Day at the Lake Checklist

Fewer activities are more enjoyable than a long, leisurely day at the lake with friends, family, or even just your own company. Gorgeous views, sunshine, refreshing swims, time in nature—and the best part is, it’s all free! Spending the day at the lake is made even more relaxing when you are prepared for the experience. Having a checklist is handy so you know what to bring with you and so you don't stress when it’s time to pack. In this post, we will take a look at the top essentials to bring with you for a day at the lake.

Lake Toys

If you are planning to take full advantage of a freshwater lake, there are a number of fun things you can bring with you. Items like inflatable rafts or water tubes are perfect for wading effortlessly in the water and soaking up the sun. Bring goggles or snorkeling gear for the kiddos who love to splash around and swim beneath the water’s surface. For dryland activities, load up your beach bag with a volleyball, frisbee, or water guns for some healthy, competitive fun with your whole group.

Beach Essentials

When planning for a full day at the lake, it helps to think of it a little like preparing for the beach. While you won’t need to pack a surfboard, there are several things you can bring with you that will make your lake day more relaxing and fun. First and foremost: towels. Towels are essential for drying off after a dip in the water and laying out on the ground when you want to get some sun. Alternatively, beach mats and beach chairs are great items to keep you comfy by the water. If you know you are going to need some time out of the sun and aren’t sure if there will be natural shade available, pack a small beach tent or a beach umbrella.

Food and Beverages

You simply cannot spend an entire day at the beach without some yummy treats! Pack a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and drinks to share. Water is a necessity, but you can also bring iced teas, lemonade, sports drinks, or other refreshingly cool beverages to keep you hydrated. For low-maintenance snacks, pack a backpack with items like chips, beef jerky, and fresh or dried fruits. If you are spending the whole day at the lake, you may want to pack food items for a barbeque or picnic. Easy items to prepare outdoors include hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, ribs, summer salads, veggie side dishes, and simple desserts like brownies or cookies. Don’t forget essentials like firewood or charcoal for grilling, paper cups, plates, and napkins as well as ice to keep everything cool. With food in tow, you will also need to bring basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, hand sanitizer, and trash bags.

Safety and Protection

Spending the day at the lake swimming in deliciously cool lake water, soaking up the sun, and enjoying delicious picnic food is undoubtedly relaxing, but there are a few things to keep in mind in order to stay safe. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and any other accessories you may need while you are spending a significant amount of time in the sun, such as hats and sunglasses. You might also want to consider a rash guard if you plan to do a lot of swimming or other water activities, as it can provide extra sun protection and prevent irritation from the water if you have sensitive skin. Aside from the sun, other elements to consider are mosquitoes and pesky bugs, so be sure to pack insect repellent. If you are paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating on the lake, pack life jackets for each person going to the lake. If you are traveling with small children who aren’t strong swimmers yet, it’s a good idea to bring arm floaties or small life jackets they can use whenever they are in the water with you.

Swimwear and Cute Summer Outfits

A leisure day at the lake calls for cute swimsuits and trendy summer outfits! Bring your favorite one-piece, blouson tankini, or other women’s swimsuit style for swimming and other practical pieces like a swim dress or beach coverup you can wear when back on dry land. For footwear, pack flip flops or women's water shoes that can be worn on dry land and in the water. Should you plan to do other activities around the lake, such as hike or play beach volleyball, consider packing athletic apparel and durable footwear for all the dryland activities around the lake.