10 Fun and Safe Children’s Water Activities to Try in 2026

The best childrens water activities build confidence, teach vital safety skills, and create a lifelong love for the outdoors. At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we offer a complete pathway of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised courses. This guide explains our sailing, powerboating, and paddlesport activities to help you find the perfect one for your child.

All our courses take place on the safe, inland waters of Farmoor Reservoir. We will explore 10 fantastic options, from a child’s first time in a kayak to the thrill of skippering a powerboat. You will learn what each activity involves and which course is the right next step for your child’s age and confidence. Exploring diverse watersports activities can help you find the right fit, and this guide provides clear details on our RYA pathways. Let’s dive into the best childrens water activities available.

1. RYA Dinghy Sailing Courses

RYA Dinghy Sailing courses are the best way for children to learn how to sail. These courses provide a solid foundation in boat handling, wind awareness, and water safety. Using small, easy-to-manage boats, children progress from being a complete beginner to a confident sailor in a safe environment.

This step-by-step learning system is one of the safest and most effective childrens water activities you can choose. The RYA syllabus is designed to build skills gradually, ensuring young sailors feel comfortable and challenged at the right level. From learning to steer to understanding how sails work with the wind, each stage builds on the last.

Why Choose RYA Courses?

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) framework is known worldwide for its high standards of safety and teaching. An RYA course guarantees your child receives excellent training that focuses on both fun and skill. It is the ideal way to turn beginners into capable young sailors who respect the water.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Group by Ability: A chat before the course helps us place children in groups where they feel comfortable.
• Build Confidence Early: We start with fun exercises in shallow water to build confidence before a full sailing session.
• Safety First: Water safety drills and capsize recovery are part of every course. High-quality wetsuits and buoyancy aids are essential.
• Maintain Engagement: We use games and challenges to keep sessions fun and engaging for everyone.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we offer five-day holiday courses that cover the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme stages 1-4. These courses are a fantastic way for children aged 8-16 to learn to sail during the school holidays.

2. Windsurfing and Wingfoiling Lessons

Windsurfing and wingfoiling are exciting sports that combine balance, strength, and technique. Children learn to stand on a board and use the wind’s power, either with a sail (windsurfing) or a handheld wing (wingfoiling). These high-energy activities are brilliant for improving core stability and coordination.

Learning to windsurf or wingfoil is an exciting challenge. This makes them some of the most engaging childrens water activities for older kids and teenagers. The journey from balancing on the board to gliding across the water gives a huge sense of achievement.

Why Choose Windsurfing or Wingfoiling?

These sports offer a unique mix of physical activity and mental focus. Mastering the equipment feels like flying across the water. They are perfect for children who enjoy a physical challenge and want a sport with pathways to advanced levels like freestyle or racing.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Start with Stability: We begin with larger, more stable boards. This helps learners focus on the sail or wing without worrying about balance.
• Shore-Based Drills: Using a land-based simulator first helps children get a feel for the equipment before going on the water.
• Pick the Right Conditions: Initial lessons are best in light, steady winds. Strong gusts can be difficult for beginners.
• Build Water Confidence: Children should be comfortable swimming before they start.
• Focus on Fun: We keep early sessions short and use games to build skills while keeping it enjoyable.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our weekend RYA Start Winging & Windsurfing courses are a great introduction for ages 12 and up. They provide the core skills needed to get up and riding safely under expert guidance.

3. Paddlesports Programmes (Kayaking and Canoeing)

Paddlesports, like kayaking, are a brilliant way for children to explore the water. Children use a paddle to move their boat, giving them a sense of freedom and control. Paddlesports are easy to get started with and are a great gateway to a lifelong love of being on the water.

This makes them one of the most popular and enjoyable childrens water activities, suitable for a wide range of ages. The skills are easy to learn, so children quickly gain confidence as they paddle their kayak.

Why Choose Paddlesports?

