Pontoon boating with family is an amazing way to create summer memories.
Getting everyone packed and prepared might seem overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to cover fun, safety, and comfort for all ages. Luckily, a well-organized checklist goes a long way toward making sure you’re ready for whatever the day brings on the water.
Here’s my trusted packing list and some tips to keep your family pontoon outing smooth and stress-free, whether it’s a day trip or a whole weekend getaway.
Family Pontoon Boat Packing Basics
Creating a checklist for your family’s pontoon day keeps everything neat and keeps those ‘oh no, I forgot…’ moments at bay. A trip on the water takes more than just tossing on life jackets—you also have to think ahead about sun, changing weather, food, drinks, and keeping everyone entertained. Pontoon boats have loads of space, but packing smart makes your gear easier to find when you’re in a hurry or chasing after little kids.
Seasoned boaters know how missing sunscreen, towels, or simple drinking water can mess up a perfect sunny outing. With careful planning and a handy checklist, you’ll get more relaxing, fun moments and skip the headaches. These recommendations come straight from my family’s experience and are tailored so you can copy, tweak, or expand the list for your own crew.
Safety Gear for Every Age
First things first: keeping everyone safe. The U.S. Coast Guard says you need a life jacket for each passenger, so mark that as a must. This is extra true for kids, who need properly fitted vests. I always double-check each life jacket before leaving. Adjustable straps and bold colors make it easier to spot your crew, especially with kids bustling about.
- Life Jackets: Make sure there’s one per person, and throw in extras if friends might join or you want a backup.
- First Aid Kit: Pack staples like antiseptic wipes, bandages, kids’ medicine, allergy remedies, and tweezers for removing splinters or hooks.
- Fire Extinguisher: Most boats require one, so double-check that it’s charged and within easy reach.
- Throwable Flotation Device: Good for emergencies and meets most boating regulations.
- Whistle or Air Horn: Great for signaling—store it where kids can’t reach, unless you want lots of practice blows!
- Emergency Contacts and Map: A paper copy in a ziplock bag is a lifesaver if your phone ends up overboard or soaked.
- Anchor and Rope: Solid equipment helps you stay put if you want to swim, picnic, or fish from the spot.
Give your safety stash a once-over before each trip. It’s a small habit with a huge payoff, especially if the weather turns or you’ve got new passengers along for the ride.
Protection from the Elements
You never really know what Mother Nature will throw at you out on a lake. That’s why it pays to pack for changing weather, even if the forecast looks clear and sunny.
- Sunscreen: Go for SPF 30 or higher, preferably water-resistant. Spray versions are great for quick, full-body coverage, and stick versions work well for faces and tiny hands or noses.
- Hats and Sunglasses: Wide-brimmed hats block rays from faces, while sunglasses with retainer straps help keep your favorites from sinking if they slip off.
- Light Jackets or Windbreakers: Even in summer, breezes and clouds can make things chilly—especially early or after sunset.
- Ponchos or Rain Gear: Lightweight, stashable, and a lifesaver if a sun shower pops up.
- Bug Spray: Evening hours around freshwater lakes attract pesky bugs. Bug spray is always in our essentials bag.
- Dry Bags: These keep your phones, wallets, and other valuables safe from unexpected splashes or leaks.
If your pontoon doesn’t have a canopy, consider packing a portable shade tent—kids and grandparents appreciate a cool break from the mid-afternoon sun.
Comfort and Convenience
Making everyone as comfortable as possible matters, especially from breakfast to sunset. A little planning here turns a simple boat outing into a relaxing, memorable family experience.
- Lots of Towels: Grab some extras for surprise swims, spilled drinks, or drying off after water play.
- Blankets: For cuddling chilly kids, covering up during a nap, or extra padding on hard seats.
- Foam Mats or Portable Chairs: Lightweight mats and chairs add comfort, especially during shoreline lunch breaks.
- Change of Clothes: Between splashes, food spills, and water fights, someone always needs clean, dry gear.
- Wet Bags: Toss in swimsuits and damp towels to keep your dry stuff fresh.
- Trash Bags: I always bring a couple. Not only for trash—they also double as impromptu rain covers for bags or gear.
- Toilet Paper and Wipes: Even if there’s a small onboard toilet, extra paper and wipes are always helpful.
If anyone plans to wade, walk rocky beaches, or play around the shore, slip in some water shoes. They protect toes from sharp rocks or critters.
