How to Enjoy a Lake House Vacation

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 References

Taking a vacation at a lake house has many perks, including beautiful waterfront views and an array of fun activities. If you're looking to stay active on your trip, pick a spot with plenty of trails and opportunities for water sports. If you'd rather relax and kick back, choose a quiet destination with local attractions like museums or art galleries. When bringing the kids along, make sure the property is equipped with plenty of space to play in addition to playgrounds, parks, and kid-friendly attractions nearby.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Going on an Active Vacation

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Opt for a fitness retreat. If you're a fitness buff, you can choose a vacation package tailored to staying in shape. Offerings include guided hikes or bike rides, water aerobics, kayaking, parkour practice, yoga sessions, or personal trainers. You'll be able to enjoy exercising in a new environment and learn new techniques or sports.
2
Choose a destination with lots of trails. Hiking and biking trails will provide you with beautiful pathways to see the local flora and fauna while staying active. If you don't want to bring your own bikes, look for places nearby that rent them out to visitors before booking your trip.^{[1]
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3
Pick a lake where water sports are welcome. Select a lake that allows water sports, like jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. You can bring your own equipment if you have it; otherwise choose a lake with a shop that rents out boats, equipment, and life jackets to visitors.
4
Find out the water temperature. If you're a water bug and plan to spend time swimming or participating in watersports on the lake, make sure the water temperature will be warm enough to do so. Look at the average water temperature for the lake during the time of year you plan to travel. You can also bring a wetsuit if the water is a bit too cool for your liking.
5
Look for a fitness center nearby. Some properties will have fitness centers or offer exercise classes to visitors, which are perfect for people looking to stay active while on vacation. Choose a location with a fitness center that welcomes guests in addition to residents, and check the rates beforehand so you know what fees are charged for using the gym or taking a pilates class.
6
Take advantage of the local geography. Look for opportunities to do things you can't do in your local area, like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, zip-lining, or mountain biking. Research the climate and topography before you book your trip so you have an idea of what new adventures you can try.
7
Choose a spot with space for lawn games. Bring lawn darts, corn hole, or ladder toss along on your vacation. You can also choose a spot that provides these games for guests or that has a horseshoe pit or volleyball court for you to enjoy. You can take advantage of warm summer nights outdoors while playing games that keep you moving.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Relaxing on Your Trip

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Choose a quiet location. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax to the max, choose a quiet destination without a lot going on. Some vacation properties are arranged in clusters that mean lots of noise, action, or partying from neighbors who may have a different idea about what makes a great vacation.^{[3]
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- You may even want to choose a place that caters to adults only, rather than families.
2
Pick a luxury retreat. Choose a luxury retreat or spa in order to enjoy extra amenities such as personal concierges and services like massages and facials. Some retreats also offer meditation guidance or yoga classes, while others boast hot tubs or rooftop gardens. Still others have captivating displays of antiques and art or stunning views.^{[4]
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3
Look for cultural experiences nearby. Choose a lake house in an area that offers cultural experiences, like art galleries, museums, and libraries. Other ideas include historical monuments, botanical gardens, bird watching, or walking tours. You'll be able to learn more about the local culture while enjoying leisurely days.
4
Plan a sunset picnic. A lakeside picnic is a great way to enjoy the scenery surrounding your destination. Pack your favorite eats or see if a local restaurant offers a picnic meal pick-up service. Simply spread out a blanket and kick back while enjoying a leisurely meal in a beautiful location.^{[5]
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5
Lounge on the dock or pier during the day. Use the dock or pier as a quiet spot to read a book, or use it as a diving platform or fishing perch. You could also skip rocks from it or view the wildlife. For those who love to paint, draw, or take photographs, the lake view at different times of the day can make for fascinating subject matter.
6
Stargaze on a quiet night. Take advantage of the time away from the city to see the stars in all their glory. Set up a comfy area outdoors with pillows and blankets and look at the stars. You can even use an app, like Sky Map or Star Walk, to help you identify constellations and planets.^{[6]
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Preserve the memories of your stay. Make a log book, journal, or scrapbook of each day's activities. Take plenty of photos to share once you return. If you return to the lake house regularly, these memories will build over the years and make for lovely reading through the generations.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Taking a Vacation with Children

