One way to make lasting memories with your family is to have an experience together. Taking a boating trip with your kids can help them to learn more about the marine world, expand their horizons and share quality time with you away from all the stresses of everyday life. But if you’ve never taken your kids boating before, you might feel some apprehension as to how you can make it a good experience for them. Here at RVs and Boats For Less in Chubbuck, Idaho, we know how important family time is and how much you want your kids to enjoy the experience of boating. Here are our top tips for keeping kids happy, warm, fed and entertained on a boating trip!
Establish Safety Rules
Safety takes on a particular importance when children and water are involved. Ideally, your children will know how to swim and float before they go on their first boating trip, since swimming lessons can begin during toddler years. Even with this knowledge, though, it’s vital that children wear well-fitting life jackets at all times, starting at the dock just in case they fall into the water while trying to board the boat. There are life jacket styles that have head flotation collars to keep their faces out of the water and crotch straps to ensure the jacket stays on and doesn’t ride up or slip off. Test life jackets in a shallow pool to make sure they’re comfortable and fitted. Wear your own life jacket and encourage the other adults on board to do the same to set a good example for kids.
Tour the boat in advance of your trip with your kids to show them where everything is, including safety equipment and supplies as well as any areas where they might trip over something if they aren’t careful. Impress upon them the importance of not running, jumping or generally wreaking havoc while on a boat, because they could slip and fall, either hitting their heads or going overboard. Explain why it’s important for them to not disturb the boat operator while the boat is in motion. Remind your kids of the rules right before you board the boat so that they’re fresh in their minds.
Bring Supplies
You’ll want to pack plenty of supplies when bringing kids with you. Kids are inclined to get wet and to be colder than adults at the same temperatures, and temperatures on the water are often several degrees colder than on shore. This means you should bring jackets and blankets as well as dry changes of clothes for after swimming. Pack sunscreen, bug spray and a first aid kit with pliers, medications, tweezers and bandages. Bring a cooler full of sandwiches, fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, water and juice boxes to keep kids from getting hungry or thirsty.
Keep The Ride Fun
Finally, children are more likely to get bored quickly if you’re just cruising along the water without doing much of anything. Adults might find this relaxing, but kids will want to have something to do. Encourage kids to get involved by giving them tasks to do like checking safety supplies, holding flags for swimmers in the water or navigating the body of water using a paper map and compass. Play I Spy and other games to help them engage with their environment, pointing out wildlife and landmarks. Bring marine-themed games and coloring books. If you have a way to play music, letting kids build a playlist of their favorite music for the boat trip can be a great way to give them control over their environment and ensure they have a great time.
Need a boat the whole family can enjoy? Visit our showroom in Chubbuck to see our wide selection of new and used boats in many styles. RVs and Boats For Less serves the cities of Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho. We also welcome our customers coming north from Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.
