Canoeing with kids packing list – 10 things you MUST take

Canoeing with kids is such a fun activity to get outside together as a family. But especially in the beginning, maybe you don’t know what to pack for a canoeing trip with kids. That’s why we have put together this packing list of 10 things you definitely need on your canoeing with kids packing list.

We are a canoeing family – I bought my first kayak with my saved-up pocket money when I was around 12 years old and I have spent almost all of my childhood vacations on a river. We have been taking my smaller siblings and my daughter since they were one year old and thus, I can pack for those trips in my sleep. But I also understand that especially the first time you go it can be tricky. What to bring, how to keep things dry, and what are the essentials? Well, I am here to help with that.

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Related: Canoeing with kids – Fun on the water

Canoeing with kids – safety first

I love being on the water with my daughter, but at the same time, it is important to keep in mind that water poses some dangers for children, particularly if they are not secure swimmers and if white water is involved. So, the number one item on the packing list for us would be life jackets for everyone in the boat. Even if you are a very good swimmer, depending on the circumstances you should also wear a lifejacket as an adult, as you need to be able to help your children in case anything happens. It also is a great example for your kids if you act as a role model by wearing one.

There is also some other safety equipment that we usually take like a throw bag with a rescue line, but this is not always necessary. If you consider taking one, you should also take a class on how to use it or have someone familiar with it on the team. Any safety equipment you take is only as good as your handling of it.

Canoeing with kids packing list – you need snacks, snacks, and snacks

When we are canoeing, my daughter always turns into a hungry hippo – she could be constantly snacking away when she is not paddling. So, make sure you have enough food and snacks on your packing list, so you don’t have to listen to your kids complain of being hungry, because their last bite was already 20 minutes ago…

Sunscreen – a MUST item on the canoeing with kids packing list

When you spend outdoor time with your kids, sunscreen is always important, but you should put some extra thoughts into it when canoeing with kids. First of all, it needs to be waterproof, because they probably will get wet (one way or another…). Also, you need to take into consideration that the water reflects and thus the radiation will be stronger. Even if it’s a cloudy day, you should wear sunscreen and protect your kids, as the impact will be stronger.

Also think about the parts that will be exposed – as I can tell you from many, many painful sunburns, they are not the usual ones. Apply sunscreen at the top of your kids’ hands and feet (particularly the feet, as they will be exposed in the canoe if the kids are barefoot). Also, if they are wearing shorts the top of their knees and the inside of their thighs – these are areas that usually do not get direct sunlight and are super sensitive.

A kids’ paddle

This was such a game-changer for us – once I got my daughter a paddle which was actually not too huge and heavy for her, she enjoyed our trips so much more and actually pitched in. Giving your kids their own paddle will make them feel like they are part of the team and will really be great for their motivation. We got a wooden paddle for my daughter, but these kids paddles are a great start.

A cool water bottle with a carabiner

This might sound stupid, but in my experience, kids tend to forget to drink water on the water – even more than on land. Usually, canoeing is not a sweaty exercise, so they might not feel thirsty. Furthermore, usually, things are packed away in the canoe, so that a drink is not readily available at all times when you have no way of attaching it to the canoe itself.

But believe me, being out in the open, even more so when the sun is shining will dehydrate kids, and they will need to up their fluid intake. Having a cool water bottle with a carabiner attached to the safety line inside the canoe will at least remind them more often that they need to take a sip.

A hat or cap

Again, the sun can be brutal on the water. There is no way to hide from it and it reflects, so a hat is very helpful to protect the head. If it gets too hot, they can even dip it into the water and cool down that way.

Enough clothes on your canoeing with kids packing list

Even if it is a warm day, bring a light jacket or sweater along. On the water, temperatures are lower and often it is a bit windy. There is nothing worse than getting chilly in the canoe and having to deal with the wind, so make sure you have a waterproof jacket somewhere close where they can access it.

Also bring a dry set of clothes, because even if you are sure that you will not tip over the canoe, there are plenty of other ways to get wet when canoeing with kids. If someone starts to splash, it rains or a wave comes into the canoe – having a dry set of clothes to change into is always a great idea.

A dry bag or any other waterproof packing

When you go canoeing with kids you also need something to pack the contents of your packing list into. And this needs to be waterproof. We use a mix of plastic containers and dry bags, but depending on how much stuff you will take and how long your trip is, a dry bag might be enough. It is important though that you can fit everything you take into it, as you do not want individual pieces in the canoe – in case it tips over, it would be impossible to find those again.

This is particularly important for valuables like phones, wallets, and cameras. And again, don’t think things will not get wet if you are careful – they will, especially with kids in the canoe.

Water shoes

On your canoeing with kids packing list, you definitely want water shoes. Often, we are just barefoot in the canoe, but when getting in and out, you might have to step into water or mud. You do not want your kids to wear shoes that are not supposed to get wet in these situations. They will also want to play in the shallow water – so much easier, when they can just step into it with their shoes on.

We really like the water sandals from Keen, as they are great in summer, but also give some protection.

Your bathing suits!

Just always have your bathing suits on your canoeing with kids packing list! ALWAYS. Even if you think you will never go swimming, just bring it. You might find just the perfect spot that was unexpected, the sun might come out, and your kids might be begging you to go swim with them. Don’t miss out on the fun and always have a bathing suit in your bag – you never know what will happen on a canoeing trip with kids.

Anything we forgot? What needs to go on your packing list for canoeing trips with kids? We would love to hear your feedback.