Things for kids to do while in the boat?

[tkeru408]

The water temperature has gotten too cold for our kids to get in anymore but the air temp is still conducive to cruising the lake for at least another month or so. Without the ability to play in the water the kids (twin 6 year olds) are getting bored. What kinds of things do your kids do inside the boat to stay entertained while you cruise the lake?

I don't want them to start disliking going out on the boat, but I'm not ready to call it quits for the season either.

 

[Quad]

Sleep. That's what our 9 year old does half the time.

 

[tkeru408]

Sleep. That's what our 9 year old does half the time.

Exactly! So far, the three things they've got on their list are eat snacks, take turns driving the boat, and sleeping.

 

[Dean P]

The water temperature has gotten too cold for our kids to get in anymore but the air temp is still conducive to cruising the lake for at least another month or so. Without the ability to play in the water the kids (twin 6 year olds) are getting bored. What kinds of things do your kids do inside the boat to stay entertained while you cruise the lake?

I don't want them to start disliking going out on the boat, but I'm not ready to call it quits for the season either.

When my boys were little we had a cabin cruiser. We set up a gaming system so they could play games. Fast forward 20 years, maybe a touch screen pad (iPad) to play with???

 

[Dean P]

Exactly! So far, the three things they've got on their list are eat snacks, take turns driving the boat, and sleeping.

Other ideas: let them drive, hide and go seek (LOL), get a sitter, watch a movie via tablet (get 2 so they each have their own)

 

[tkeru408]

They've got Amazon Fire tablets. Thought about bringing those (and crossing my fingers that they don't get dropped overboard!).

 

[Dean P]

They've got Amazon Fire tablets. Thought about bringing those (and crossing my fingers that they don't get dropped overboard!).

LOL, Tie a string from the tablet to them of the boat or maybe Velcro.

This hits close to home as I felt the same as you; didn't want the boating adventures to end and was desperate for a little bit more. Good luck!

 

[Zizzou 192]

Get those kids some cheap wetsuits and a snorkel to fight over.

 

[JimmyB]

We don’t fish much in the summer but do more in the fall once it’s too cold to swim. Also we try to do more wildlife viewing in the fall.

 

[Peelz]

let them be bored. a skill thats being lost lol

i kid but, thats honestly my stance. My boys (13 and 17 now, but were 5 and 8 when we got into boating) just sit in the bow and look out at the river...or lake. Recently my older son brought a book-hes reading "1984" If we're sitting doing nothing, I dont mind if they have their phone or even a nintendo DS, when they were younger.

try board games...or cards.. We've played uno... cards against humanity... (dare you to do this with 6 year olds lol)

my 13yo took a nap Sunday while we drove and looked at cabins and the changing colors. then I took the opportunity of having no watersports to teach him to drive.... i believe that was our last trip.


enjoy the time while theyre little.

 

[Yamahaul]

how about not complain and enjoy not being on your phone all day. We have taken up freshwater fishing after doing salt for my previous 40 years. I have found myself with a new tacklebox full of a slew of lures most of which ill likely never use. still waiting on that bass but winter is coming. I will let them drive. havent done that yet.

 

[jgourlie]

I got both my kids wetsuits this one to be exact. Amazon.com : DIVE & SAIL Kids 2.5Mm Long Sleeve One Piece Full Body Wetsuit Uv Protection Thermal Swimwear Keep Warm for Scuba Diving Surfing Snorkeling Swimming Fishing for Boys Girls : Clothing
The water in Canada is never warm, so these are a must....might help them get a few more weeks of play in the water?

 

[2kwik4u]

Careful planning and naps and other boat accessible places that aren't wet.

We did this with the 2yr old a few times this fall. Plan the boat ride to be right before lunch. Hop in teh boat, drive for a bit 30min or so. Stop for lunch. Let everyone get a full belly, and sit in the warm sun for a bit. When they get restless, pack up and start driving again. Both of my boys (2 and 9) will sit in the bow while driving. If it's a sunny day they'll both nod off and catch a nap. If you can come off plane gently, then you can just idle around while they nap. Usually get 60-90min of "nap time" for them. Wife usually naps as well, leaving me to listen to the radio and idle around the lake looking at whatever is nearby. Once they're all back awake again, we'll motor over to one marina to feed the fish. Then hop in the boat and motor over to the other marina for ice cream. Then go drive and explore that end of the lake we've never been too before, or go look for a new place to swim/hang out in the spring.

It requires a lot more "driving" time this way, and less "sitting" time. Which is OK with us. If you're a "drive to a spot and anchor all day" kind of family, then well........I have no idea

 

[Scarabpaul]

I got two of these RC boats for my 4 and 6 year old for this exact reason, cold waters at the start and end of the season. they love them. I also got them fishing this year.

https://www.amazon.com/Cheerwing-Racing-Boat-Adults-Electronic/dp/B07ZFPJPL3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=rc+boats&qid=1602789971&sr=8-9

 

[tkeru408]

Thanks for all the ideas! Today they brought some toy cars and such and did a pretty good job just playing onboard while I just cruised slowly along. Everyone was quite happy. They also spent time driving the boat, which keeps them entertained, and my daughter did very well with that this time around.

Those RC boats look sweet...we might need some of those!

 

[212s]

The water in Canada is never warm, so these are a must....might help them get a few more weeks of play in the water?

Here in Ontario the St Lawrence area was 84f for July and August...almost hot-tub temps compared to winter weather.

 

[jgourlie]

Here in Ontario the St Lawrence area was 84f for July and August...almost hot-tub temps compared to winter weather.

The warmest water we had this year was 70 degrees

 

[212s]

The warmest water we had this year was 70 degrees

Ack! I thought our water was cold!
???

 

[212s]

By the way, things for kids to do?

Sit down, shut up and enjoy the ride!

Is that a viable option?

???

JK

 

[Neutron]

I am thinking of using my Gangplank float and play twister on it have someone on the boat spinning the pointer and calling out the instructions.
Would be hilarious. My grandkids will love it