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HOW TO PLAN A FAMILY FUN DAY ON A PONTOON BOAT

by Manitou Pontoon Boats

There is nothing better than spending a day on your pontoon boat. But as you may know, it can be very stressful if you don’t properly plan your excursion. Imagine a day on a pontoon boat where you visit the same area and do the same activities as the time before, more for lack of imagination than because of the fun quotient. Not to mention the chaos that can ensue if there isn’t enough food, water, or sunscreen for everyone in the party.

Aside from the “dos” and “do nots” for planning a day on the pontoon, there are numerous fun ideas you and your family should try:

• Explore: Instead of visiting the same place every time, mix it up and boldly go where you haven’t been before.
• BBQ: If your pontoon boat has a BBQ on it, why not enjoy a beach BBQ?
• Scavenger Hunt: Invent a scavenger hunt where you stop at various places and solve clues. Will there be buried treasure at the end?
• Mega Raft: If your friends all have pontoon boats and families, tie up all the boats together and make a mega raft.
• Waterproof Camera: There is no better way to capture the day and take some memorable underwater photos.

Remember proper and creative planning, and you are sure to have an exciting day on the water.

Download our infographic for more tips for family fun on the water.

9 Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in Arkansas

It’s time to shake off the winter cold and welcome the unofficial start of summer with a  Memorial Day weekend getaway. From major cities to scenic lakes, Arkansas has something exciting for everyone. Head to downtown Fort Smith to try fantastic local eateries, or visit the zoo in Little Rock. From lakefront family homes to trendy lofts, there are plenty of Arkansas vacation rentals to choose from. Take a look at Memorial Day weekend getaway spots in Arkansas.

1. Little Rock

Source: Flickr/Dustin Holmes

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2. Hot Springs

Source: Facebook/HotSpringsNPS

Thrills and chills await you in the town of Hot Springs. Spend your weekend riding the roller coasters at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. This amusement park offers all your favorite rides along with a water park with slides and a wave pool. Take a tour of the old bathhouses in the Hot Springs National Park and feel the heat of these natural springs on a guided hike. Learn more about local and notorious bad guys at the Gangster Museum of America.

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3. Jacksonville

Source: Flickr/janeLLoyd Nichols

Spend your weekend splashing in the water in Jacksonville. The Splash Zone water park offers slides, a wave pool, and kiddie area with water fountains and dew drop showers. Dry off and put on your hiking boots for a day at the Holland Bottoms State Wildlife Management Area. Remember America’s fallen military members with a tour of the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. This small museum offers some nice exhibits and artifacts. Dupree Park is a great place to let the kids play on the playground while you relax and read your book on a bench.

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4. Fort Smith

Source: Flickr/aquiamigo

Excitement awaits your family in Fort Smith over this holiday weekend. Attend the Old Fort Days Rodeo and Parade. Find good seats to watch the parade go by and then cheer as cowboys rope cows and ride bulls. On Monday, honor Arkansas’s fallen at the Memorial Day Service at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Take advantage of the sunshine at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. It’s an outdoor museum with trolleys to see and even one to catch a ride on. Cool off at the Parrot Island Water Park with its slides, kiddie pool, wave pool, and lazy river.

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5. Fayetteville

Enjoy some time in the outdoors with a vacation rental in Fayetteville. Make the most of the weekend by hiking the Mount Sequoyah Woods Trails. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features native and non-native plants, flowers, and shrubs in full bloom at this time of year. Before leaving, stop by the butterfly house and sit still to get a butterfly to land on you. Learn more about military aviation and history at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum.

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6. Eureka Springs

Source: Flickr/janeLLoyd Nichols

Unwind and enjoy small-town life in Eureka Springs. Cool off in the oldest show cave in the state, Onyx Cave. Your tour guide takes you around the cave and points out all the interesting geology. Visit the Blue Spring Heritage Center to see the towering hardwood trees and native plants. Walk past the Bluff Shelter and the Blue Springs. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a local rescue organization that cares for neglected and abandoned large cats. See these fierce creatures and sign up for an up-close visit with a cub.

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7. Bella Vista 

Source: Flickr/Shawn Taylor

Founded as a summer resort town, Bella Vista is a great place to kick off the summer season. One of the most popular places for hiking in the area is the Tanyard Creek Trail. When you need to cool off, simply take off your shoes and splash around in the water. Bring your boat and put in the water from one of the public launches at Lake Windsor. Invert Sports offers boat rentals and jet ski rentals to play on the lake or spend a day fishing.

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8. Mammoth Spring

Source: Flickr/Roland Klose

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Mammoth Spring is a town that’s home to the largest hot springs in the state. Mammoth Spring State Park is the protected area of the hot springs just outside of town. More than nine million gallons of water flow each hour and form a lake. You can enjoy the hiking paths in the park or just enjoy walking by the springs. Learn more about how trains and rail service shaped the state at the Depot Museum.

