If you have any concern that kids might get a bit bored while on a houseboat vacation, you won’t have to on a Forever Houseboat! At Forever Houseboats, we rent houseboats to families with kids of all ages throughout the year and know that fun abounds for everyone. Of course, we realize that swimming, splashing, and sliding down the waterslide are often all it takes to keep kids happy for hours. But some days, you might need to change things up a bit. Here are a few fun and easy games for kids to liven up your family houseboat adventure.
Drip-Drip-Splash
Adapted from Duck Duck Goose, this game is perfect for younger kids. You can play on the beach or on the top deck of your houseboat. Everyone sits in a circle, except the person who is “it.” That player, armed with a cup of water, walks around the outside of the circle and drips a bit of water on each of the other players’ heads as they walk by until they say “Splash” and pour the whole cup on one player. That player is now “it” and the game continues. Remember, though, if you’re playing on the deck, you don’t want any running around the circle. Safety is always the first priority.
Beach Towel Volleyball
Beach Towel Volleyball is a great game for a day at the beach. If you don’t have a volleyball net, you can draw a line in the sand. Divide into two teams with an equal number of pairs. Each pair holds two corners of a beach towel. A volleyball or beach ball is placed in one of the towels and the goal is to toss the ball back and forth between teams, by launching it with the towel. If the ball hits the ground on your side, a point is awarded to the other team.
Water Cup Derby
This relay race game is also great for your beach day. You’ll need two cups with holes in them, a bucket filled with water, and two empty buckets marked with a line a few inches above the bottom. Divide your group into two teams. The bucket with water is placed at the starting line and the empty buckets are placed a distance away. One at a time, each team member must scoop water from the starting bucket into their cup. Then they run, with the cup over their head, to their team bucket where they pour whatever water they have left. Then they return to the starting line and pass off the cup to the next team member. Whichever team fills their bucket to the line first wins the race.
Swimming Games
A great way to make swimming even more fun is to engage in a little friendly competition while in the water. Play “fetch” with a floating ball to see who can get to it faster or set up a race to see how fast your kids can swim back to the boat. You can also choreograph some synchronized swimming and give prizes for the most graceful or funniest routine!
One of the best things about a houseboat vacation is how easy it is to customize for your family. From swimming and fishing to silly games where everyone ends up soaked, your options for family fun are practically endless on the water. To book your memorable family getaway, contact us today.