Paddlesports are great for developing a child’s balance, coordination, and strength in a fun way. The simple equipment means children can be on the water and learning in minutes. This immediate success is perfect for building water confidence and a sense of achievement.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Proportioned Equipment: We use shorter paddles and smaller kayaks designed for children so they can paddle comfortably.
• Build Confidence Sequentially: We start with simple paddling games near the shore before going into open water.
• Safety is Non-Negotiable: Everyone on the water must wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid at all times.
• Games for Engagement: We use fun games to teach skills like turning and stopping without it feeling like a formal lesson.
• Tandem Kayaks for Beginners: Putting a nervous child in a two-person kayak with an instructor is a great way to build confidence.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our paddlesports are part of our multi-activity holiday camps. This gives children a chance to try different watersports during the school holidays.

4. Powerboating and RYA Powerboat Courses

RYA Powerboat courses give older children and teenagers the chance to learn how to drive a motorboat safely. This exciting activity teaches boat handling, navigation, and emergency procedures. In the safe environment of Farmoor Reservoir, young people learn to manage powerful boats, which builds a great sense of responsibility.

This is one of the most rewarding childrens water activities for the 14+ age group. The RYA course builds skills step-by-step, from slow-speed manoeuvres to planning a trip at speed. This ensures they develop the confidence to handle a powerboat responsibly.

Why Choose RYA Powerboat Courses?

The RYA’s powerboat training is respected worldwide for its high safety standards. An RYA course means your teenager gets expert teaching that combines fun with serious skill development. It is an ideal way to introduce them to responsible boat handling.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Start on Land: We begin on shore to go over the boat’s controls and safety equipment like kill cords.
• Graduated Throttle Control: We teach throttle control with gentle exercises in a calm area before trying manoeuvres in open water.
• Clear Communication: We stress the importance of clear communication between the instructor and the driver.
• Safety is Paramount: We conduct full safety briefings covering kill cords and life jackets. Man-overboard drills are practised regularly.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2 courses are for ages 14 and over. These courses provide a perfect foundation, from launching the boat to handling it in tight spaces.

5. Water Safety and Survival Skills Training

Water safety training gives children the skills and confidence to be safe in and around water. This training goes beyond basic swimming to cover survival techniques and rescue skills. By learning what to do if they fall in, children build a vital foundation for enjoying the water safely.

This is one of the most important childrens water activities because it supports all other watersports. It is about building knowledge and resilience. Sessions teach practical skills in a controlled environment, making every child feel capable rather than afraid.

Why Prioritise Water Safety Training?

Dedicated water safety instruction, supported by organisations like the RYA, changes a child’s relationship with water. They learn to respect it and manage risks, rather than seeing it as a danger. This builds true water confidence, which is essential for safely enjoying activities like sailing.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Assess Confidence First: We start with a gentle check of each child’s comfort level in the water.
• Create Safe Zones: We use a shallow, calm area for initial confidence-building exercises.
• Teach Breathing Control: We teach techniques to manage the body’s reaction to cold water, such as controlled breathing, to prevent panic.
• Use Peer Support: A buddy system where children support each other is very effective for building confidence.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, water safety is part of everything we do. Our ‘Safe and Fun’ courses are designed to build these essential skills, ensuring all participants start their watersports journey with the best possible foundation.

6. Multi-Activity Holiday Camps and Weeks

Multi-activity holiday camps are a great way for children to try different watersports in one programme. We combine sailing, windsurfing, and paddlesports into an action-packed week. This keeps children engaged and helps them discover new passions in a fun and social setting.

These camps are among the most effective childrens water activities for building confidence quickly. The varied schedule prevents boredom and means every day brings a new and exciting challenge on the water.

Why Choose a Multi-Activity Camp?

