Lakes Close to Brooklyn
The weather is warm so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Brooklyn. A stay at a lake can be amazing for those that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Brooklyn offer you lots of beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own favorite spot on a lake!
Lakes Close to Brooklyn
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near Brooklyn there are many things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Brooklyn:
Swimming. The swimming lakes near Brooklyn offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!
Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Brooklyn that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Picnic time. The lakes near Brooklyn provide all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.
Lake Getaway Prep
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!
The basics
When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the following list of items is an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Bathing suits
- Dry shirt
- USB charger
- A fully stocked cooler
- Insect repellant
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Something to dry off with
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
Additional lake items
Depending on the itinerary at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to departure.
- Fishing gear
- Diapers and baby gear
- Worms or other bait
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Wine key
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Tackle box and lures
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Inflatable pool toys
- Paper towels and sanitizer
Staying Safe on a Lake
Of course spending a weekend to a lake in Brooklyn can provide tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Don’t swim alone
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Brooklyn
Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Brooklyn and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, each lake near Brooklyn will possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to review when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
- Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
