Boaters come in all ages and, fortunately, the organizers of the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 26-28) and the Bay Bridge Boat Show (April 12-14) on Kent Island understand that well. Both shows offer fun opportunities for kids, even if you aren’t in the market for a new boat. Here’s what you need to know.
First thing’s first: grab your kid’s life jacket before coming down. This will allow your kids to play without you stressing that they’ll fall off the dock into the cold water. If you don’t have a personal flotation device (PFD) for your kiddo, stop by the BoatUS booth and grab a loaner for your time at the show. They have extras.
If you’re a kid, it’s hard to beat the fun of crawling aboard a brand-new boat. Your imagination has no budget, and thankfully exhibitors encourage this. Whether you’re reclining on the trampoline of a catamaran under the Bahamian sky, or secretly stowing away in the bunk of a trans-Atlantic voyager, encourage your child to play pretend while you check out what’s new on the market.
As a parent, it’s important to remember that some boats ask that you remove your shoes before climbing aboard. Make sure your kids are wearing shoes that don’t take five minutes to lace up.
Do your kids like to fish? The Chesapeake Invasives Corner plays host to “Take Me Fishing,” a booth chock full of activities at the Bay Bridge Boat Show. There’s also the Kids Fun Zone, with fun games to keep younger kids occupied. A casting competition, coloring books, and plenty of swag will make it hard for the kids to leave.
On Saturday the 14th at the Bay Bridge Show and Saturday the 27th at the Spring Sailboat Show, the USCG Auxiliary is hosting a family-friendly Safety on the Water seminar at 9 a.m. The seminar is free for kids 12 and under, and the $23 price for adults includes admission to the boat show.
Also on Saturday morning at the Sailboat Show, an interactive seminar will teach kids (and their adult handlers alike) how to tie simple knots. Get your bowline down perfect, but also get comfortable securing your boat to a dock. These skills will translate for the rest of your kids’ lives.
Down at City Dock, kids can play privateer on the Pride of Baltimore, which will be docked through the entirety of the Spring Sailboat Show. Onboard entry is covered in the price of your ticket.
When it comes time to get some food, many vendors operating within the show grounds will have food fit for kids’ appetites. But if you want something other than fried food, consider stepping outside the show gates for some good, family-friendly menu options. Kids love Iron Rooster in downtown Annapolis and Libby’s on Kent Island. Thankfully both carry adult fare such as salads and alcoholic beverages for anyone who doesn’t need a sippy cup.
The spring and fall boat shows in Annapolis are such mainstay events; memories will be made by attending as a family! Bring your kids down to the show, even if you aren’t in the market for a new boat, and enjoy being a local in one of the greatest boating towns in the world.
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