10 Things to do at the Lake

Are you looking for things to do at the lake this summer? There are so many fun ways to enjoy the water, but if you’re new to lake life, it can be hard to know where to start. However, when it comes to the lake, the possibilities are endless!

I’ve always loved the water but for a long time we lived in an area where lakes and rivers weren’t very accessible.  At least, not without paying a price.  If you wanted to go to the beach or use a boat launch where we used to live, you usually had to pay a fee.

But three years ago we moved to an area that is less populated with people, but quite populated with bodies of water.  Rivers, ponds, lakes, creeks, streams…. you name it.  And 9.9 out of 10 times, access is free.

So, you will often find us out there on the water doing all the things – especially in the summer.  

If you are lucky enough to find yourself out by some large bodies of water this season there are so many things you can do to make memories that last a lifetime. You’ll never want lake life to end!

10 Things to do at the Lake

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Swimming

The first lake activity we all think about is swimming.  It’s a well-loved sport and because it doesn’t require any equipment (well, besides a bathing suit, and maybe a life jacket for the little ones), it’s a frugal activity to do at the lake.  

Where I live beach access is free, and you don’t even pay for parking!  My kids have spent countless hours swimming in the water every summer.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

This is another one of my favourite lake activities.  Last year we bought an SUP and it’s gotten quite a bit of use.  Stand up paddle boarding requires some balance, but it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it and avoid falling off!

There are inflatable paddle boards and hard paddle boards.  I much prefer the hard paddle boards as I find them sturdier, but some people like the inflatable SUPs because they are cheaper and easier to transport.

Many places rent out SUPs which is an excellent opportunity to try before you buy.

Fishing

My family loves to fish.  You can fish from shore, a motorized boat, or even a canoe or a kayak.  I prefer fishing from a boat but that’s just because I seem to have more luck fishing if I do it that way. Make sure you look into if your area requires a fishing license before you go.

Boating

Get out on a boat and cruise around.  Again, this is something some places will allow you to rent if you don’t have one, however, you may be required to have a boater’s license to operate a motorcraft.

Tubing

Kids love tubing!  Strap a proper tube behind a boat, and let’er rip!  This is a great activity to do as a group as many tubes now hold three people and kids love to tube with their friends.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a nice, peaceful activity to do with a friend or family member.  My favorite times to canoe are first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the water seems is often very calm and still.

Kayaking

Maybe you’d rather be alone?  Kayaking is a nice, introverted activity as most kayaks hold only one person (though you can buy a double kayak.)  However, kayaking is fun with a friend too if you have multiple kayaks.  Either way, this is another peaceful activity to do on the lake.  No boat engines means it’ll be nice and quiet as you paddle across the lake.

Jet Skiing

I’ve only been on a jet ski a few times, and only as a passenger, but it’s a super fun watercraft that will have you whipping around the lake in no time.  This is another type of watercraft that you can often rent.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is basically the only thing on this list I’ve never tried, and that’s because I’m just not coordinated enough to do it, and basically, I have a fear that I wouldn’t be able to get up on the wakeboard.  However, there are so many people out there who LOVE wakeboarding.  It’s an extreme water sport that is fun to conquer – or so I hear.  

Enjoy the sunset

This can be from on the lake, or on the edge of the lake or sitting on a dock.  Watching the sunset over the water makes it feel like all is right in the world, no matter what is going on in your life.

Why Lake Life is the Best Life

No crowds, no noise – that’s why I prefer lake life.  There are so many different water-based activities to do under that wide-open sky.

When we first started spending time at the lake we spent most of our time swimming because we didn’t have any other equipment or tools to enjoy the lake with, and it can be costly.  However, over the years we slowly built up our collection.  First it was fishing rods, then a canoe, then a boat, then a kayak and now, my favourite – a paddleboard.  

I was really worried I would have buyer’s remorse when investing in watercraft, but I can tell you that the only thing I regretted after buying them was waiting so long. 

I’m a frugal person, but after the initial cost of watercraft it’s often an affordable way to enjoy the water year after year.  Our whole family has had hours upon hours of fun on the water thanks to our investments.

However, if that is not something you are wanting to do yet, I encourage you to look into renting different items.  Sometimes you can even find fishing rods to rent.  

You don’t need a cottage to enjoy the lake.  There are plenty of beaches, parks with water access, and more where you can enjoy a day on the water.  Once that water gets in your blood you’ll be looking for any excuse to get back out there!