If you had to tell me to pack up for the lake every weekend, I wouldn’t be mad!
I absolutely love the lake.
I love the water, the peaceful sounds, the community, and the slower pace of life. It’s one of those places where the everyday responsibilities seem to fade for a little while. Of course, life doesn’t completely stop, but there’s something refreshing about stepping away from the never ending list of things to get done waiting at home.
Now, I should probably clarify what I mean by “going to the lake.” I’m not talking about roughing it in a tent! I’m talking about staying in an air-conditioned cabin with comfortable beds, running water, a stocked kitchen, and all the amenities that make it feel like a home away from home. That’s definitely my kind of camping!
Our lake weekends almost always revolve around three things: good food, time on the water, and our family being together. Whether we’re boating, fishing, swimming, sitting on the dock with a cup of coffee, or simply enjoying conversations around the fire pit, those moments together are what keep us coming back year after year.
One thing I’ve learned is that everyone seems to be a little hungrier at the lake! Maybe it’s all the fresh air and activity, but food disappears fast. Having plenty of options, and planning ahead, helps everyone enjoy the weekend without spending all your time in the kitchen.
The menu changes depending on who’s joining us. I love planning meals around the people coming because I want everyone to feel welcomed, appreciated, and just a little spoiled. If I make their favorite meal, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll want to come back for another lake weekend!\
I usually plan one fun meal to cook on Friday night, easy breakfasts that let everyone wake up on their own schedule, simple lunches between time on the water, and relaxed dinners that bring everyone back around the table.
To make planning easier, I’ve created a simple weekend menu template that I use before almost every lake trip. It keeps me organized, helps with grocery shopping, and makes sure I can spend less time stressing about meals and more time enjoying the people I’m with.
I hope it helps make your next lake weekend just a little easier and a whole lot more memorable.
Here is a good template I use to get me started.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t have to have snacks available every minute of the day, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to be prepared! Kids especially seem to snack constantly at the lake. They’ll want something while riding in the boat, after swimming, and then somehow they’ll still be hungry again while watching a movie that evening.
I also love finding ways to make one meal work twice. It saves time, keeps the grocery list a little shorter, and means I get to spend more time enjoying the lake instead of standing in the kitchen. If I’m cooking bacon for Saturday breakfast, I’ll make extra so we can use it later for BLT sandwiches at lunch or chop it up for a salad at dinner. A little planning goes a long way.
On our most recent lake weekend, Friday night was all about keeping things simple. We fired up the grill and made hamburgers with all the toppings. There’s just something about a burger after a day of traveling that officially kicks off the weekend.
Saturday morning started with two pounds of bacon cooked on the grill, scrambled eggs, toast with jelly, and plenty of hot coffee. The kids enjoyed milk while the adults slowly woke up with their coffee in hand. It was an easy breakfast that filled everyone up before another full day on the water.
Before heading out, we packed the ice chest with bottled water, soft drinks, fresh fruit, crackers, and plenty of ice. Once the cooler was loaded, it was time for one of our favorite parts of the weekend, tubing, swimming, and simply enjoying a beautiful day on the lake.
When we made it back to the cabin later that afternoon, lunch was quick because I had planned ahead. Earlier in the week, I had made a big batch of potato soup and brought it with us. I served it in small coffee mugs alongside grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches. It was the perfect comfort meal after spending hours in the water, and judging by the empty pot, I’d say it was a hit!
After a little time to relax, we refilled the cooler, grabbed our towels, and headed back out for more skiing, swimming, fishing, and soaking up every minute we could before the sun went down. Those simple moments together are what make lake weekends some of our favorite family memories.
By the time we made it back to the cabin at dusk, everyone was hungry again!
Thankfully, dinner came together quickly because I had done a little prep before we ever left home. I brought along leftover grilled chicken breasts, sliced them up with onions and green peppers, and we had chicken fajitas for dinner. We warmed the tortillas on the grill, heated up some queso, and everyone built their own plate. It turned into a little fiesta, and it was absolutely delicious!
Sunday morning was simple. I baked canned biscuits and made a packet of sausage gravy. It wasn’t anything fancy, but sometimes the easiest meals are the ones everyone enjoys the most. Thankfully, no one is grading breakfast!
One tradition that is especially meaningful to our family is taking time for worship on the first day of the week. No matter where we are, we gather together, open God’s Word, sing a few songs, pray, and spend time focusing on Him. It’s a sweet reminder that while vacations are wonderful, our greatest blessings always come from the Lord.
After breakfast, we packed the ice chest one more time and headed back out on the lake. Those last few hours always seem to go by the fastest. Between the laughter, the sunshine, the boat rides, and the conversations, I find myself quietly thanking God for the opportunity to spend this time with my family.
I’ve learned that the best lake weekends aren’t about having a perfect menu or a perfectly clean cabin. They’re about being together, slowing down, making memories, and enjoying the people God has placed in our lives.
If you’re planning a lake trip, I hope this menu and a few of our traditions give you some ideas to make your weekend a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite lake hosting tips, make ahead meals, or family traditions? Share them in the comments, I always love finding new ideas for making memories together!
Creating memories!
Clarie
