Traveling by boat can be a magical experience for families, especially when the destination is kid friendly. From exploring islands to visiting waterfront cities, these destinations offer activities for all ages, plenty of fun, and easy access by boat. Here are 10 kid-friendly travel destinations to visit by boat, complete with tips, activities, and approximate costs to make your family boating adventure one to remember.
1. Catalina Island, California
Overview
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a perfect family getaway. It offers stunning beaches, snorkeling spots, and scenic hiking trails, all within a charming island atmosphere. Avalon, the island’s main town, features mini-golf, glass-bottom boat tours, and a kid-friendly zipline.
Activities for Kids
- Glass-bottom boat tours to view marine life
- Kayaking and snorkeling in the clear waters of Lover’s Cove
- Miniature golf and ziplining
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $40-$80 per night depending on boat size
- Boat Rentals: Starting from $120 per hour (if not bringing your own boat)
- Ferry Ride: $80 round trip for adults, $65 for kids
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Overview
Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, is a car-free, historic destination that transports families back in time. Known for its horse-drawn carriages and rich history, the island offers kid-friendly activities such as bike rentals, fudge shops, and the beautiful Mackinac Island State Park.
Activities for Kids
- Bike riding around the island (8 miles)
- Fort Mackinac historical reenactments
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $30-$60 per night
- Boat Rentals: $100-$150 per hour
- Ferry Ride: $30 per adult, $15 per child (round trip)
3. The Florida Keys, Florida
Overview
Stretching from Key Largo to Key West, the Florida Keys are a paradise for boaters and families alike. The warm waters, endless sunshine, and abundance of family-friendly attractions, such as the Turtle Hospital and Bahia Honda State Park, make this a fantastic destination.
Activities for Kids
- Visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon
- Snorkeling and swimming at Bahia Honda State Park
- Dolphin encounters at Theater of the Sea
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $40-$90 per night
- Boat Rentals: Starting at $150 per half-day
- Ferry Ride (Key West): $150 per adult, $100 per child round trip
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
Overview
Bar Harbor offers a coastal Maine experience that kids will love, especially with its proximity to Acadia National Park. This destination offers everything from tidepool exploration to whale watching and scenic hikes through rugged cliffs and forests.
Activities for Kids
- Tidepooling along the coastline
- Whale watching tours
- Exploring Acadia National Park
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $25-$50 per night
- Boat Rentals: $200-$300 per day
- Ferry Ride (from Nova Scotia): $115 per adult, $65 per child
5. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Overview
Lake Powell offers an incredible experience for boat-loving families, with its winding canyons, deep blue waters, and countless outdoor activities. Families can rent houseboats, which provide a unique way to experience the lake while offering comfort and adventure.
Activities for Kids
- Houseboat rentals for overnight stays
- Swimming and fishing
- Exploring Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $20-$50 per night (depending on marina)
- Houseboat Rentals: $1,500-$5,000 per week (varies based on size and season)
- Boat Rentals: Starting at $300 per day
6. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Overview
Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. and offers an abundance of kid-friendly activities along its shores, including historical sites, small towns, and aquatic wildlife exploration. Annapolis, the state capital, provides excellent boating amenities and family activities.
Activities for Kids
- Crabbing and fishing
- Maritime Museum and historic ships in Annapolis
- Sailing lessons for kids
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $20-$60 per night
- Boat Rentals: $200-$500 per day (varies by location and type of boat)
7. Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Overview
Nestled between Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain is a family-friendly boating destination surrounded by mountains and forests. The lake is ideal for fishing, swimming, and exploring its islands and historic forts.
Activities for Kids
- Fort Ticonderoga visit (living history and reenactments)
- Swimming and fishing off the boat
- Island hopping with a picnic on Burton Island
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $25-$50 per night
- Boat Rentals: $200-$350 per day
- Ferry Ride: $30 per adult, $20 per child round trip (across the lake)
8. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Overview
Nantucket, a small island off the coast of Cape Cod, offers a quintessential New England experience, with cobblestone streets, historic lighthouses, and charming beaches. Families can enjoy sailing, biking, and beach picnics.
Activities for Kids
- Children’s Beach with playground and calm waters
- Lighthouses and nature walks
- Sailing lessons and whale watching tours
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $50-$100 per night
- Boat Rentals: Starting at $200 per day
- Ferry Ride: $90 per adult, $45 per child round trip
9. San Juan Islands, Washington
Overview
The San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest are ideal for family boat trips with their scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and calm waters. The islands offer whale watching, kayaking, and beachcombing, with many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Activities for Kids
- Whale watching (Orca whales)
- Tidepooling and beachcombing at Lime Kiln State Park
- Kayaking around the islands
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $30-$75 per night
- Boat Rentals: $100-$250 per hour (depending on boat size)
- Ferry Ride: $25 per adult, $15 per child round trip
10. Thousand Islands, New York/Canada
Overview
The Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River is a boater’s paradise, with over 1,800 islands to explore. The area is rich in history, with castles to visit, nature preserves, and plenty of swimming and kayaking opportunities.
Activities for Kids
- Exploring Boldt Castle on Heart Island
- Kayaking and canoeing between the islands
- Fishing and swimming in the clear waters
Costs
- Mooring Fee: $30-$60 per night
- Boat Rentals: $200-$400 per day
- Ferry Ride (Boldt Castle): $30 per adult, $20 per child round trip
Final Thoughts
Boating opens up a world of kid-friendly destinations that combine adventure, education, and relaxation. Whether you’re island hopping in New England, exploring the waters of the Pacific Northwest, or discovering inland lakes, these destinations offer unforgettable family memories. Always check mooring fees, boat rental costs, and activity prices ahead of time to plan your perfect kid-friendly boating getaway.
Happy Boating!
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