Let’s be real—keeping kids engaged during charter isn’t always easy. Add in a moving boat, no water toys, limited space, and a little seasickness?
You’ve got yourself a challenge. Underway days can feel restrictive for little ones, often manifesting as fussiness, mess, or full-on chaos.
If you’re the stew tasked with keeping them happy while the yacht’s cruising, don’t panic—you can keep things fun, smooth, and safe without it taking over your entire day.
Start with a Simple “Underway Zone”
Pick a safe, cozy spot—like a corner of the main salon or the sky lounge table—and turn it into a mini activity station. Stock it with low-mess, high-fun toys and games that keep hands busy and spirits high.
Here are a few go-to ideas by age group:
Under 6 months
Touch & feel books
Light-up or musical toys (low volume)
Tactile sensory balls
Baby-safe mirrors
Hanging toys above a play mat
2-year-olds
Water painting books (no mess, just a refillable pen!)
Shape sorters and busy boards
Play tea sets and dolls
Lift-the-flap books
Bubbles on deck (if it’s calm outside)
4-year-olds
Lego or Duplo (in a tray with edges)
MagnaTiles
Dress-up kits (pirate, doctor, mermaid… you know the drill)
Small ball games in contained areas
Puzzles (100 pieces or fewer)
Toy mic for “talent shows” (with volume down)
8-year-olds
Travel journals with stickers
Hama beads (in a set-up area)
Bead kits or DIY jewelry
Codebreaker puzzles
Paint-by-numbers
Magic tricks
Compact games like Uno or Dobble
Craft projects they can gift or use for table decor
12+ years
Mocktail-making sessions
Advanced Lego builds
Board games or mini murder mysteries
Break the Day Up with Themed Sessions
When the boat is rocking and you’re stuck inside, a bit of structure really helps. Think of these like micro-events you can sprinkle throughout the day.
Here are a few I love:
Calm Hour: Right after lunch. Soft music, sea-themed books, maybe some yoga stretches or meditation. Perfect wind-down.
Creative Corner: Get the crayons, stickers, and glitter glue out. Let them design sea monsters, dream yachts, or their own flags.
Pamper Party: Cucumber slices, kid-safe nail polish, sparkly hair clips—if your boat has a spa, even better.
And remember—it’s okay to put a movie on and bring out the popcorn if all else fails.
A Few Things to Prep Ahead
Before you’re underway, take a few minutes to:
Learn the child’s interests and energy rhythms
Know what’s safe (and fun) for their age group while cruising
Have a few backup activities ready in case of bad weather
Before You Go… Don’t forget to grab the Yachts Mermaids and Superyacht Nanny FREE Yacht Stews’ Kids Provisioning Checklist—so you’re not scrambling last-minute to source snacks, games, or gear. It’s a quick download that makes family trips way smoother.
And if you need even more inspiration, check out “11 Tried-and-Tested Onboard Activities to Keep Kids Entertained and Happy”—a blog packed with stew-approved ideas that actually work.
Want a Plug-and-Play Kids Charter Kit?
If you’re a stewardess looking for plug-and-play activity ideas that work even when underway, the Ultimate Superyacht Stewardess Kids Charter Resource Pack is made for you.
It’s packed with more than 15 resources, including:
Screen-free, yacht-safe activities & games
Editable treasure hunt templates
Kid-friendly provisioning lists
Templates, logs, and hacks on everything from working with a nanny to service and housekeeping for kids
👉 Download now and walk on board knowing you’ve got kids’ entertainment handled—even in choppy seas.
Remember— to make guests’ family time onboard truly memorable, all you need is a little prep, a few tried-and-true tricks, and your own amazing stewardess instincts.
You’ve got this—and the Ultimate Superyacht Stewardess Kids Charter Resource Pack is here to back you every step of the way.
