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On a hot day, there is nothing like being out on the water for a cool little adventure. I have been searching for a way to get out on the water in Connecticut without actually owning a boat, and it's not that easy. And voila, this is what Lakeside Watersports is perfect for: you can reserve one of their boats and each one comes with an experienced captain and spotter to take you out on Candlewood Lake, making you feel perfectly confident in bringing not only your own kids, but also their friends.

Which adventure will your crew choose?

Lakeside Watersports made this entire experience a breeze! I went with three girls aged 10-12 and everyone had an amazing time. The only thing you really need to bring with you is a towel. Lakeside provides everything else you could need–including ice-cold water bottles and comfortable life jackets. 

RELATED: Fun Boat Rides for Connecticut Kids and Families

You just might have the whole lake to yourself!

My girls wanted to spend their hour tubing around Candlewood Lake, so that is exactly what we did! The hour was plenty of time for the three of them to zip around the lake. When we went, we were the only ones out there, so it was like we had the lake to ourselves. I think they may have enjoyed falling into the lake almost as much as they liked tubing. You can try as many activities as you want during your scheduled time. All you have to do is let the staff know what you would like to try before you head out so they have the right equipment on board. The cost remains the same no matter how many activities you try.

Choose from: wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, wakesurfing, slalom skiing, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and wakeskiing. Don't know what a few of those are? I didn't either. The descriptions on the website will help your daredevils decide what they want to try first. 

RELATED: 12 Connecticut Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

 
Enjoy a Pork Belly Burger right on the waterfront. Photo courtesy of Down the Hatch

Restaurants near Lakeside Watersports

Down the Hatch – Brookfield 

Down the Hatch is the only waterfront restaurant on Candlewood Lake. Enjoy sitting outside on the large patio and enjoying a menu filled with seafood classics, burgers, tacos, and a kids’ menu. 

Maggie McFly’s – Brookfield 

Maggie McFly’s kids' menu is one of the largest I have ever seen, with burgers, steak, pasta, salads, chicken fingers, and much more. 

JJ Stacks – Brookfield

Nothing says summer quite like chocolate milkshakes, burgers, and fries—and that is exactly what JJ Stacks is known for. Throw in some mini golf and you have a perfect family restaurant. 

Know Before You Go to Lakeside Watersports

• Book in advance if you have a specific date in mind. Once the schedule is posted, it is posted for the entire season. It’s a good idea to sign up for the Lakeside email list to stay informed on hours and changes to the schedule.

• There are no age restrictions! Instructors here say they have taught kids as young as 4 to water ski, and kids even younger than that can tube. It's a great adventure for the whole family.

• When you book time with Lakeside Watersports, you are always booking a private appointment on the boat with a First Aid and CPR Certified Driver and Instructor. Safety first, people!

• Pricing at Lakeside is based on a per-hour flat rate of $200/hour plus the cost of fuel. This rate includes all the crew and the use of any equipment (with instruction) for up to 10 people. You can book for 1-4  hours at a time. We booked a one-hour session and it was plenty of time for three kids to get their fill of tubing fun.

• Lakeside Watersports is less than 2 hours from New York City, in Brookfield, Connecticut. Check the website for hours and available services, as those change with the weather! But as a general rule, the season is April through September, and barring inclement weather you can book a boat ride from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

All photos courtesy of the author unless otherwise indicated