Tonawanda Lakes

Lakes Close to Tonawanda

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Tonawanda. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Tonawanda there are quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are numerous great reasons for a getaway to a lake in Tonawanda this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then set out on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Tonawanda

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost boundless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Tonawanda lake:

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you several options.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Tonawanda provide tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Lake Checklist

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Tonawanda to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along many of these items so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Snacks
  • Bottle opener
  • Portable phone charger
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunblock
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Insect repellant
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups

Additional lake items

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing poles
  • Bait

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips should ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Tonawanda and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Certainly, each lake near Tonawanda is going to have their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review when planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Tonawanda can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.