Tips for Boating with Young Children

As the owner of 954 Boat Tours in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming countless families aboard our vessels. There’s nothing quite like watching a child’s eyes light up when they spot a dolphin or help reel in their first catch on one of our family fishing tours. Boating with young children can be a truly unforgettable experience—if done right.

That said, being on the water with little ones comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of helpful tips to make boating with kids smooth, safe, and fun. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxing afternoon, a sunset boat ride, or one of our bachelorette boat parties where kids might be along for the family-friendly pre-party, preparation is everything.

In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations to help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable boat tour with your young crew.

1. Choose the Right Type of Tour

When boating with young children, selecting the right kind of tour is crucial. Kids have shorter attention spans and can get tired or overstimulated quickly, so consider a tour that’s paced just right.

At 954 Boat Tours, we often recommend:

• Family fishing tours for hands-on fun and excitement

• Short sunset boat rides for calm waters and magical views

• Custom private tours where you can choose your own adventure

Keep the duration manageable—90 minutes to 2 hours tends to be perfect for kids under 8. Let us know your family’s needs in advance, and we’ll tailor the tour to suit.

2. Bring the Right Life Jackets

Safety is our number one priority. All children aboard are required by law to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times. We provide a variety of life jackets onboard, but you’re welcome to bring your own if your child is more comfortable with a familiar fit.

Pro tips:

• Let your child try on their life jacket at home before the tour

• Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't ride up

• Look for jackets with grab handles for easy lifting if needed

We’ve outfitted hundreds of kids on our tours, and we always do a thorough safety check before we leave the dock.

3. Pack Smart with Kid-Friendly Essentials

A little planning goes a long way when you’re boating with young children. Be sure to pack a bag that includes:

• Sunscreen (reef-safe and water-resistant)

• Hats and sunglasses

• Snacks and drinks (we’ll have water onboard, but favorites help!)

• Wipes and hand sanitizer

• A change of clothes and towels

• Entertainment: books, toys, or water-safe games for downtime

When kids are comfortable, fed, and entertained, the trip is far more enjoyable for everyone.

4. Prepare for the Elements

Being on the water exposes kids to sun, wind, and sometimes a bit of spray. Dress them in layers and opt for lightweight, long-sleeved sun-protective clothing.

On sunset boat rides, temperatures drop quickly, so it’s smart to bring a light hoodie or blanket for the ride back. For daytime tours, make sure they have:

• Breathable fabrics

• UV protection

• Closed-toe water shoes or sandals

And yes—don’t forget the sunscreen. You’ll want to reapply every hour or two, especially on the nose, cheeks, and tops of ears.

5. Keep It Interactive

One of the best parts of our family fishing tours and wildlife excursions is the chance to teach kids about marine life and boating. We love letting kids:

• Steer the boat (with a little help, of course!)

• Learn to cast a line and reel in a fish

• Identify local birds, fish, and sea creatures

Ask questions, point out interesting sights, and turn the tour into a learning adventure. We’re always happy to help educate and engage kids on the water—it makes the experience that much richer.

6. Don’t Overload the Schedule

One of the biggest mistakes families make is trying to cram too much into a day. Kids need time to rest, eat, and have unstructured play.

If you’re planning to do a boat tour as part of a full vacation day, consider scheduling downtime afterward. Trying to follow a tour with a museum, restaurant, or shopping might lead to overtired meltdowns.

For more laid-back options, our sunset boat rides are perfect for winding down the day before bedtime.

7. Be Flexible and Patient

Things don’t always go as planned with young kids. A sudden nap, unexpected bathroom break, or change in mood can shift the vibe quickly.

That’s why our private and semi-private tours offer the flexibility families need. Want to head to the sandbar instead of cruising the Intracoastal? No problem. Need to turn back a little early? We’ve got you. The goal is always to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for every member of the family.

8. Teach Boat Safety Early

Even young kids can start learning boating safety basics. Before we leave the dock, I always go over a few important rules:

• Always keep your life jacket on

• Stay seated when the boat is moving

• Ask an adult before leaning over the side

• No running on the boat deck

Framing these rules positively helps kids understand they’re part of the adventure. Parents can reinforce safety throughout the trip with reminders and praise.

9. Take Lots of Photos (But Keep Your Devices Safe)

You’ll want to capture every smile, laugh, and splash—but remember to protect your devices around curious little hands. Use waterproof cases and tethers for your phone or camera. And consider designating one adult to be the “trip photographer” so others can stay hands-free.

You never know when your child will light up seeing a school of fish or wave at a passing yacht. Those spontaneous moments make for the best memories.

10. Keep the Fun Going Off the Water

After the tour, let your child help pick out a souvenir, draw what they saw on the water, or talk about their favorite part of the trip. This helps reinforce the positive memories and builds anticipation for your next adventure.

Many families return for another tour later in their trip, often switching from a fishing-focused experience to a relaxing sunset boat ride. And yes—we’ve even hosted kid-friendly bachelorette boat parties where little ones were included in the festivities (with a quieter playlist, of course!).

Final Thoughts

Boating with young children can be one of the most rewarding and joyful experiences your family shares on vacation. With a little preparation, the right tour, and a flexible mindset, you can create a safe, memorable outing that your kids will be talking about for years.

At 954 Boat Tours, I’ve made it my mission to create family-friendly adventures for all ages. Whether it’s family fishing tours, casual sunset boat rides, or even bachelorette boat parties where families are invited, I’ve got the local experience and friendly approach to ensure your time on the water is unforgettable.

Ready to make memories with your young crew? Book your next boat tour at https://www.954boattours.com today.