Overview: Planning a family outing in Traverse City? Discover why a pontoon rental on Arbutus Lake is the easiest, most fun-filled way to spend quality time together. Safe, spacious, and perfect for all ages! Read on! 

Arbutus Lake is one of those quiet gems just outside the bustle of Traverse City — clear, calm, and surrounded by pines. It’s not overrun with tourists. There’s space to breathe. It’s the kind of place where a slow summer day can stretch out into something unforgettable.

If your crew is craving a day that’s simple, fun, and actually relaxing, a pontoon might be the unsung hero you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s why renting a pontoon for your Arbutus Lake day isn’t just a good idea — it’s a great one.

 No One Has to Be the “Boat Expert”   

Not a seasoned boater? No problem. Pontoons are easy to drive, stable on the water, and beginner-friendly. That means less time worrying about docking or steering and more time watching the kids splash off the side or spotting turtles along the shoreline.

The whole day feels relaxed — because it is.

It’s Your Floating Basecamp   

You don’t have to plan a tight itinerary. Just hop aboard, cruise to a quiet spot, and drop anchor. Let the kids swim while you stretch out with a cold drink. Play cards. Fish. Read. Nap. It’s your space — and you can use it however you want.

Pontoons give families the freedom to explore and slow down.

Nature Does the Heavy Lifting   

Phones tend to stay tucked away when you’re drifting across Arbutus Lake. There’s something about the way sunlight hits the water or how the woods reflect off the surface that makes screens feel… kind of irrelevant.

And that’s the magic: even the busiest family members unplug without being asked.

A Day That Doesn’t Feel Like Work   

There’s a difference between a day out and a day off — and families feel that difference. A typical outing often means keeping track of everyone’s needs, hauling coolers, finding bathrooms, and trying to keep everyone entertained. But on a pontoon, the pace shifts. You’re not chasing activities — you’re setting your own rhythm.

Everything you need is with you, floating peacefully on the lake. If the kids want to swim, they jump in. If someone wants to fish or nap or snack, they can. There’s no constant moving from one place to another. No packing up and resetting all day long. Parents can actually relax.

Grandparents can enjoy the scenery. Kids can explore safely. The whole day unfolds naturally — without the friction.

By the end, you’re not exhausted. You’re refreshed. And that’s something every family could use more of.

Final Thought   

Traverse City offers plenty of summer adventures — from breweries to bike trails to beaches buzzing with people. But sometimes, the best days are the simplest. When you’re out on Arbutus Lake, surrounded by calm water and good company, you don’t need much else.

There’s something grounding about being together with no distractions. No schedules to chase. Just the rhythm of water, the warmth of the sun, and the kind of unstructured time that creates real memories. Whether it’s your kids’ first time jumping off a boat or your own chance to finally kick back and breathe, a day on a pontoon offers that rare combination of freedom and connection.

Reach out to TC Watersports for more!