Float & Play
There’s nothing quite like loading down the pontoon boat and heading out for a full day on the lake. Pontoons are so much fun because we can get 8–10 people aboard safely for a fantastic day out — plenty of room for the whole crew, grandkids included.
Whether we’re cruising, stopping off at the state park beach, heading to an island hangout with rope swings, watching the older kids jump off the rocks, floating up to a restaurant for a quick bite, grabbing a Bushwacker to go, or just anchoring nearby and listening to the tunes — it’s always a great time.
I picked these eight items because we use them every single trip, and they make our days on the lake more enjoyable and memorable — especially for the grandkids.
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Pack Smart
A great lake day starts with what you bring aboard — and with 8–10 people on the boat, keeping things dry, cold, and organized is half the battle.
Geckobrands Embark 10L Drawstring Waterproof Backpack
♥ What We Love
- Phones, wallets, and dry clothes stay dry no matter how much splashing happens.
- Drawstring style makes it easy to grab and go when we hop off at the beach.
Ninja FrostVault 65qt Wheeled Cooler with Cold Dry Zone
♥ What We Love
- The dry zone keeps sandwiches and snacks cold without swimming in ice melt.
- Wheels make the dock-to-boat haul so much easier with a full load for 8–10 people.
Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel
♥ What We Love
- Dries fast between swims instead of staying soggy all day on the rail.
- Packs down small — a full crew’s worth of towels doesn’t eat the whole storage bin.
Float & Play
Once the anchor drops, this is where the fun happens — and where the grandkids spend most of the day.
Lily Pad Floating Mat
♥ What We Love
- The grandkids’ favorite spot on the whole lake — walk, crawl, flop, repeat.
- Big enough for several kids (and a brave adult or two) at once.
Adjustable Rope Hanger for Floating Lily Pad & Mat
♥ What We Love
- Keeps the lily pad tethered to the pontoon instead of drifting toward the next cove.
- Adjustable length means the mat floats right where we want it.
Round Pool Float Chair
♥ What We Love
- That’s the very one in the photo above — float, relax, and supervise in comfort.
- Easy on and off the boat, and comfortable for a long lazy soak.
Floating Mahjong Table
♥ What We Love
- Mahjong, cards, or snacks — right there in the water while the kids swim.
- Yes, our new Mahjong obsession made it onto the boat. No regrets.
New to Mahjong like us? See everything our beginner group plays with in Mahjong Must-Haves: 10 Clever Finds for the Hottest New Game Night.
Set the Mood
Because a lake day without the tunes just isn’t the same.
Waterproof Speaker
♥ What We Love
- Splashes, spray, and the occasional dunk — it keeps right on playing.
- The soundtrack for cruising, floating, and everything in between.
Don’t forget the sun protection! Find great lake essentials like hats, sunscreen, and rash guards in our article Stay Cool This Summer: Hot Weather Essentials for Parks, Festivals, Water Days and More.
Pepper says: “A boat is just a porch that moves. Ten out of ten. Would nap in the shade of that cooler again.” 🐾
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