10 tips for enjoying the lake with young kids

10 tips for enjoying the lake with young kids

(Arianne Brown)


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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Each year I take my family on a week-long trip to Lake Powell, and each year I get the same reaction from friends: "Doesn't that scare you?"

While I understand their concern — kids and deep water is a scary thought — I find myself responding with a, "Not really." Taking kids to the lake or any open water location doesn't have to be stressful or scary for parents.

Here are 10 tips on how to make a trip to the lake enjoyable for families with young children.

Teach your children to swim

Whether it is on your own or doing so through private or group swim lessons, taking the time to at least teach the basics of swimming to your children, could mean the difference between life and death, should an accident happen.

State the rules and don't deviate from them

My children know that they are not to go in the water alone, that they must have an adult watching at all times and our non-expert swimmers must always wear a life jacket. No questions asked.

You may get some protesters, but as long as you are firm, they will soon find that there is no use in putting up a fight.

Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen

Getting a sunburn is one thing that can quickly put a damper on your trip, not to mention the possible adverse side effects that it can pose. Apply sunscreen early and often in order to get the best results. In fact, according to skincancer.org, you should apply it 30 minutes before going out in the sun and every couple of hours after.

Photo Credit: Arianne Brown
Photo Credit: Arianne Brown

Drink lots of fluids

Being in the water a good portion of the day can often make adults, let alone, kids have a false sense of hydration. Our bodies still sweat in the water, losing valuable fluids. And as much as we'd like to think it, we are not sponges that absorb the water we are in.

It is imperative that we take the time to hydrate often and make sure that our kids are doing the same.

Don't treat it like a vacation

As much as laying out on the beach or lazily floating out on the lake on your inflatable with accompanying cup holders may be ideal for a vacation on the lake, you might need to save activities like these for your years of retirement, or at least until your kids reach double-digits. Parents should always be watching their children when they are playing around water.

Play with your kids

The best way to know if your kids are safe is to play with them. Build sandcastles, grab a life jacket or floating noodle and go out in the water to float with them. Sure, it will wear you out, but a little loss of energy is well worth the memories and assurance that you know exactly where your kids are.

Mix it up

If your stay at the lake lasts several days, the fun starts to wear off really quickly, if you don't break up the monotony. It is important to find things to do, to not only pass the time, but to make it enjoyable.

At our most recent trip to Lake Powell, we went on a hike in search of "treasures." We found engravings on the rocks, seashells, fish and lizard bones, moquis ("Indian marbles") and even items left behind from other campers.

Doing things like this, makes a week on the lake feel a little less waterlogged.

Try something new

Each year, my mom has us make a goal to try something new. Whether it is getting up on skis or a wakeboard, sitting on the back of the water weenie, sliding off the houseboat slide or burying your dad in the sand, having your children make a goal to try something new every year, will make them leave with something they can be proud of accomplishing.

Don't make it a one-time trip

Going to the lake is only made easier with practice. My husband and I have made it a point to expose our children to these types of activities enough, that they know the rules and consequences should they not follow them.

Utah has many small nearby beaches that can help provide more lake experience. Even frequenting the local pool can help build confidence in the water for both parents and children.

Relax a little

While you may not be able to treat this trip as a typical relaxing vacation, it will not be enjoyable if you are stressed the whole time. Kids can sense when mom and dad are stressed, and it makes the trip less fun for them. Let loose, play and have fun.

If you do relax, you will find yourself less apprehensive for the trip and more excited for the adventures that await.


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About the Author: Arianne Brown -------------------------------

Arianne is a mother to six young children. Her down time is spent running the mountain trails of the Wasatch Mountains and beyond. Contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter @arimom6 or search her Facebook page, "A Mother's Write."

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