6 Ways to Keep Your Family Entertained Aboard a Yacht

You’ve done it, you’ve booked a family sailing holiday in Croatia. You’re excited but now you’re wondering – how to keep a family entertained at sea? First, know that your family will be entertained just by sailing, swimming, relaxing and enjoying but in case you need some extra ideas – here are 6 ways to keep your family entertained aboard a yacht.

1. Games and toys that are great on a boat
While we don’t recommend over-packing, there are some things you can bring along that will help keep your family entertained for the week. For younger children, packing a few of their favourite fluffy friends is a nice way to make their cabin feel like home. Colouring books and pencils (not felt- tip – to save the yacht) are good for the younger ones. Cards, Uno, magnetised board games, Bananagrams, Pictionary… these are all games that are fun for the whole family and lightweight, making them easy to travel with. The beauty of a sailing holiday is getting to unplug from life and reconnect with family, and games are a great way to spend quality time together.

2. Water-friendly toys and games
You are on a boat at sea, so naturally, a few inflatable toys are fun to bring along! Inflatable mattresses or animals are always a hit with kids. Every year, the selection grows but the most popular option so far has to be the flamingo, unicorn and pizza slice! Note: remember that young children should always have a life vest on and be supervised in the water at all times. You can bring these or save room in your suitcase and buy them in almost any market along the coast.

3. Water sports and activities
When booking your yacht charter, check what equipment comes with the yacht – i.e., snorkelling equipment, fishing, SUP… If it is not included in the yacht charter, we can organise to have it aboard. SUP boards or kayaks are great fun for the whole family and a perfect way to explore the bays and surrounding nature. Snorkelling is also a good way to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic (for children and adults alike). Children also love fishing, so having a fishing rod or even just a hand- line, is a perfect way for children to spend an afternoon. If you have chartered a yacht with a local skipper, they will be happy to teach your children about fishing; they may even know some good spots to do it!

4. Build a fort and camp on the deck
When anchored, building a fort is a fun way to keep little ones entertained. Let them use whatever equipment they can to improvise and who knows, maybe they will even take an afternoon nap (sheltered from the sun) inside. ‘Camping’ on deck is also a beautiful memory for families. When there is a clear, warm night, bring mattresses and blankets onto the deck and sleep beneath the stars! These are the kinds of priceless memories that stay with children and families forever.

5. Movie Night
While we don’t encourage spending time on electronics (laptops or tablets), sometimes the weather or mood calls for it. On a rainy evening, set up your device in the salon to watch a movie and make popcorn to set the mood. Even if the weather is good, a movie night can still be fun – even better if the kids make a fort on the deck first, then get cosy inside.

6. Talent Contest
Depending on the age of your children, a family talent contest can be a lot of fun. We have seen children make up songs and dances, or even a play. Again, something like this can be fun for the whole family and create beautiful memories that stay long after the tan has faded.

It’s less about entertainment, more about quality time together Being prepared is always good, especially when children are involved. However, at the end of the day you will realise that it is less about entertaining and more about spending quality time together. We often hear from our guests that it wasn’t a matter of entertaining or thinking about how to spend the days but rather that the week passed too quickly! Our advice? Focus less on doing and more on being present in the moment, and this will be a holiday to remember.

Visit our website or contact us for more information, and let us help you create the perfect family holiday.