Snacks, Drinks, and Meals
Boating makes everyone hungry and thirsty, so bring a hearty supply of drinks and snacks. Always prioritize hydration: pack at least two bottles of water per person for a warm day and a couple extra in case you stay out longer than expected.
- Cooler with Ice Packs: A sturdy, hard cooler is best for day-long trips and can handle your drinks and lunchtime favorites with ease.
- Water and Juice Boxes: Water is your top priority, though I always add some juice boxes for kids.
- Handy Snacks: Opt for grab-and-go trail mix, granola bars, fruit, crackers, and sandwiches in reusable containers. Single serves help manage messes and sharing.
- Lunch Supplies: If you’ll be out all day, wraps, cut fruit, mini salads (chicken or pasta) in leakproof containers are stress free. Avoid anything that spoils quickly.
- Reusable Water Bottles: Personalized bottles help kids keep track of their drinks (and minimize fighting over ‘which one is mine’).
- Ecofriendly Utensils and Plates: Many lakes require you pack out all trash, so reusable gear is practical and better for nature.
Pro tip—freeze water bottles before you leave. They keep food cool, and when they melt you’ve got chilled drinks!
Fun and Games for the Crew
Pontoons are basically floating fun zones. With the right toys and games, you can turn downtime into awesome adventures—swimming, fishing, or even friendly competitions.
- Fishing Gear: Interested in fishing? Remember rods, tackle, bait, and always bring along your fishing license.
- Floaties, Noodles, and Water Toys: Tubes, inflatables, or water guns are always a hit with kids and make swimming time extra special.
- Paddle or Canoe: Many pontoons tow a small kayak or bring standup paddleboards for mixing up water fun.
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Some playlists and light karaoke make chill times more lively. Carry a waterproof container for your electronics.
- Deck of Cards and Travel Games: Card games and travel-size favorites keep everyone happy when resting or if rain interrupts play.
- Camera or GoPro: Great for catching those splashy jumps or snapping family memories, especially when you’ve got all ages out together.
If you’re floating with young kids, coloring books, easy board games, or a custom scavenger hunt (find a red boat, spot a duck, etc.) keep them entertained in between the bigger adventures.
Helpful Tips for Smooth Boating
Packing covers half the work; planning the little things ahead of time brings the rest together and lets you relax more once you’re out there.
- Weather Check: Always double-check the day’s forecast and keep an eye on clouds through your outing in case storms sneak up.
- Communication: Phones may not work far from shore—walkie-talkies are awesome for staying in touch with family if you split into two boats or for emergency check-ins.
- Gear Protection: Waterproof bags or sturdy containers add peace of mind for electronics, maps, and books. It’s a worthwhile investment.
- Boat Maintenance: Give your pontoon a quick double check—confirmed gas, engine, and all safety gear ready. It’s better to spot and fix problems on land than far from shore.
Turn little routines like having a snack zone or passing out life jackets into family traditions. Letting kids help (even with tiny jobs) keeps them excited and cuts down on small conflicts throughout the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions families ask about packing for pontoon adventures:
Question: How do I keep kids entertained on a pontoon boat for hours?
Answer: Pack a big variety of water toys, games, and snacks. Mixing up the activities and letting kids play “helper” with simple safe jobs keeps them engaged and happy.
Question: What’s the best way to store valuables and electronics while boating?
Answer: Waterproof dry bags are key; stow them in storage compartments or under seats to keep things dry even if rain hits or someone splashes by mistake.
Question: Any tips for food options that travel well?
Answer: Stick with finger foods that don’t need to be steaming hot or kept ice cold. Wraps, fruit, cheese, chips, and single-serving snacks all travel well and make sharing easier.
Your Personalized Family Pontoon Trip Checklist
This printable checklist (or just jot your own) covers the must-packs for a fun and stress-free trip:
- Life jackets (all sizes)
- First aid kit
- Whistle or air horn
- Throwable flotation device
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Cooler with water, snacks, and lunch
- Towels, blankets, spare clothing
- Hats, sunglasses, and jackets
- Games, water toys, fishing gear
- Trash bags and wet bags
- Dry bags for electronics and valuables
- Map/emergency contacts
- Boat key, anchor, and ropes
Start here and tweak the list to match your crew’s favorites and habits. Each trip is different, but being prepared makes every laugh, snack, and swim more enjoyable. Here’s to a season full of safe, memory-packed pontoon days!