Motor Boatin' Bloggin'

What to Pack (and Plan) for a Fun, Safe, and Family-Friendly Day on the Water

What to Pack (and Plan) for a Fun, Safe, and Family-Friendly Day on the Water

July 1, 2025

There’s something special about spending the 4th of July on the lake with your family—sunshine, snacks, swimming, and some much-needed time to unplug. At Motor Boatin’, we see a lot of families out on Falls Lake over the holiday weekend, and we know how important it is to keep things running smoothly so you can actually enjoy the day.

Whether you’ve rented with us before or this is your first time, here’s a simple checklist to help make sure your crew is ready for a safe, fun, and stress-free 4th of July out on the water.

Reserve Early and Arrive Prepared

If you haven’t already reserved your boat—do that NOW. The 4th fills up fast, and we don’t want you to miss out. Once you’re booked, here are a few reminders:

  • The person driving the boat must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license
  • Bring the credit card you used to book—it's required at check-in
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking, unloading, and our safety walkthrough

Pack the Basics

When you're boating with kids, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's what we recommend bringing:

  • Water, juice boxes, and easy snacks (nothing in glass containers)
  • Towels, hats, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for everyone
  • Trash bags for cleanup (and maybe an extra for wet clothes or swimsuits)
  • A dry bag or ziplock for phones, keys, and wallets
  • Life jackets if you’d prefer to bring your own—otherwise, we provide them (Note: children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times on board

Make it Fun

The goal is to relax and make some memories together. A few family-friendly ideas to add to the fun:

  • Bluetooth speaker and a playlist with everyone’s favorite songs
  • Swim floats, water toys, or goggles for swimming
  • A few simple games or snacks for downtime on the boat
  • Red, white, and blue gear for a little holiday fun—just avoid anything that could blow away or litter the lake
  • A camera (probably your phone) to capture all the memories

A Few Quick Safety Reminders

We want your day to be fun, but more importantly—safe. Please keep these rules in mind:

  • The boat driver must remain sober—no alcohol while operating any watercraft
  • Watch out for other boaters, kayakers, and swimmers, especially near shorelines
  • Stick to posted speed zones and follow all lake rules
  • Pets are not allowed on rental boats
  • Be courteous to others on the lake—it’ll be busy, and a little patience goes a long way
  • Return your boat on time, with all trash and personal items removed

Let’s Make It a Great One 

The 4th of July is one of the best days to be out on the water with family—and we’re here to help make sure everything goes smoothly. Whether your crew is coming for a day of exploring, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun, we’re glad to be part of your holiday plans.

Still need to book your rental? Don’t wait—we’re filling up fast. And remember, we’re available for rentals all summer long. Reserve your boat by clicking here.