Family-Friendly Boat Food & Snack Ideas For Your Next Boat Party

Entertaining family and friends on the water is part of what makes the boating lifestyle so appealing! Food, drinks, and snacks can make or break any party, so here are some boat day food ideas to inspire you for your next get-together.

Easy-to-Pack Finger Foods

Sandwich Wraps

Sandwich wraps are easier to manage and store for a boat party than traditional sandwiches. You can provide pre-made wraps with a variety of ingredients like turkey, ham, bacon, veggies, and spreads. Consider whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Mini Sliders

For some fun, bite-sized boat food ideas, think about sliders as another finger food to pack. Classic beef, chicken, or veggie patties with a slice of cheese make a filling snack that kids and adults will love.

Veggie and Fruit Skewers

Colorful skewers with fresh vegetables and fruits make for perfect boat snack ideas that are healthy. They're light and refreshing snacks, not to mention easy to prepare! Be sure to use sturdy skewers that are kid-safe if there are going to be children at your boat party.

Refreshing Salads and Sides

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a great choice for a boat party because it can be served cold. It's also easy to prepare: cook some pasta, chill it in the fridge, and add simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Toss with a light vinaigrette and you've got a delicious salad!

Quinoa Salad

Another cold option for a boat party is a quinoa salad. It's healthy, packed with protein, and holds up well in a cooler. For healthy flavors that will contrast with the quinoa, add diced cucumbers, feta cheese, and a lemon dressing.

Chips and Dips

What party could be complete without chips and dips on hand? Bring a variety of potato and corn chips for your guests. Easy-to-make dips like guacamole, hummus, or salsa will go great with them. Put your dips in containers that will stack together easily in a cooler with some cold packs as this will keep them fresh and cool until you're ready to serve them.

Kid-Friendly Snacks

Fruit Cups

For a kid-friendly snack, add pre-portioned fruit cups to your list of boat party food ideas. Kids will love them and they are a healthy and mostly mess-free snack. These are easy to prepare with a mix of fruits like berries and grapes, with some diced melons added.

Cheese and Crackers

You may want to break out the charcuterie for the adults and the kids at your boat party. Cheese and crackers are a simple and filling snack that is easy to assemble right on the boat. For some creative cheese ideas, you might want to try a mix of textures. Examples include soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese, sliced cheese like Swiss or cheddar, and crumbly cheese like aged gouda or pecorino. An assortment of artisanal or multi-grain crackers will go well with any cheese.

Trail Mix

Kids will also love a DIY trail mix that has a mix of healthy proteins and other snacks in it. Nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, and chocolate pieces can all be mixed for a great energy snack. There are many different ways you can customize a trail mix for different preferences or dietary needs.

Sweet Treats

Cookies and Brownies

You really can't go wrong with cookies or brownies for a crowd-pleasing dessert. If you make homemade versions, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together as you transport them to your party. When packing cookies or brownies in a cooler, seal your ice packs in a plastic bag. This will prevent moisture from building up and making your desserts soggy.

Frozen Treats

Popsicles or frozen fruit bars are popular dessert treats for a hot and sunny day on the water. Be sure to include family-favorite flavors like strawberry, lemon-lime, cherry, and grape. When storing frozen treats like these, keep them in a dedicated cooler where everything is frozen. This will help preserve them longer and prevent them from melting.

Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip

For a healthy and sweet dessert, prepare fruit kebabs with a side of yogurt dip. Grapes and melon slices are perfect for your skewers. For a tasty dip, you can mix honey, vanilla yogurt, and some cinnamon. For every 1 cup of yogurt, add 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and stir it to a smooth consistency.

Hydration and Drinks

Infused Water

Keep your guests hydrated on the boat with infused water. Have slices of citrus fruits, berries, or cucumbers that your guests can add to their water for a little "zing." Reusable water bottles or dispensers are good choices to use for boat parties.

Kid-Friendly Punch

Mix a couple of different 100-percent fruit juices in a pitcher, then add some ginger ale. Add ice or some frozen berries for a simple and tasty fruit punch. In addition to tropical fruit juices, you can also add strawberry juice or lemonade.

Smoothies

Smoothies are easy to make in a blender, and you can bring them to the boat party in thermoses to keep them cold. Adding ingredients like bananas, berries, and spinach will create a nutrient-packed drink that will surprise your guests.

Practical Packing Tips

Cooler Organization

To pack a cooler more efficiently, stack foods in the order they will be eaten and layer the items with ice packs. Items that will be eaten later in the party should be near the bottom of the cooler.

Food Safety

Food safety is very important when you're on a boat. Be sure to keep any perishable items cool until it's time to serve them. Avoid cross-contamination of food items to keep everyone safe.

Reusable Containers

Reusable containers that stack together are a great way to transport items in a cooler. It will also mean you're creating less waste while out on the water.

Enjoying Your Boat Party to the Fullest

Try out these food ideas for a boat party the next time you're planning an aquatic adventure with friends and family! Be sure to explore more boating tips and accessories for the boating lifestyle here at Gemlux.