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9. Ozarks

Source: Flickr/twi$tbarbie

Ozarks shares its name with a large lake that Arkansas shares with Missouri. Mike Fink’s Marina Boat and Wave Runner Rentals Lake of the Ozarks can set your family up with a pontoon boat for a lazy day of fishing and soaking up the sun, or a powerboat for a day of water skiing. Learn more about the history of the lake and surrounding towns at the Ozark Area Museum. After a long day on the water, grab some ribs or sandwiches from Rivertowne BBQ to enjoy back at your vacation rental.

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Ready to go?  Check out these amazing Arkansas vacation rentals on Tripping.com.

WHY A PONTOON BOAT RIDE SHOULD BE ON TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST

By: Action Water Sportz

For many people going on a family vacation for the first time, the idea of looking for a pontoon boat for fishing or a small party can seem rather far  fetched. The assumption by many is that you have to own one, and this is very expensive.

Pontoon boats are among the best ways to get families onto the water as they have enough space to fit an entire family. They are easy to handle even for people boating for the first time. A pontoon boat ride is something every family member will enjoy.

Of course not everyone has the financial ability to own a pontoon boat. But the good thing is that you can still rent one. You just need to have the necessary information when leaving for your vacation. Some of the questions that are frequently asked center around whether there are any credentials or licenses required before renting a pontoon boat.

Easy process

The truth is that renting boats is a straight forward process. So of you are thinking of renting a pontoon boat for the first time, don’t feel intimidated. There is not too much paperwork involved. As long as you are 18 years or older, you are eligible. Different rental companies have different age limits, so you might have to inquire about this first.

Peak season

Memorial Day weekend through to the summer is always the peak season for pontoon boat rentals. So if you are planning for your summer holidays, you may want to start making inquiries early. You are best advised to make your boat reservation well in advance of your plans. Searching for one in the middle of summer can lead to disappointment. At the same time, when you make your reservation early, you are very likely to pay less.

Ease of operation

Pontoon boats have stable platforms that are easy to master when launching or cruising on the water. They also have pull-up cleats around the deck that make it easy to pull up or dock from all angles. If you are docking late in the evening, remember to switch on the docking lights.

Versatility of pontoon boats

Their large, spacious floorboards together with a lot of sitting space means that everyone in the family, irrespective of age can enjoy the unique boating experience that a pontoon boat ride is perfect for families. There are also many activities that you can enjoy while on a pontoon boat including tubing, fishing, sunbathing, grilling or just enjoying a day out on the water.

If you are bringing your kids along, there is enough room for them to play around. They can even invite their friends if they want to. There is plenty of room for everyone to have fun.

Fun Facts About Pontoon Boats | Pontoon Depot

By: CornholeOnWater

Nothing quite says summer like a "party in slow-motion." If you've ever heard the song from the band 'Little Big Town,' you know that can be achieved with a pontoon boat. They are perfect for getting together with family and friends to just relax and have a good time. 

Here are four fun facts and ideas for your pontoon:

THE PONTOON BOAT WAS FIRST INVENTED AND MANUFACTURED IN MINNESOTA.

Pontoon boats were invented by a farmer named Ambrose Weeres in 1951. His idea was that if you had a wooden deck built on two columns of steel welded together, then your deck would be more sturdy for conventional boating. In 1952 he started Weeres Industry and took orders for over 40 boats. In 1990, the Minnesota state legislators officially recognized Weeres as 'Mr. Pontoon'. In 1991 he was inducted into the Minnesota State Hall of Fame. 

PONTOON BOATS ARE COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZABLE.

You can customize your pontoon with virtually any feature you want! Depending on your interests, you can customize your boat with a GPS, a grill, a fish finder, customizable seats...pretty much anything to make it your own. {check out Pontoon-Depot.com's shop for all your needs}

PONTOON BOATS ARE PERFECT FOR DRIFTING OUT TO THE PERFECT PART OF THE LAKE OR BEACH TO PLAY CORNHOLEONWATER!

Pontoon boats are slow drifting vehicles. So, you can take a nice relaxing ride in the water until you reach a desired sandbank or dock, you can easily stop the boat, jump out and cool off, and play some fun water games like Cornholeonwater!

PONTOONS ARE PERFECT FOR WATER CAMPING.

If you've ever wanted to camp literally on the lake, then adding a canopy or some type of enclosure to the boat will help you protect you from mosquitos and other outside pests. Just add some camping cots or sleeping bags for a more comfortable rest, as opposed to sleeping directly on the floor of the boat. Dock at a shore or sandbank, or anchor down at a place of your choosing. Let the water rock you to sleep as the crickets and cicadas sing you to sleep. 

Next time you're planning a family get together, change it up and invest in a pontoon boat. You can eat, sunbathe, relax, and just drift down the water. Don't let the fun end once the sun sets. Put up a canopy and enjoy your pontoon at dusk and as you sleep!