Lake Day Essentials
Is there anything better than a day or two… or week at the lake?! Whether you are cruising on a boat, floating on a Mission water mat, or just soaking up the sunshine with your toes in the water, lake days are the ultimate way to relax, reconnect, and make the best family and friend memories. There’s something completely necessary about unplugging and diving into that perfect lake life… literally! But to make it the perfect day, a little prep goes a long way. So I’m gathering all the lake day essentials you need to pack for a day in the sun!!
Whether it’s your first time heading to the lake or you're a seasoned lake pro, this list will help make sure you don’t forget a thing. From sun protection to water toys and snacks (because let’s be real, snacks are non-negotiable), here’s everything to bring to the lake to keep you out on the water and worry free.
Lake Day Essentials
Planning a lake day? Let’s get you prepped like a pro. In this post, I’m sharing tips to help you pack for a day at the lake, plus my go-to packing list of must-haves. You’ll find ideas to make your trip smooth, fun, and comfy for the entire family—no frantic last-minute runs to the marina store required( just kidding… the kids alllllways want something else..). Whether you're tubing, swimming, relaxing, or snacking all day, this post will help you create your very own perfect lake setup.
How To Prepare For A Day On The Lake
Pack the Right Items
Trust me—packing the right items is everything. You don’t want to be the one who forgot towels or sunscreen. I’ve broken it all down below in my detailed packing list, so you know exactly what to bring to the lake for the best day.
What To Bring To A Lake Day
1. Life Jackets
Safety first! No matter your age or swimming level, life jackets are required- each person on a vessel must have a flotation device. I always stash a few extras under the seats in the boat- just in case more friends join. They also must be Coast Guard approved, and no puddle jumpers for the littles.
2. Mission Water Mat
A perfect lake day isn’t complete without a float party! The Mission Water Mat is a game-changer—it’s durable, easy to roll up, and fits multiple kids or adults. Seriously, hours of fun.
You can shop the Mission Water Mat here.
3. Water Sports
For the adventurous crew, don’t forget your wake surf, wakeboard, water skis, or a tube—these are the ultimate lake day MVPs if you’ve got a boat! We’re at the lake so often that we keep a little bit of everything on hand to match everyone’s vibe and experience level. Whether you're teaching a beginner or showing off your tricks, having options makes it easy to keep the fun going all day long.
4. Boat Swing
Want to turn your boat into a floating playground for your little one? The Swurfer Kiwi toddler swing is a must! Designed just for toddlers, it has a komfy, secure seat with a snug fit and safety straps to keep your kiddo happy and safe while swinging. It easily attaches to your boat’s frame. It’s the perfect way to let your toddler join in on the lake day fun. Additionally, I must say, this swing is to be used only when your boat is parked. Kamp lived in this thing during lake days as a toddler. It’s the perfect spot to put the littles when you’ve stopped to make or eat lunch.
5. Cooler with Snacks + Drinks
Hydration station incoming! Pack a cooler with plenty of water, juice boxes, Drink Hortons, and snacks (think chips, fruit, chomps beef sticks, string cheese). I bring one large cooler for drinks and one more for snacks and sandwich supplies to make sandwiches for lunch. You could always premake sandwiches or just make them in the boat when you find a good spot to anchor for lunch. Of Course, its not a lake day without a Brumate insulated cup!!!
We love our Boxie Bag for all lunch and snack packing!!
6. Sunscreen + Sun Protection
A high-SPF sunscreen is an absolute lake day essentials must-have! Sunburns are the fastest way to ruin a perfect day at the lake. One of my go-tos? The Sol Brush sunscreen—it’s mess-free, super easy to apply (especially on the krazy kids!), and perfect for tossing in your lake bag. I always bring a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours—more if we’re in and out of the water. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and maybe even a sun shirt or rash guard. Trust me: pack way more than you think you'll need. Your skin will thank you later!
7. Beach Towels + Blankets
Bring at least one towel per person—two if you’ll be doing water activities.
8. Portable Speaker
Our boat has a stereo, so we don’t need to bring a speaker. But at the lakehouse, we always have a waterproof speaker handy. Music can be the ultimate lake mood booster.
You can shop my favorite portable speaker here!!
9. First Aid Kit + Bug Spray
Always good to have a mini first aid kit for scrapes, splinters, or bee stings. Bug spray is also a must, when there is water… there are mosquitoes.
Shop Active spray here!!
Shop first aid kit here!!
Shop bug spray here!!
And there you have it—your complete guide to lake day essentials! Use this post as your go-to packing list every time you plan your next perfect day at the lake. And don’t forget to check out my post on things to pack for a trip for even more helpful travel tips!
Whether you're floating, boating, swinging, or snacking the day away, this list will help you pack for a day you won't forget. Now go make those core lake memories—and don’t forget the SPF!
You can shop my lake essentials on my amazon storefront here!!
