There is simply nothing better than heading to the cottage with the family for a holiday. Long days swimming in the crystal clear lake, countless hours hanging out on the dock – connecting, laughing and eating far too much junk food. Quiet nights by the campfire roasting marshmallows and making memories. But. Yes, there is a but. There is still some entertainment required. Whether your children are 2 or 22 before you head out on your cottage vacay, take some advice from me and make a little bit of time to plan some fun – because busy kids are happy kids. And happy kids make for a much better vacation.
Here are this years picks for some good old fashioned fun.
Inflatable Aqua Treadmill
This Aqua Treadmill is currently sold out on Amazon but you can still hunt it down on other sites. How much fun would this be! “The sprockets turn this capsule into a human powered vehicle that enables you to move across the water at speeds up to 10mph. You can also steer by putting all of your weight on one side or the other. Once you get tired of moving around you can use the Aqua Treadmill as a floating island with shade.” Human hamster wheel here we come, although who’s kidding who. We’re not getting that thing up to 10mph.
Bean Bag Bucketz
You can set Bean Bag Bucketz up lakeside and you’ll never have a better back drop. This game is played with two players or double up and play with teams. First to score 21 points wins it all! I can see this getting super competitive! Good for kiddos of all ages! Bonus: This game folds up and packs away neatly in the accompanying travel bag.
Giant Party Float
Who needs a boat when you have a party float? Ok, so a boat is still a good idea, but floating on a giant flamingo as you soak up the sunshine is all kinds of fun. Plus, think of the instagram pics! Now, which one to choose? A parrot, a unicorn, a flamingo? I want the all!
Snorkel Gear
Snorkel Gear isn’t just for the Caribbean! Grab a set or even better, two and set your teens free. (of course make sure they are wearing bright coloured life vests and stick relatively close to the shore – you want boats to see them and your kiddos to see the boats) Fresh water cottage country lakes have an entire world waiting to be explored and the calmness of the early morning hours is the perfect time for the beginner snorkeler to master the skill of snorkelling. We found this set at Walmart – they have an impressive selection to choose from! Insider tip: If you don’t want fins think about grabbing some water shoes. I grew up in cottage country and I still hate the encounters you have with slimy rocks. Water shoes all the way.
Pool Noodles
It may seem strange to rely on pool noodles in the lake, but you won’t believe how versatile pool noodles can be. Bring a pile and watch the magic happen.
- Challenge your kiddos to make a raft, boat or “lake chair” using only pool noodles and what they can find at the cottage. If you really need this challenge to take a little more time – have prizes for the winner of the best raft!
- Create a game of ring toss by twisting and taping 2 pool noodles into a circles. Toss those noodles over sticks.
- Sacrifice one pool noodle – slice it up – add cardboard for sails and make sailboats!
Pack all the water/cottage toy fun, don’t forget to consider rainy day ideas too, be brave Mama – pack a book for yourself and simply go and enjoy a tech free week in cottage country.
Happy travels!
That party float is absolutely amazing
My kids loveeee pool noodles we will be trying this out in the summer ( the raft looks like they would be able to work together to do this !!! Amazing really lol
The Inflatable Aqua Treadmill looks like so much fun!
The bean bag game looks fun!
I am so in love with that Giant Party Float. That would be one hilarious experience.