring extra for reapplying. We love the Solar Buddies applicator because it makes it so easy to do sunscreen touch-ups without the mess. We also like to bring backup towels and a hat for each kid, plus rash guards if it’s going to be a full day out.
We also love bringing a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to help us set the mood and stay vibing all day. Definitely opt for one that’s small but loud enough for open water. And don’t forget to have your own playlist ready to go for maximum fun.
Coolers That Actually Cool and Towels That Actually Dry
Obviously, when you’re out in the sun, hydration is key. We love bringing a backpack-style cooler with us for easier carrying and to keep our hands free. You could also opt for a floating cooler if you’ll be anchored for a while. This will allow you to have to do a bunch of climbing back in and out of the boat.
Usually our kids are in and out of the boat, drying off over and over. That’s why using microfiber travel towels are perfect because they dry quickly and take up less space. We also like to pack a waterproof bag to store wet stuff and keep dry things safe.
Keeping Safety Top of Mind
And last, but not least, make sure you are prepared with safety in mind. All kids will need a life jacket that fits and boating rules say you need one for every passenger on your boat regardless of age. Us adults don’t always wear them, unless we are wearing them upside down and floating in the water, but we do make our kids wear them at all times.
It’s also important to keep your phone and other important items safe too. We like having a waterproof phone pouch and another waterproof pouch to store small essentials like cards, keys, and even band-aids. We let our older kids wear one too so they can snap photos without risking a phone drop in the lake.
Also don’t forget to toss in a basic first-aid kit for minor cuts or bug bites and some fast-acting motion sickness tabs in case you have a kiddo or adult feel ill. We like the non-drowsy Dramamine to help keep everyone feeling good.
Our Favorite Boat Day Essentials
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With all of our tips in mind, here are our favorite items you’ll want to have for your next boat day.
- Snackle Box Container – A divided container for packing a variety of snacks in one easy-to-carry box. Great for picky eaters and keeps things neat and sealed.
- Portable Air Pump for Inflatables – No more blowing up floaties by mouth. This portable, rechargeable air pump inflates everything fast and saves your energy for fun.
- Inflatable Floating Dock – Create an extra play area on the water or a calm zone for younger kids. It’s easy to set up and packs down small when not in use.
- Bluetooth Speaker with HD Sound, Portable Wireless, Waterproof – Enjoy your favorite music with this waterproof, floating speaker that keeps the tunes going without worrying about water damage.
- Mega Chill Inflatable Cooler: Removable Ice Chest – Keep drinks and snacks cool right in the water. It floats, holds a lot, and makes snack time easy when anchored out.
- Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator – Say goodbye to messy hands and squirmy kids. This refillable applicator helps apply sunscreen quickly and evenly.
- Super Absorbent Travel Towel with Waterproof Bag – These towels dry super fast, roll up small, and come in a waterproof pouch for storage.
- Backpack Cooler 30 Cans, Waterproof Lightweight – Holds plenty for a family boat day, plus it’s hands-free and won’t soak through onto your towel or seat.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch – Keep your phone safe, dry, and within reach. Ideal for taking pics or just feeling more secure about where your stuff is.
- Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy, Motion Sickness Relief – Helps prevent motion sickness before it starts, and it’s safe for older kids too.
Boat days have been some of the best memories we make with our kids, but they definitely go much smoother when we’re prepared. These Amazon finds help make it easy to stay organized, safe, and ready for fun, even if you’re the one juggling all the gear. Have you done a boat day with your kids before? Let us know in the comments what your must-pack item is! Did we miss anything?
More Summer Must-Haves & Ideas
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