Family Lake Trip Essentials: The Packing List You’ll Actually Use

Published 29 Jul, 2025

There’s something timeless about a summer trip to the lake. Whether it’s a cabin nestled among the pines or a breezy lakehouse with a rickety old dock, these are the getaways that stick. The kind where days pass slowly, phones stay forgotten in bags, and everyone comes home a little sun-kissed and a lot happier.

Whether you’re heading to Lake George, Big Bear, or a secret spot you’re refusing to tell the rest of your friends about, one thing’s for sure: you’ll want to pack smarter, not heavier. So we’ve put together the ultimate lake trip packing list for families to help you enjoy every minute of your getaway.

1. Little Things You’ll Be Glad You Brought

A few extras go a long way — they make packing easier, clean-ups quicker, and unexpected moments more enjoyable.

What to pack:

  • Zip-lock bags in every size for wet clothes, leftovers and even muddy shoes.
  • Water shoes as perfect for pebble-strewn shores, slippery docks, or surprise adventures
  • Frozen aloe vera cubes for instant sunburn relief, but a good SPF for sunburn prevention!
  • A disposable camera for the kids
  • A Bluetooth speaker and a travel-sized first aid kit

🎒 Bonus: The “Pack-It-Back” Kit

Lakeside trips come with their fair share of stuff — wet towels, goggles, snacks, and those mysteriously collected pinecones and shells. To keep chaos at bay, give each child their own foldable tote or pouch to be their packing responsibility for the trip.

It’s a simple trick that teaches responsibility, sparks independence, and keeps your gear organized (goodbye rogue goggles under the dock!). Plus, the kids can decorate their bags with fabric markers before you leave — turning packing into part of the fun and making the bag truly theirs.

2. Screen-Free Games and Activities

One of the joys of being lakeside is unplugging. Encourage easy, low-tech fun — the kind that makes time slow down a little.

What to pack:

  • Playing cards and a favourite family board game

  • Binoculars for spotting birds or boats

  • Fishing gear (or a bucket and net for dockside exploring)

  • A journal or sketchbook for quiet moments

@ffllooww_by_shani_ayzencot and family in matching Navy & Pink Watermelons at Skylake, Miami.

@ffllooww_by_shani_ayzencot and family in matching Navy & Pink Watermelons at Skylake, Miami.

3. The S’mores Kit (An Essential Evening Ritual)

No lake trip is complete without toasted marshmallows and sticky fingers. Keep things simple, but pack enough for second (and third) rounds.

What to pack:

  • Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows

  • Optional extras: peanut butter cups or caramel squares

  • Skewers (extendable ones are ideal)

  • Wet wipes and a blanket for gathering around the fire

4. A Snack Bag That’s Ready for Anything

There’s always someone hungry after a swim or a canoe trip — and the nearest shop isn’t always around the corner.

What to pack:

  • Tons of your little one’s favorite snacks... Familiarity helps ease transitions in a new place and keeps everyone smiling.

  • Crackers, trail mix, and fresh fruit

  • A sweet treat for slow afternoons

  • Plenty of water bottles

  • Sandwich ingredients or wraps for simple lakeside lunches

Keep it light, easy to carry, and ready to unpack wherever you set up camp for the day.

5. Matching Swimwear For
The Whole Crew

Lake days are all about jumping off docks, paddling across still water, or drying off on a warm wooden deck. You’ll need swimwear that’s practical, quick-drying, and looks great in the family photos.

What to pack:

  • Matching Tom & Teddy swim shorts for dad and son

  • Rash tops for extra sun protection

  • A second pair of swimmers each — one’s always drying

  • Flip-flops, and a beach bag for lakeside essentials

  • Towelling ponchos to throw on in a hurry

@diana_biega and family in matching Blue & Orange Gecko at Lake Ouareau, Quebec.

@thebarbieblank and family in matching Rose & Blue Starfish at Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Idaho.