💦 Family-Friendly Water Activities in Mammoth Lakes
When summer heats up in the Eastern Sierra, there’s no better way to cool down than enjoying the many family-friendly water activities in Mammoth Lakes. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, this region offers an abundance of safe, exciting, and scenic aquatic adventures that appeal to kids, teens, and adults alike.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning a longer mountain retreat, here are the top water-based experiences your whole family will love.
🛶 1. Paddleboarding & Kayaking at Lake Mary
Lake Mary is one of the crown jewels of Mammoth’s Lakes Basin and the most popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding with kids. Its calm waters make it ideal for beginners, and rentals are readily available at the Lake Mary Marina.
✅ Family Tip: Life jackets are provided with rentals and required for children—safety first!
✅ Bonus: Bring a waterproof camera to capture the incredible alpine reflections.
🎣 2. Fishing Fun for the Whole Family
Introduce your little ones to the joys of fishing at lakes like Lake George, Twin Lakes, and Convict Lake. These lakes are regularly stocked with trout during the summer months, and many offer accessible fishing piers.
🎣 Best Spots for Families:
🧺 Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
🏖️ 3. Swimming & Lakeside Relaxation
Although high-altitude lakes are chilly, several are shallow near the shore and great for a quick dip or wading session. Horseshoe Lake is especially popular with families thanks to its soft sand and spacious shoreline.
✅ Why It’s Great for Kids:
🩱 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes to protect feet from rocky areas.
🚣 4. Canoeing & Row Boating for a Classic Summer Experience
For a traditional family outing, canoes and rowboats are available for rent at various marinas. Convict Lake is particularly picturesque and calm, offering easy paddling for all ages.
📷 Photo Opportunity: The reflections of Mt. Morrison on the lake are stunning, especially in the early morning!
🌊 5. Float Tubing & Splash Play
Some areas of Mammoth Creek or the edges of Twin Lakes are safe for supervised float tubing and water play. Just make sure to stay in shallow, slow-moving sections, and always keep a watchful eye on children.
💡 Safety Note: These activities are best for older kids who are confident swimmers, and everyone should wear life vests.
🐟 6. Visit the Mammoth Creek Park & Water Feature
If you’re looking for an easy, in-town experience, head to Mammoth Creek Park, where kids can splash safely near the creek and enjoy the nearby playground and picnic facilities.
✅ Nearby Perks:
🌄 Final Thoughts: Make a Splash with the Family in Mammoth Lakes
From serene lake paddles to beginner-friendly fishing and splashy creek play, Mammoth Lakes offers countless water adventures the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re introducing your children to the great outdoors or just looking to beat the heat, these family-friendly activities are sure to make your summer visit unforgettable.
📍 Ready to turn your trip into a lifestyle? The team at Mammoth Village Properties can help you find a vacation home or year-round retreat close to the region’s most popular lakes and parks.
📞 Contact us today and let your family adventure begin—right here in Mammoth Lakes!
Image credit to: Samantha Lindberg