1
Choose a family-friendly property. Some destinations are targeted more toward families with children than others, so it's important to scope out the layout and amenities before booking your trip. Look for places that offer equipment you may need (such as cribs or highchairs), as well as playrooms, board games, and toys, or media rooms with Wi-Fi and game consoles for your children.
- Take note of the amount of space to play outdoors as well and look for things like good climbing trees and rocks.
2
Look for locations that have parks or playgrounds nearby. Your kids will love having a place to play while on vacation. Choose a destination that boasts parks, skate parks, splash pads, or playgrounds, as well as kid-centered activities, like zip-lining, tree houses, climbing walls, and tire swings.
3
Stay near a grocery store. If you are planning to cook rather than eat out for every meal, you should pick a property within a reasonable distance from a grocery store. With all the items you'll be packing for the trip, it'll be easier to purchase food from the grocery store after you arrive and unload the car. You won't have to go far in case you forgot anything or want to make last minute purchases once you see what's inside the property.^{[7]
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- Check out local prices for food items as well as gas and other essentials so you are prepared if prices are higher than what you're used to.
4
Pick a place near kid-friendly attractions. You may want to take a break from the lake and venture into town to visit a theme park, zoo, aquarium, bowling alley, arcade, or toy store. See what kinds of attractions are offered in the area that appeal to kids before booking your trip. Take note of any festivals or parades that may be taking place while you are visiting as well.
5
Choose a spot with a sandy shore. Bring buckets and shovels from home, or pick up a few cheap ones at a local store so the children can play in the sand. Your kids will love being able to create a cool sand castle or look for little treasures hidden in the sand.
6
Look for a location with a fire pit. Building a bonfire by the lake shore makes for an enjoyable evening outdoors. You can roast hotdogs for dinner or roast marshmallows for s'mores. The fire will not only keep the bugs away, it will also keep you warm and cozy when the temperatures start to drop.^{[8]
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- Make sure to practice fire safety. Get permission before building a fire, do so only in the designated area, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
7
Sign your kids up for a day camp. Look for camps and day programs in the area that offer activities your children would enjoy. Certain resorts and properties even have day camps or programs on-site that will allow the adults to relax while counselors entertain the children.
8
Arrange to take the kids tubing. You can rent a boat and tow the kids on a tube yourself, or sign up for a seasoned boat driver to take you and the family out on the water and experience a thrilling tube ride.
9
Plan a nature scavenger hunt. The kids will love hunting down items all around the property during a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items (like seeds, a pinecone, a red leaf, a bug, a flower, something that floats, a small stone, a berry, a feather, a nut, something yellow, etc.) and send the kids out to find as many as they can.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Packing for Your Vacation

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Find out what essentials the property includes. Does the property have all the appliances you are accustomed to, such as a washer and dryer, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, and ice maker? Is there an oven, a microwave, and a grill? You should also figure out if there are cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaner and sponges, dish soap, hand soap, and laundry soap, in addition to items like a vacuum, broom, and mop, available for you.
- Find out if a cleaning service is included with the house or whether you'll need to clean before you head home.
- Bring extra toilet paper and tissues, as well, unless you are certain the rental will have enough.
2
Determine what items are in the kitchen. Sometimes vacation rentals come fully stocked, but that may not always be the case. Find out if the property comes with cookware, dishes, and utensils (like pots, pans, spatulas, spoons, knives, forks, plates, bowls, etc.), or if you'll need to bring your own.
- You may also want to bring aluminum foil, napkins or paper towels, and Ziploc bags or Tupperware.
3
Figure out if linens are included. Reach out to the property owner to find out if linens are included with the property. If not, or if you'll bring more people than there are beds, you'll need sheets, blankets, pillows, and potentially air mattresses, too. You may also need bath towels, washcloths, hand towels, and beach towels.
4
Bring clothing and personal items. Pack undergarments, shorts, pants, tops, sweatshirts, socks, and shoes for your trip. You'll also need a swimsuit for playing in the lake. Pack a nice outfit, like slacks and a polo shirt or a sundress and sandals, if you decide to go out to dinner.
- Don't forget your travel reservations, keys, wallet, cash or credit cards, and ID!
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Pack your toiletries. Include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer or lotion, deodorant, lip balm, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and shaving supplies. You'll also need sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, washcloths, and towels. Bring contact solution, extra contacts, and glasses, if applicable.^{[9]
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- Pack makeup and hair supplies (e.g., a brush, hair products, hair ties or clips, and a blow dryer or straightening iron if you want one), too.
- Bring a first aid kit and any prescription medicines.
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Pack food and drinks. You can choose to bring these items from home, or stock up at a local grocery store. Choose items for breakfasts, such as eggs and bacon or fruit and oatmeal. Lunch items could include wrap or sandwich fixings. For dinner, consider grilling hot dogs and burgers or roasting them over the fire. Good options for snacks are granola bars, trail mix, fruit, and veggies.
- Don't forget spices, like salt and pepper, as well as condiments, like mayo, mustard, and ketchup.
- Pick up bottled water, juice, soda, alcohol if desired, and ice.
- Find out if there is a coffee maker or if you'll need to bring your own, along with filters, coffee, sugar, and creamer.
7
Add entertainment items. Books, puzzles, playing cards, and board games are items that will keep you entertained indoors, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. You can also include CDs, movies, and video games after ensuring the property comes with the appropriate players. Be sure to pack all charging cables and extra batteries too. Don't forget your camera, as well!^{[10]
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Lake House Vacation Itinerary

Sample Lake House Vacation Itinerary

Community Q&A

Question

I am remodeling my lakefront home, and need a list of rules to keep extended family from unwanted visits and taking advantage. What should I say?

Community Answer

Send out an email or give them a phone call to let them know the house is being renovated, and nobody is permitted to stay. Break it to them gently.