A multi-activity week is perfect for children new to watersports or those who love variety. It is a fantastic chance to try different activities without committing to a single one. The camp atmosphere also helps build teamwork and new friendships, making it a brilliant holiday experience.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Prepare for Success: Knowing the five essentials for organizing their belongings for summer camp will help ensure your child has everything they need.
• Build Camp Spirit: We include team challenges and land-based games to build a positive group atmosphere.
• Balance the Schedule: We plan for rest time within the busy schedule to prevent tiredness.
• Offer Flexibility: We offer flexible timetables so children can spend more time on their favourite activities.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our popular Easter and summer holiday camps are ideal for this. Our week-long multi-activity courses for ages 8-16 are designed to be an unforgettable watersports adventure.

7. School Group Sessions and Educational Programmes

School group sessions provide a unique chance to bring watersports into the school curriculum. These programmes are designed to meet specific learning goals, from PE and team-building to environmental science. The reservoir becomes an exciting outdoor classroom for school groups.

These sessions are one of the most impactful childrens water activities as they link physical skills with key goals like resilience and communication. By offering curriculum-linked activities, schools can give students a memorable experience that supports their education.

Why Choose Educational Programmes?

Tailored educational programmes provide a safe, organised, and curriculum-focused way for schools to access quality watersports teaching. They are ideal for developing teamwork and leadership skills in a practical setting that is very different from a normal school sports day.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Establish a School Liaison: A specific contact person coordinates schedules and aligns the sessions with the school’s goals.
• Link to the Curriculum: Session plans have clear learning outcomes that link to the PE national curriculum.
• Differentiate Activities: We plan for mixed-ability groups to ensure every child can participate fully.
• Build Relationships: We assign consistent instructors to school groups to help build trust and rapport.
• Gather Pre-visit Data: We work with the school to get information on each child’s swimming ability beforehand.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we are proud to offer subsidised or free access for many local Oxfordshire schools, making watersports accessible to all. Our programmes range from primary school water safety to multi-activity days for secondary schools.

8. Inclusive Sailability and Adaptive Watersports Sessions

Inclusive Sailability sessions are special programmes that enable children with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities to enjoy being on the water. With adapted equipment and one-to-one coaching, these sessions remove barriers so every child can develop skills in a safe and supportive environment.

This approach ensures that childrens water activities are truly for everyone. It focuses on what each child can do, adapting the activity to meet their needs. The goal is to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community on the water.

Why Choose Sailability?

Sailability, promoted by the RYA, is a programme that guarantees high standards of safety and inclusivity. Choosing a recognised Sailability centre means your child will be supported by trained staff who create a positive learning experience. It’s about celebrating every achievement.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Individualised Planning: We assess each person’s needs before the first session to develop a personal plan.
• Create a Supportive Team: Our volunteers and instructors have training in safeguarding and disability awareness.
• Partner with Parents and Carers: We involve parents and carers in goal-setting to tailor the session to the child’s needs.
• Ensure Full Accessibility: We check that all facilities, from pontoons to changing rooms, are accessible.
• Celebrate Progress: We celebrate all achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we are a proud Sailability Foundation Status centre. We offer tailored sessions for individuals and groups, making sailing accessible and enjoyable for young people with a wide range of disabilities.

9. Young Leaders and RYA Instructor Training Pathways

For teenagers who love watersports, our RYA Instructor Training Pathway offers a route from enthusiast to coach. These programmes, for ages 14 and up, develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills. By taking on more responsibility, young people build confidence and gain qualifications for a career in watersports.

This pathway is one of the most rewarding childrens water activities for older teens, turning them from learners into leaders. It guides them through practical coaching experience and formal training, providing a clear path toward professional roles on the water.

Why Choose a Leadership Pathway?

