Boating can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, sometimes the idea of incorporating the whole family can be daunting.
With a little prepping and some help from the Carefree Boat Club, bringing the children along can be just as carefree.
The first step to a family-friendly day on the water is to involve the kids in the planning to get them excited. Have them pick out their favorites and pack a range of toys, books, board games and card games; all the classics fit for cabin play. And be inspired by the journey. Get some nautical themed coloring books, create an eye spy list filled with local flora and wildlife, and incorporate fun ways to teach them basic seamanship.
For the tech-minded, geocaching is an engaging activity that can be done with just a simple GPS. Referred to as “the world’s largest treasure hunt,” geocaching takes you on a family-friendly adventure to find hidden “caches” that others have hidden. Often these caches are only accessible via boat, hiking or other mode of unconventional transportation, so it’s the perfect activity for a day on the water. Find out more about how to get started and where to find “treasures” on the official geocaching website.
Destinations can make any trip more exciting. Consider making a short stop ashore to enjoy a pleasant picnic at the beach. Better still, there are often kid-friendly destinations close to marinas that include playgrounds or activities that will give them a goal and something to look forward to. Even if you stay aboard, do a little research and plot a course highlighting local landmarks and historical sites.
Of course, we can’t forget the water sports. Swimming and fishing, snorkeling and tubing, these are always fun for the whole family, so make sure to stock up on gear for all ages. Add in an unconventional onboard activity by bringing your clubs and picking up biodegradable golf balls.
Whether it’s a time-honored pastime, like a game of Monopoly, or something a bit more daring, like water skiing, children of all ages can enjoy a day on the water as much as their parents. Boating can be fun for the entire family and being a member of the Carefree Boat Club means you can spend your time focusing on family fun, rather than maintaining a boat, so enjoy these experiences with your family all year long.
