Houseboating Lake Powell with Kids
Ever considered a family adventure that’s part camping, part boating, and 100% unforgettable? In today’s post, California mom Felicia Wong shares her family’s firsthand experience houseboating on Lake Powell, an iconic reservoir along the Arizona–Utah border known for its red rock canyons, hidden coves, and endless opportunities for fun on the water.
From practical tips on renting a houseboat and meal prepping for a hungry crew to honest reflections about what it’s really like to spend a full week living off-grid on the lake, this guide will inspire you to consider a houseboat vacation of your own—whether you’re an experienced boater or total beginner.
Trying Something New: Houseboating
A few years ago, if you’d told me I’d be spending an entire week living on a boat, I would’ve smiled politely and said, “That’s not really our thing.”
So, when my brother, a boating enthusiast based in Arizona, invited us to join his family and friends on a houseboating trip on Lake Powell in 2021, I asked if we could just join for part of the week. He explained that bringing us back to the marina mid-week would be too difficult, so we committed to the full week and ended up having such a great time that we went again in 2023.
Turns out, houseboating with kids is a magical mix of off-grid simplicity, water fun, and breathtaking views. If you’ve ever been curious about houseboating (or particularly, houseboating with kids on Lake Powell), here’s everything we learned about how to make it happen (even with grandparents in tow).
What It’s Like Houseboating on Lake Powell with Kids
Houseboating is kind of like camping… but on a floating RV. You sleep, cook, eat, swim, and explore — all with your boat as your home base!
Lake Powell stretches over 180 miles along the Utah-Arizona border, winding through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with hundreds of little coves and sandstone inlets perfect for anchoring and exploring. With little to no cell service or reception in the canyon, the vibe is blissfully unplugged and adventurous, with days that blend into each other in the best way.
Our kids loved waking up to views of towering red cliffs and glassy water each morning. Every evening, we’d watch the sunset turn the canyon walls pink and gold—something none of us will ever forget.
How to Rent a Houseboat on Lake Powell
We’re lucky—my brother has a share in a houseboat timeshare, which means he gets a set week each year at Lake Powell. If you have friends or family or know someone with access to a houseboat, it’s an amazing way to experience lake life!
You can also rent a houseboat directly from the Lake Powell marinas at Wahweap, Arizona, or Bullfrog, Utah. The houseboat rentals typically include bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen. Some even have a water slide! Depending on the size, houseboats can accommodate multiple families. You can add on smaller boats or jet skis to your rental.
Anyone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license can drive a houseboat. Staff will walk you through how to operate everything, and you can opt for a complimentary captain to help get you in and out of the marina. Once you’re out on the lake, you take over. The first thing you’ll need to do is cruise the lake to find your anchoring spot.
Pro tip: Most families anchor for the week in a protected cove with shallow beaches. It’s kind of like finding your basecamp in the wilderness—once you’re there, you’ll generally stay put for the rest of the trip.
Fun Things to Do on a Lake Powell Houseboat with Kids
I worried the kids (and I) would get bored spending a full week on a boat, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth! There was so much to do! Some favorites:
- Swimming right off the back deck (life vests are a must!)
- Floating on tubes, lily pads, and relaxing in the calm coves
- Fishing for bass and catfish
- Exploring nearby slot canyons and surrounding rock formations
- Evening games and stargazing from the top deck
- Paddleboarding and kayaking (if you bring them)
- Jet skiing, boating, tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding
One highlight was visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges. It’s not only a stunning sight but also a sacred place for many Native American tribes. You’ll boat to the trailhead and then hike in for a closer look—definitely worth the effort.
Houseboat Meal Planning & Tips
Feeding a crew on a houseboat takes a little planning, but it’s a lot like prepping for a camping trip. Before arriving at Antelope Marina (where my brother’s houseboat is anchored), we stop in Page, Arizona, to stock up at Walmart or Safeway.
Ahead of time, we chat with the other families and plan a group menu. Each family takes turns cooking. We map out breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Some hits: tacos, BBQ, pasta, and fish we caught fresh!
Pro tip: pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. Sun + swimming = constantly hungry kids.
What to Pack for a Family Houseboat Vacation
Here are some of the essentials we recommend bringing on a Lake Powell houseboating trip with kids:
- Life jackets for everyone
- Swimsuits, rash guards, and sun hats
- Reef-safe sunscreen (and plenty of it)
- Water shoes (rocky beaches can be rough)
- Dry bags for phones or valuables
- Books, games, coloring supplies
- Easy food staples and lots of water
- First aid kit + motion sickness meds just in case
Other ways to explore Lake Powell
Not sure about a full week on a houseboat? You can still experience Lake Powell’s magic with shorter trips. Powerboats, watercraft, and jet skis are available for rent from the Lake Powell Marinas. You can also book a guided tour to places like Antelope Canyon or Rainbow Bridge. These day trips let you soak in the beauty of the lake without needing to sleep on the water.
Final thoughts on houseboating
Houseboating on Lake Powell is unlike any other family trip we’ve done. It turned out to be one of our family’s most memorable adventures—something I never would have expected when we first said yes. It’s unplugged, full of sunshine and splashy fun, and the kind of experience that invites you to slow down and really connect with nature and each other. We’ve appreciated beautiful sunsets over the water, counted stars from the top deck, and made lasting memories our family will cherish forever.
If you’re willing to try something a little different and step outside your comfort zone, this kind of trip offers the chance to unplug, connect with your kids, and soak up some of the most beautiful scenery.
No matter where you choose to launch your own family houseboating vacation (there are gorgeous lakes and houseboats available to rent across the country!), I hope these tips and stories inspire you to start planning. You never know, you might end up loving it so much you’ll be back again and again, just like we were.
About the author
Felicia Wong is a Southern California psychiatrist, mental health and wellness advocate, and outdoor enthusiast who believes in finding the wonder in everyday life. As a busy mom in a two-physician household, she makes it a priority to unplug, get outside, and create meaningful experiences with her husband and tween boys. A photographer, vlogger, and storyteller, Felicia shares tips for living intentionally and embracing everyday adventure on Instagram and her blog, inspiring others to find joy in the outdoors. She values her close multigenerational family relationships and will often #BringTheGrandparents on adventures, showing that the outdoors is for every age.
Passionate about diversifying outdoor spaces and recognizing that representation matters for Asian American families, she enjoys contributing to platforms like RWMC to help more people feel welcome in and access and enjoy outdoor spaces. As a family, you can find them camping, hiking, fishing, biking, skiing, and trying new activities together.