Leadership programmes offer more than just technical skills; they encourage personal growth and responsibility. Following the RYA’s framework ensures your teenager receives high-quality training that is recognised in the industry. This is an ideal way to support the next generation of watersports instructors.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Create Structured Mentorship: We pair aspiring leaders with experienced instructors for regular feedback and support.
• Provide Diverse Experience: Trainees work with different age groups and abilities to build versatile skills.
• Start Small: We begin with small coaching roles, like helping with warm-ups, before they lead bigger parts of a session.
• Support Formal Qualifications: We guide young leaders as they work towards formal RYA qualifications from age 16.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our Young Leaders Programme for 14-16 year olds provides a fantastic foundation. For those ready for the next step, you can explore the requirements for our RYA Dinghy Instructor course.

10. Family Sessions and Parent-Child Water Activities

Doing watersports as a family is a unique chance for shared adventure. Our family sessions let parents and children try activities like kayaking together. This team approach strengthens family bonds and creates a lasting, shared interest in being active on the water.

These sessions are among the most rewarding childrens water activities because they create lasting memories. By learning together, parents can support their child’s progress, and children can see their parents try new things. This shared experience is a powerful way to connect.

Why Choose Family Sessions?

Family sessions create a fun, low-pressure atmosphere where everyone can take part at their own pace. They offer expert guidance and all the necessary equipment. This is perfect for developing teamwork and communication skills while enjoying Farmoor Reservoir.

Getting Started: Practical Tips

• Assess Everyone’s Confidence: We chat with the family beforehand about their water confidence to tailor the session.
• Use Tandem Equipment: Two-person kayaks or larger dinghies are great. They let a parent guide a child in a safe way.
• Set Shared Goals: We work on small, achievable family challenges, like paddling to a buoy.
• Scaffold the Learning: A great session gives parents the skills to support their child’s practice in the future.

At Oxford Sail Training Trust, our family sessions are perfect for weekends and school holidays. We offer experiences like family kayaking, where you can learn together in a safe and scenic setting. These courses are a fantastic opportunity for families to connect and build new skills.

Childrens Water Activities: 10-Programme Comparison

Ready to Make a Splash? Start Your Adventure Today

We have looked at a wide range of possibilities, from the core skills learned in RYA sailing courses to the freedom of windsurfing. We have covered the fun of paddlesports, the responsibility of powerboating, and the importance of water safety. Also, we’ve shown how these activities come together in holiday camps, school programmes, and inclusive Sailability sessions, ensuring there is something for every child.

The journey doesn’t stop once a basic skill is learned. We’ve highlighted pathways for older children, from our Young Leaders programmes to formal RYA Instructor training. We’ve also shown the value of shared family sessions, which strengthen bonds and build confidence. The key message is clear: professionally guided childrens water activities offer more than just fun; they build character, resilience, and a lifelong respect for the water.

Your Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The number of options can feel big, but the “perfect” activity is the one that sparks your child’s interest. The journey is built on positive, safe, and encouraging experiences.

Here are the next steps to get started:

• Review and Reflect: Look back at the ten activities. Which one sounds best for your child’s personality? Are they a team player suited for sailing or a solo adventurer drawn to windsurfing?
• Prioritise Safety and Qualification: The most important factor is the quality of teaching. Always ensure the provider is RYA-accredited, like Oxford Sail Training Trust. This guarantees qualified instructors and high safety standards.
• Start a Conversation: Involve your child in the choice. Show them videos of the different sports. This shared decision will increase their enthusiasm.
• Consider a Taster Session: If you are still unsure, a multi-activity holiday camp is a great, low-commitment way to see what clicks. It lets children try several different childrens water activities with expert guidance.

Learning these activities empowers children with skills and confidence. Learning to right a capsized boat teaches problem-solving. Paddling a kayak builds independence. These are lessons that help in school and in life. By choosing a structured course, you are investing in an experience that builds a capable and self-assured child. The skills and confidence they gain will last a lifetime.

Your child’s next great adventure is waiting. At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we provide a safe, fun, and RYA-accredited environment for a huge range of childrens water activities, from beginner sailing courses to advanced instructor training. Explore our full course list and book your place online at Oxford Sail Training Trust to start their journey on the water today.