Overview: Paddleboarding with kids in Traverse City is easier than you think! Get our fun, family-friendly tips to make your TC Watersports day on the water safe, exciting, and unforgettable. Read on! 

Picture this: The sun’s warming your shoulders, Traverse Bay is sparkling like glass, and your kids are perched at the front of your paddleboard, grinning from ear to ear. You push off, gliding over crystal-clear water, spotting fish dart below while the shoreline slowly drifts behind you. One of them shouts, “This is the best day ever!”

That’s the beauty of paddleboarding with kids — it’s not just a water activity, it’s a family memory in the making. At TC Watersports, we’ve seen families go from “Should we try this?” to “When can we do it again?” in a single afternoon.

Here’s how to make sure your first family paddleboarding adventure is safe, exciting, and full of smiles!

 Pick the Right Spot   

Calm water is the secret to a great first experience. Forget battling waves — you want peaceful, shallow stretches where kids can relax and focus on the fun. Luckily, Traverse City is full of quiet coves and glassy shoreline, perfect for first-timers. Our crew will happily point you to our favorite “starter zones.”

 Life Jackets = Family Uniform   

We can’t say it enough — life jackets for everyone. They’re more than safety gear — they’re your “we’ve got this” badge of adventure. Bonus tip: let the kids choose a fun color or style so they’re excited to wear it.

 Make It an Adventure, Not a Lesson   

Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Turn paddleboarding into a mini expedition:

Treasure Hunt – Find driftwood, colorful shells, or “mystery” shapes in the water.

Animal Tracker – Count how many fish, turtles, or birds you can spot.

Pirate Patrol – Pretend you’re guarding the bay from imaginary ships.

These little games keep kids engaged and excited, even if they’re not paddling the whole time.

 Pack Snacks & Plan a Sandbar Stop   

The magic formula for happy kids on the water: snacks + swim breaks. Pack a small dry bag with fruit, granola bars, and water, and head for a sandbar halfway through your paddle. Let them hop off, splash around, and refuel before paddling back. Traverse City’s bays are dotted with shallow, sandy spots perfect for a mid-adventure pit stop.

 Keep It Short & Sweet   

A first paddleboarding trip doesn’t have to be an epic journey. Start with 20–30 minutes and let the kids decide if they want more. Ending on a high note leaves them eager for the next trip — trust us, they’ll be begging to go again tomorrow.

Capture the Big (and Silly) Moments  

Bring a waterproof phone case, you’ll thank yourself later. Between the wobbly “I’m standing!” moments, the big smiles, and the inevitable goofy faces, you’ll want plenty of photos. These are the shots that end up on your holiday card.

Why Paddleboarding with Kids is Pure Magic   

It’s not just about balancing on a board but about working together, laughing together, and exploring Traverse City’s beauty in a way you’ll never forget. Paddleboarding teaches kids confidence, teamwork, and how amazing it feels to be out in nature.

At TC Watersports, we’ve got stable boards, family-friendly launch spots, and all the tips you need to make your day on the water as smooth as the bay itself.

Ready to give it a go? Book your paddleboard rental today and turn your Traverse City vacation into a story your kids will tell for years.