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We’ve bought a lot of lake stuff. Some of it changed our summers. Some of it is sitting in the shed judging us.
So here’s the honest list: the 6 things that keep getting dragged back down to the dock, plus the one that didn’t quite work out. No fluff, no “game-changer.” Just what our family of adults, teenagers and little kids actually fights over.
Quick Picks (for the skimmers, I see you)
- Want the whole family hanging out together? Inflatable floating dock
- Want the lake-day classic? Aqua Lily Pad
- Have a boat and teenagers? Towable tube
- Want a cheap way to explore the cove? Paddle board
- Want to be extra? Floating cooler and pool and lake hammocks
1. Inflatable Floating Dock: The Best Money We Spent
This one cost more than anything else on the list, and I’d buy it again tomorrow.
It’s basically our lake-day hangout spot. The adults sit on it with cocktails. The teenagers sunbathe and jump off. The little kids run around and cannonball into the water. And my nephew Michael uses the netted section to let the fish he catches swim around for a bit before he lets them go. (Yes, he’s a catch-and-release guy. No, the fish did not ask for a spa day.)
We’ve had around six people on it comfortably. We make it even bigger by hooking our Lily Pad and tubes to it, so it turns into a floating neighborhood.
It’s easy to inflate, and when we’re done we deflate it, fold it up and put it away. No fancy storage routine.
Why it’s worth it: Everyone uses it. It’s where we all end up laughing and talking at the same time, which is rare in this family.
Bonus: The netted section lets you sit right in the water without wondering what’s swimming under you. Unless it’s Michael’s catch of the day. In that case: I don’t need to know.😂
2. Aqua Lily Pad: The OG
Before the dock, we had the Lily Pad. It’s still a must-have.
It’s flexible and bendy, so the kids and teens lay out on it, tan, jump on it, and see how long they can stay on before it dumps them. You will get wet. That’s the point.
It rolls up and comes right along on the boat, which makes it the easiest “let’s just go” toy we own.
If you want one thing multiple people can enjoy together in the water, this is it.
3. Towable Tube: The Teenager Magnet
Have a boat and kids or teenagers? You’re getting a tube. Don’t fight it.
Tubing is its own activity at our house. We’ll sometimes take the boat out just to tube, because apparently a boat ride by itself isn’t enough entertainment.
Ours is sturdy, comfortable and fits three people. You choose the vibe:
- Slow cruise: everybody relaxes, nobody screams
- Full chaos: try to toss the kids off (they love it, they’d never admit it)
Handles make it easy to grab on and climb back up after you’ve fallen in. And you will.
4. Paddle Boards: Our Little Escape
We own two, a ROC and a ZLX, and here’s the honest comparison: they’re basically the same. The biggest difference is the color and pattern. So pick the one that makes you happy and don’t overthink it.
What I love: quietly paddling into the little nooks and crannies of the cove that the boat can’t get to. You don’t need to be an expert. It’s easy to balance on, and you can sit or kneel when you want to slow down.
Our whole family uses them. They’re also easy to inflate and store. Sometimes we don’t even bother putting them back in the bag. We fold it and toss it in the shed. No judgment.
It’s a whole new way to enjoy the lake without a huge investment.
5. Floating Cooler: Not a Must-Have, Just Really Nice
Do you need a floating cooler? No.
Did I immediately become a person who can’t sit on the dock without one? Also yes.
You can’t exactly bring your regular cooler into the water. So we put the drinks in this one and tie it to the dock. Everyone’s beverages are right there while we swim and lounge, not back on shore.
Once your drink is floating next to you in the middle of the lake, you get it.
6. 4-in-1 Pool & Lake Hammocks: The Glorified Noodle
I mean that in the best way. 😂
You sit on it, or lie on your stomach with your arms over the floaties, and just… float. Nothing productive happens. It’s perfect.
Little kids and adults both use them. We bought a pack of eight because they were cheap enough that everyone got their own, which ended all arguments. They work in the pool too.
7. The One That Didn’t Work for Us: Pool Tic Tac Toe
Not every purchase is a winner. This one was a fun concept, and I don’t want to bash it, because it’s probably great in the right place. The right place just wasn’t the lake.
It’s a floating Swimming Pool Tic Tac Toe game, and we pictured everyone playing it from the dock. In real life, two things got in the way:
- The balls are lightweight. Any breeze and they were off exploring the cove without us.
- It was hard for the kids. In a pool, they can stand and reach. At the lake, they’re swimming and can’t touch the bottom, so it turned into more struggle than game.
So it’s not a flop, just a bad fit for lake life. We’re going to try it in our pool, where everyone can stand and nothing floats away. I’ll report back.
Lesson: a pool toy and a lake toy aren’t always the same thing. Check where it’s meant to live before you buy.
Lake Safety: Quick Reminder, Because Kids
It’s not the fun part, but it matters. Everyone on the water wears a life jacket that fits, especially kids and anyone tubing or paddling. Check your lake’s rules, and always have someone watching the tube and the kids in the water. Okay, lecture over. Back to cocktails.
So What Would We Buy Again?
Honestly, all of it, but not in the same order.
- Starting from scratch? Paddle board. Cheap and fun.
- Want the whole family in one spot? Floating dock.
- Want the classic? Lily Pad.
- Boat and teenagers? Tube.
- Want to be comfortable? Floating cooler and hammocks.
The funny thing about having a lake house is you never know what’s going to become a family favorite until it’s been dragged out ten summers in a row. These are the survivors.
Here’s to more time on the water, more family memories, and hopefully fewer purchases that end up in the shed. 😂
Your turn: What’s the one lake toy you’d never leave the dock without? Tell me in the comments. I’m always looking for my next purchase (and my next shed resident).
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