Is Downtown Marina Family-Friendly? Boating Tips for Parents with Kids

There’s nothing like the wide-eyed wonder of a kid forming core family memories out on the lake.

Family Fun Starts at Downtown Marina in Kelowna

Kelowna boat rentals aren’t just for partygoers or thrill-seekers. At Downtown Marina, we make it simple to enjoy a family-friendly day on Lake Okanagan. Whether you're looking for a small boat rental or wondering how much it costs to rent a boat, our team is here to help you prepare for smooth sailing.

We’re located steps from the top restaurants in Kelowna and right on the waterfront, so you can grab snacks, enjoy the beach, or fuel up before or after your outing.

Best Boats for Families: From Pontoons to Jet Skis

Here are the best boats for families to rent in Kelowna:

Pontoon Boats – Spacious and shaded, perfect for young kids and parents.
Bowriders – Great for smaller families looking for comfort and agility.
Jet Ski Rental – For families with teens or parents looking to ride something faster.

Safety First: Boating with Kids on Okanagan Lake

Boating with children can be magical with a little preparation. Tips for safe sailing include:

Wear Fitted Life Jackets – supplied by Downtown Marina and available in most sizes. If you have a baby on board, please bring your own infant lifejacket. Speaking of…
Babies on Board – Kelowna can get very hot, and babies don’t regulate their temperature well. Cool them down with a spray bottle and/or periodic dips. Hold the baby while the boat is moving, never strap them into a car seat or any other gadget, and consider bringing a pack-and-play or Moses basket for naps.
Sun Protection: Bring sunhats, sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves. Ask the Staff at Downtown Marina for a boat that provides shade.
Set Boat Rules: Don't stand while moving, don't lean over the side, and don’t take off a child's lifejacket.
Hydration Station – Pack lots of water, juice, and/or sports drinks.

Worried about where to get boat gas? No stress—our marina offers easy fueling options right on site. No detours needed.

Kid-Approved Snacks (and Parent Sanity Savers)

Lake days are better when bellies are full. Bring:

Crackers, cut-up fruit, and granola bars
Bento boxes with simple lunch items
Frozen juice boxes (they double as mini ice packs!)
Apple sauce squeeze packs

If you're short on supplies, hit one of the best Kelowna restaurants or the Downtown Marina’s snack shop before boarding. You’ll find several options just steps away in downtown Kelowna—including new Kelowna restaurants to explore post-boat ride.

Heading out on Okanagan Lake with your crew? Downtown Marina makes boating with kids fun, easy, and safe right from the heart of downtown Kelowna.

Extra Perks: Beaches and Okanagan Views

Looking for more adventure? We offer speedboat rental options for families who want to wakeboard or have a faster-paced lake day.

During your day out on the water, stop at one of our many gorgeous beaches for a lake day picnic.

Thinking of trying boat camping next time? We’ll point you toward the best gear and routes on Lake Okanagan.

Book Your Family Boat Rental Today

If you’ve been searching for “boat rentals near me” or wondering “how much to rent a boat in Kelowna,” the answer is simple: Just visit Downtown Marina, where family-friendly meets lakefront ease.

Centrally located in Kelowna BC, right on Lake Okanagan, Downtown Marina has everything you need for a memorable outing.

Reserve online or call now to rent a boat or jet ski or get help planning your first (or fiftieth) family lake day.

Downtown Marina is your go-to for Kelowna boat rentals, including jet ski rentals, pontoons, and bowriders—perfect for family lake days or adventures with friends. Located on the shore of Lake Okanagan in downtown Kelowna, we offer boat gas, rental gear, and friendly service. Learn more or book now!