How to Make the Most of a Kid-Friendly Boat Tour

Hi, I’m Scott Fleischer, owner and captain of 954BoatTours.com, and as someone who hosts families on the water every single week, I can confidently say this: kids love boat tours.

Whether it’s the adventure of being on the water, spotting dolphins or manatees, cruising past giant yachts, or simply enjoying the ride, there’s something about boating that lights kids up. And as a parent? There’s nothing better than seeing your child completely captivated by an experience that’s fun, safe, and screen-free.

That said, a little planning can go a long way in turning a good boat tour into a great one—especially when you’ve got little ones on board. So if you’re thinking about bringing the kids on one of our private boat tours here in Fort Lauderdale, here’s how to make the most of it.

Choose the Right Type of Tour

Not every boat tour is created equal, especially when it comes to families. The first step to a successful outing is picking a tour that fits your child’s energy level, attention span, and interests.

If your kids are younger (toddlers or early elementary age), I recommend keeping it short and sweet—60 to 90 minutes is often the sweet spot. That’s enough time to cruise, spot wildlife, and enjoy the views without pushing anyone’s patience.

Older kids, tweens, and teens can usually handle longer tours, especially if there’s a fun activity involved like swimming at a sandbar or trying one of our fishing tours. If your family loves sunsets, our early evening sunset boat rides are a calm, relaxing option that feels a little magical as the sun dips below the horizon.

And of course, every tour I offer is private—meaning it’s just your group onboard. That means no strangers, no crowds, and total flexibility based on your family’s needs.

Bring the Right Gear

A little prep ahead of time can make the whole experience smoother. Here’s what I recommend bringing on board:

• Snacks and drinks – Even if the ride is short, hungry kids can crash a vibe fast. I provide a cooler with ice, so pack some easy-to-eat snacks and waters or juice boxes.

• Sunscreen – We’ll be on the water, and even with a shade canopy, the sun reflects off the surface. Apply sunscreen before the tour and bring it along for touch-ups.

• Hats and sunglasses – For both kids and adults, these help with sun protection and comfort.

• Towels and swimwear – If your tour includes a stop at a sandbar or if the kids might want to splash around, bring swimsuits and towels. Even if you don’t plan to swim, water fun sometimes happens.

• Entertainment backups – Most kids are completely engaged by the tour itself, but it never hurts to bring a waterproof book, some music they love, or a toy that’s okay to get wet.

• Dry bag or Ziplocks – Handy for phones, snacks, or anything else you want to protect from splashes.

If you’re not sure what to pack for your specific tour, just ask. I’m always happy to help tailor the experience to your family.

Make It an Interactive Experience

The best part about being on a boat with kids? Their curiosity. You’d be amazed at how many questions they ask: “What kind of boat is that?” “How deep is the water?” “Are there sharks here?”

I love engaging kids with stories, fun facts, and pointing out interesting things along the way. For example, we might spot a manatee, pass a house with a pirate ship docked in front, or cruise by a mega yacht that looks straight out of a movie.

If your kids are into sea creatures, boats, or fishing, this is their playground. On our fishing tours, kids get hands-on with bait, casting, and learning how to catch fish safely. It’s fun, empowering, and gives them a real sense of accomplishment.

And don’t be surprised if you leave the tour with a junior captain in the making—they love sitting up front, steering with me, and pretending they’re in charge of the whole adventure.

Let Them Play DJ or Photographer

A little ownership goes a long way. Let your child be the boat DJ for part of the ride. Whether they want to blast their favorite Disney songs or just play something upbeat, it helps them feel involved.

If they love photography, hand them a waterproof camera or your phone (if you trust them!) and let them be the family photographer. You’ll be amazed at what they capture—sunset shots, dolphin sightings, funny selfies—it turns into a whole mini-project that makes the experience even more memorable.

On many of my private boat tours, I also offer to take family photos at the best scenic spots. These are great keepsakes, and I’m always happy to help get everyone in the shot.

Focus on Fun, Not Perfection

Kids are unpredictable. Sometimes they’re thrilled, other times tired, or suddenly not into it—and that’s okay. My tours are all about making the day feel relaxed, flexible, and fun.

There’s no need to stress about things going perfectly. Need a break to feed the baby? No problem. Want to cut the ride a little short? Totally fine. Need to stop and stretch or splash around a bit? Let’s do it.

One of the best things about private boat tours is that there’s no rigid itinerary. We go at your family’s pace, and I’ve got years of experience adjusting mid-tour to keep things smooth and stress-free.

Extend the Adventure (If They’re Into It)

Sometimes, the kids love it so much they don’t want to leave. That’s when I offer little bonuses—like a detour to a sandbar for a quick splash or an extra 30 minutes to watch the sun go down if you’re booked for one of our sunset boat rides.

Other times, families want to go all-in and turn the tour into a celebration: birthdays, back-to-school send-offs, or even first-time boat rides. Just let me know in advance, and I’ll help you plan the details—from decorations to music playlists to special snacks.

Safety First—Always

As a parent myself, I know how important safety is when kids are involved. Rest assured, every child on board will be provided with a properly sized life jacket, and I’ll walk everyone through basic safety procedures before we depart.

My boat is regularly inspected and maintained, and I never overload trips—we stick to a comfortable number of passengers so everyone has space to move around safely. I also keep the ride smooth and speed adjusted for younger guests unless we’re doing one of the more adventurous fishing tours.

If you have infants or toddlers, let me know before the trip so I can be sure we’ve got everything in place for a safe and comfy ride.

Make It a Family Tradition

Many families who tour with me once end up coming back year after year. There’s something special about building family traditions around the water, and I love seeing kids grow up as returning guests.

Some families book sunset boat rides for holiday photos, others do an annual fishing tour for Father’s Day, and a few just like having a relaxing escape from their regular routine every time they visit Fort Lauderdale.

Once your kids get a taste of boating fun, chances are they’ll be asking, “When can we go again?”

Ready to Set Sail?

Taking kids on a boat tour is more than just an activity—it’s a memory in the making. From spotting wildlife and learning about the waterways to dancing to their favorite songs with the sea breeze in their hair, a day on the water offers something screens never can.

Whether you're visiting Fort Lauderdale for the first time or live here and want to try something new, I’d love to help your family create an experience they’ll never forget.

Book one of my private boat tours, fishing tours, or sunset boat rides today at https://www.954boattours.com. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together—kid-approved and captain-approved.