Cruising With Kids

A Summer of Family Memories Ways to make the most of the remaining summer with your kids.

Because of the pandemic, we will all remember 2020 as a year of unexpected challenges and changes to our everyday life. With many summer camps canceled or vacations on hold, families have turned to boating as a welcome escape. Docks and ramps have never been busier with boaters. New boat sales, boat rentals and boat club memberships have also all experienced tremendous growth from new boaters interested in social distancing on the water.

Boating has always been a great opportunity to create family memories, but this year it seems more meaningful than ever. Our kids need the peaceful family bonding time that boating can bring.

Although there may be some limitations on boating this year — like rafting with a lot of friends — there are still many ways you can enjoy the water before the boating season is over.

Reconnect with nature The serenity of the water is one of the best parts of boating. From bird watching to exploring coastlines, there are many ways you can spend time reconnecting with nature. Cast a fishing line or go on the hunt for Petoskey stones in the sand. Spend the afternoon watching bald eagles soar through the sky as you hang out on the swim platform. Boating gives your kids the ability to appreciate the outdoors and connect with nature in new ways.

Build on boating skills Your kids will never forget the summer they learned how to do something new.

Whether it’s a small task, like learning to tie off the boat, or something bigger, like taking the wheel at the helm, now is a perfect time for kids to learn new skills and create boating memories that will last a lifetime. Even your little ones can start assisting with smaller things on the boat and, as they get older, there are many tasks where kids can be a helpful addition to your crew.

Learn a new paddling sport Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards seem to be everywhere these days. If you are spending more time anchoring out or staying near your marina, paddle sports are a great way to introduce a new boating activity. For kids, there is a certain sense of

independence paddling around in control of their own vessel. With an oar in hand, they can become the captain of their own ship, navigating around in the water while exploring the coastline. It’s fun for kids — plus, it’s great exercise!

Discover new spots to drop the hook Just because you may not be able to visit the hustle and bustle of your favorite waterfront destination does not mean you cannot explore and take boat trips. We have a certain “spot” where we normally drop the hook, but sometimes it can be fun to try a new cove or anchorage location. Even if it’s just down the river a few minutes farther or on the opposite side of the lake, it can be fun to drop the hook somewhere different with new scenery and water to explore.

Maintain your family traditions This year may be a different season for many, but it’s also important to maintain consistency and normalcy as much as possible for kids. If there is a certain weekend trip you always take, come up with a special alternative if needed. If possible, watch the Labor Day weekend fireworks display light up the sky from your boat or marina like you normally do. New memories are good but maintaining annual traditions that your family treasures is also important.

Let’s all savor these last few months of the 2020 boating season and end it on a high note. We know that these experiences on the boat connecting as a family and building lifelong memories is what it’s really all about. ★

DIANE SELTZER is an avid boater, marketing director for SureShade sunshade systems, author of the children’s book “The Amazing Adventures of Boat Girl” and runs the boating lifestyle websites MYBOATLIFE.COM and BOATERKIDS.COM.