The Best Games to Play with Kids During a Boat Ride

Hey there! I’m Scott Fleischer, captain and owner of 954BoatTours.com, where we offer unforgettable private boat tours through the beautiful waters of Fort Lauderdale. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s how to keep families—and especially kids—smiling while out on the water.

Whether you’re enjoying one of our peaceful sunset boat rides or going all-out with fishing tours and tubing, there’s always room for fun and games. Kids love the adventure of being on a boat, but the right activities can take your outing to a whole new level.

So if you're bringing the little ones aboard, here are my favorite tried-and-true games that will keep them laughing, engaged, and making memories from start to finish.

1. Boat Bingo

This is a crowd favorite for a reason! Before the tour, I help you set up a simple bingo sheet (or you can print your own) with things kids might see on the water: a jumping fish, a paddleboarder, a pelican, a lighthouse, a bridge, a red buoy, and so on.

As we cruise through Fort Lauderdale’s iconic canals or along the coast, kids check off each item they spot. First one to yell “Bingo!” gets a prize—or bragging rights for the rest of the day. It’s interactive, gets them observing their surroundings, and keeps everyone engaged throughout the ride.

I’ve even had families turn this into “sunset bingo” during one of our relaxing sunset boat rides, with categories like orange clouds, dolphin fins, and boats with music playing.

2. Captain Says (Boat Simon Says)

You’ve probably played Simon Says—but have you tried Captain Says? It’s the same idea, but way more fun on a boat. One person (usually me or one of the adults) acts as the “Captain” and gives out commands like:

• “Captain says point to the biggest boat!”

• “Captain says act like a dolphin!”

• “Captain says do your best pirate voice!”

It’s especially hilarious for younger kids, and a great way to burn off a little energy without needing any extra gear. Plus, it fits right into the private boat tours vibe—where everything is playful, relaxed, and customizable to your group.

3. I Spy, Ocean Edition

“I spy with my little eye… something blue!”

This classic game never gets old—and being on the water opens up a whole new set of possibilities. From spotting different types of birds, to unusual boats, to shells floating near the mangroves, kids get a kick out of identifying things around them.

I like to add a nautical twist to keep it fresh. For example:

• “I spy something that starts with D” (dolphin!)

• “I spy something that floats” (tons of answers!)

We play this one often on our fishing tours when there’s a bit of downtime between bites—it helps keep younger kids from getting impatient.

4. Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Want to make your boat ride feel like a real-life treasure hunt? Try a floating scavenger hunt. I help you create a fun checklist before the trip with things like:

• A boat with a flag

• A fish jumping out of the water

• A snorkeling mask

• Someone waving from shore

• A yacht larger than our boat

The best part is, kids work as a team to find the items, turning the boat ride into an interactive challenge. You can even split into teams and make it a race—just don’t be surprised if the grownups get just as into it as the kids.

This one pairs really well with sandbar stops during our private boat tours, where we can anchor and the kids can explore shallow water looking for shells or unique marine life.

5. Story Builder Game

This is a fantastic game for creative kids—and it’s perfect for quieter moments, like when we’re cruising slowly through the Intracoastal or watching the sky turn gold during a sunset boat ride.

One person starts telling a story and each person adds a sentence or two. It usually turns into something completely hilarious.

For example:

• “Once upon a time, a crab stole the captain’s sunglasses…”

• “Then a dolphin offered to trade them for a sandwich…”

• “But the sandwich belonged to a sneaky seagull who had other plans…”

You get the idea. This game sparks imagination, giggles, and lots of bonding.

6. Fishing Challenges

If your family is booked for one of our fishing tours, there are tons of mini-competitions to play along the way. These work great for older kids and teens—and trust me, even the adults will want in on the action.

Try:

• First to catch a fish

• Most unique catch

• Smallest fish of the day (the “Tiny Trophy”)

• Best catch-and-release technique

We’ve even had families create impromptu “fish face” contests for photos. Fishing is more than just casting a line—it’s an opportunity to cheer each other on, share a few laughs, and celebrate as a team.

7. 20 Questions: Sea Edition

This one is great during slow, scenic stretches. One person thinks of something water-related (it could be a type of fish, a boat, a sea animal, or even something onboard), and the others ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure it out.

• “Is it an animal?”

• “Does it have fins?”

• “Can you find it in Fort Lauderdale?”

This game works across all ages and is surprisingly addictive. I’ve seen entire families locked in epic 20-question battles as we drift past the million-dollar homes lining the canals.

8. Guess That Sound

There’s something magical about the sounds of the ocean—and that makes this game both fun and educational. Close your eyes and listen: what do you hear?

• The hum of another boat in the distance

• The call of a seabird

• Waves lapping against the hull

• Music playing from the shore

• A fish splashing nearby

Kids try to guess what they hear, and it encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the natural surroundings. We often play this game during peaceful sunset boat rides—it’s a great wind-down before heading back to the dock.

9. Water Olympics

If your boat tour includes water activities like tubing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or sandbar swimming, you’ve got the perfect setup for a little family-friendly competition.

Here are a few easy “events”:

• Longest paddleboard balance

• Fastest swim to the noodle

• Best cannonball splash

• Most seashells collected

With safety as our top priority, I’ll help supervise and tailor the fun to your group’s age and comfort level. The Water Olympics are always a hit—and they make for awesome photos, too.

Why Games Make the Difference

At 954 Boat Tours, we’re all about more than just steering the boat. We create personalized, engaging, memory-filled adventures that bring families together. That’s especially important when kids are involved.

Games add energy, connection, and creativity to your time on the water. They help siblings bond, keep the little ones entertained, and give parents a chance to relax and enjoy the ride too.

Whether you book one of our laid-back private boat tours, adrenaline-pumping fishing tours, or picture-perfect sunset boat rides, we’ll make sure your family has an unforgettable experience—games and all.

Let’s Plan Your Next Adventure

Ready to make some waves, some memories, and maybe even win a few rounds of boat bingo? I’d love to welcome your crew aboard and help make your next family outing the best one yet.

Book your private boat tour today at https://www.954boattours.com and let’s play, explore, and laugh together out on the beautiful waters of Fort Lauderdale.