We're moving to Clear Lake in June 2027. Our family's lake-day gear plus the local spots we already love — swim, boat, eat, repeat.
Big enough for the whole crew. Giant island float fits the whole crew at once — bring a pump, it inflates fast at the beach.
Intex Splash 'n Chill Island Inflatable Lake Float, 145" x 125"
Keeps drinks cold all day on the boat/beach. Ice stays frozen from morning launch to evening bonfire — worth every penny for a family of 8.
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler, Desert Tan
One for every size kid, no sharing fights. Coast Guard approved and sized for every kid, so everyone is safe and nobody argues.
Airhead USCG Life Jacket for Adults & Kids
We go through bottles a week in summer. Reef-safe and SPF 50 — reapply after every swim, and keep a spare bottle in the beach bag.
Reef Safe Sunscreen - 14 Products
Beach and boat tunes, splash-proof. Fully waterproof and loud enough for the boat — clip it to the cooler so it doesn't go overboard.
waterproof speaker
Fits a family of 8, sand shakes off. Sand shakes right off and it packs small — big enough for all eight of us plus snacks.
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Sandproof Waterproof
Best way to explore Clear Lake. Sunset cruise on the lake — book ahead in summer, it's the best seat for Clear Lake sunsets.
Lady of the Lake
Book the big house for family weekends — sleeps a crew like ours. Filter for 4+ bedrooms and a dock — lake access makes the whole weekend easier with kids.
Clear Lake Vacation Rentals, Iowa: house rentals & more
First rods for the younger kids. Telescoping rods sized for little hands, so first casts are fun instead of frustrating.
DaddyGoFish Kids Fishing Pole
Lake house and campsite tournaments. Regulation boards that travel well — set up a family bracket and let the trash talk fly.
Cornhole Games & Professional Cornhole Boards
Sand falls out, everything else stays in. Genius.
Fit & Fresh The Shore Thing® XL Marine Grade Mesh
Dock tunes that can survive a splash from the kids.
Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Outdoors
Clear Lake treasure hunting, goggles on.
Speedo Kids' Porto Snorkel Mask Set
Our go-to free beach and picnic day. Get there early in summer. Sandy beach, shaded picnic tables, and room for the whole crew — arrive before noon on weekends.
Clear Lake State Park
Free gardens in Clear Lake, perfect quiet walk / family photos. Themed garden rooms and quiet paths — bring a camera, it's our favorite low-key family outing.
Central Gardens of North Iowa
Historic music venue — Buddy Holly's last show. A must-see, not a purchase. Tour the museum, catch a show, and stand where rock history happened — a Clear Lake must-do.
