5 Ways to Entertain a Toddler on a Boat Tour

At the end of the day, the best way to entertain a toddler on a boat tour is to combine quiet toys, smart snacks, and games that use the view around you. 

As enjoyable as a boat tour can be for older kids and adults, it’s no surprise that toddlers can get restless fast on the water (there’s only so long “look, waves!” will work), so having a few easy, portable distractions ready can be the difference between a peaceful cruise and an hour of wrestling a tiny octopus. 

Here are five practical, toddler-tested strategies to keep them busy and keep you sane from boarding to docking.

1. Bring Compact, Quiet Activities They Can Use Anywhere

On a moving boat, you want activities that won’t roll away, make a ton of noise, or require a full table setup. Think small, self-contained things they can use on their lap, in your arms, or in a seat without bugging other passengers.

Try packing these toddler-friendly boat activities:

• Sticker books or reusable vinyl sticker pads. No loud sounds, no pieces flying everywhere, and kids can peel and stick over and over.

• Water drawing pads. These “magic” pads only use water, so no ink on seats, clothes, or your face.

• Small figurines or sensory fidgets. Choose things that are easy to grip and not too precious, so if something takes a dive overboard, it’s not a tragedy.

Once you have everything, pack it all in a small pouch that lives in your bag just for outings like this. If you only bring it out on special occasions, it feels new and exciting every time you board.

2. Turn the Scenery into a Game

You don’t need a huge bag full of toys to keep your toddler engaged, as the boat tour itself can be one big built-in activity. The beauty of turning the scenery into a game is that it doesn’t require any extra gear.

Boat tours are the perfect place for toddler games like:

• “Find something blue/green/yellow”. Point to the water, sky, boats, and life jackets, and let them shout out what they see.

• “Count how many boats we pass”. Even if they can’t really count yet, they’ll love trying.

• “Can you find any cool birds or anything interesting on shore?” Ask them to find birds, rocks, trees, houses, or anything that looks different along the shore.

These little games give them a job to do and keep their eyes outward instead of focused on how long they’ve been sitting. It also makes the tour feel more interactive for the whole family.

3. Let Them Burn Energy Before Boarding

One of the best tips for a family-friendly boat trip is to avoid bringing a fully-charged toddler on board and expecting them to sit still. If there’s a park, open space, or even just a safe area to walk near the dock, let them run, climb, jump, or explore for 15–20 minutes before you board. 

A bit of pre-boat movement helps them settle into their seat, reduces the urge to bolt down the aisle, and can prevent that classic meltdown that could hit halfway through the tour (you know the one).

4. Pack Easy Snacks That Take Time to Eat

Snacks are basically another activity, and on a boat, they’re a very effective one. The trick is choosing options that are not super messy, don’t melt all over, and take a little time to eat, so they fill some of the trip.

Some toddler-approved boat snacks could include:

• Bite-sized fruit. Think grapes (cut for safety), blueberries, or small apple slices in a reusable container.

• Crackers or cereal in a spill-proof cup. A snack cup with a lid they can reach into is perfect for tiny hands and keeps most of the crumbs contained.

• Mini muffins or soft bars. Easy to hold, not too crumbly, and filling enough to tide them over.

Try offering snacks in “rounds” rather than all at once — one small thing early on, something else in the middle of the trip. This buys you extra pockets of quiet time and helps avoid a sudden hunger meltdown while you’re out on the water.

5. Rotate Toys and Activities Throughout the Tour

Even the best toddler boat tour activities lose their charm after a while. So, instead of handing everything over right away, think in stages. 

For example, you could start with the view and simple games, then add a sticker book, then a snack, then a new toy. Rotating activities keeps things feeling fresh and stretches your entertainment supplies across the whole ride.

Extra tip: Keep one hidden “surprise” activity in your bag, like a new sticker sheet, a small figurine, or a different snack. When attention really starts to fade, bring out the surprise. That last little “wow” can carry you through the final stretch of the tour.

Make Your Next Boat Tour Easier for Everyone

With some quiet toys, simple games, movement before boarding, and smart snacks, it’s absolutely possible to entertain a toddler on a boat tour and actually enjoy it yourself. You don’t need a suitcase of supplies, just a small, well-chosen set of distractions and a loose plan for when to use them.

And when you’re ready to put these ideas into action, we’d be happy to have your whole family aboard! Book your next boat tour with Collingwood Charters today.