9 Exciting Winter Boating Adventures for Families

There is no denying that buying a boat is one of life’s most exciting moments, one that is rife with possibilities for memorable moments spent on the water with your favorite people all year long thanks, in large part, to the best winter boat-ing activities with family in tow! The same is true for renting boats, pontoons, and other watercraft for a few hours or a weekend spent camping near a lake during the dark, winter months! While not all activities are suitable for family winter boating fun, there are many winter boating activities for families of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Check out some tips for cold-weather boating and these 8 family winter boating games that will make your time spent on the water in winter even more magical!

FISHING

Embrace the joy of fishing, a year-round activity that’s ideal for kids of every age group! When scouting winter boating spots for families, don’t forget to bring along your fishing gear, ensure you have the right licenses, and explore the diverse fish species available for catch-and-release during the winter season. Uncover the tricks for successfully landing bass in the winter, and make your family boating adventure even more memorable.

TUBING

When it comes to the top winter boating tips for families with teenagers, the key is to ensure there are plenty of exciting and adventurous activities for teens. Cold weather tubing is perfect for the bravest and boldest, making it an ideal choice for daredevil teenagers looking for some thrilling winter fun!

SWIMMING

Equip yourselves with wetsuits to ward off the chill, and take a plunge into the water for a refreshing swim with your kids. It’s one of the coolest (literally) winter boating activities that the whole family can enjoy!

DECORATE YOUR BOAT

Celebrate the year-end holidays, from Winter Solstice to New Year’s Eve, by adorning your boat with festive lights! If you have boating friends, consider organizing a lighted boat parade on a local lake or river. It’s a delightful spectacle that will bring joy to numerous families and kids, including yours! This easily ranks as one of the most enjoyable winter boating activities for families.

BOAT CAMPING

How about bundling up on deck this winter and setting up camp at sea? Pack some cozy winter boating snacks and meals, gather your family, and embark on a boat camping adventure! It’s a more comfortable alternative to sleeping on the ground at a campsite, plus, you’ll be treated to breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the dark night sky.

ENJOY THE FOLIAGE

As the colder weather sets in, watch the leaves transform from green to gold, orange, and red. Instead of a traditional road trip, why not enjoy the autumn foliage from the comfort of a boat? It’s a photographer’s dream, with the water, trees, and sky providing the perfect backdrop for stunning images following the famed “rule of thirds.”

MOVIES ON THE DECK AND UNDER THE STARS

Maybe Jaws is a bit much, but how about a family-friendly movie or streaming live sports on deck? With nothing but water around, stars above, and your loved ones beside you, it’s a recipe for an amazing day of boating and unforgettable moments.

EXPERIENCE SERENITY

In a world covered in white, everything seems to become still, quieter, and more serene. Winter boating allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a unique calm that you won’t find in other seasons. Plus, you might even feel the mental health benefits of winter boating, as highlighted in our [link to Health Benefits of Boating blog post].

GO TO A BOAT SHOW

One of the best winter boating activities for families doesn’t involve being on the water! Winter is prime time for boat shows, offering you the chance to get up close and personal with the latest boats, discover awesome winter boating gear for families, and so much more.