Planning a family beach trip can be stressful, especially if you have young kids. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you plan ahead of time.
Having a plan will help you in the long run. Assign tasks to your family members and create a family beach packing list of everything that needs to be remembered such as, towels, blankets, ice, toys, sunglasses, extra clothes, etc.
A list can also help you plan out an itinerary, that way everyone knows when they should be ready the morning of. The earlier the better too, so make sure to get a good night’s rest! You don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams or worried about finding a safe spot to set up.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind as you plan your family beach trip.
Food
Buying food at the beach can be pretty expensive and at times also unhealthy. Store containers with fresh fruit such as, pre-cut apples or grapes, and sandwiches that use the roll packaging are super convenient for a big outing.
However, if you have picky eaters, consider buying kid friendly squeezable yogurts or pre-made lunch containers like Lunchables. Make sure to pack a few extra lunches too, even if it’s not eaten at the beach, you’ll have leftovers for later. Plus, everything won’t turn sour if your child drops their food in the water or sand.
Sun
The sun can be a wonderful thing, however, too much of it can cause sunburns and in some instances heatstroke or sun poisoning. That’s why it’s important to pack plenty of sunscreen and drinks such as, water or Gatorade.
Kids may not think to pause from building their sand castles or playing on the water, but it’s important to stop every few hours to reapply sunscreen and keep hydrated. If you’re worried about sand and sunscreen mixing, consider using normal cream before you head to the beach and later using spray to re-apply while you’re there. Make sure the sunscreen is at least 15 SPF or higher though with UV and UB ray protection, younger skin is more sensitive to the sunlight.
Don’t forget to bring a bit of shade with you, too. Beaches don’t typically have very much shade, so a small pop-up tent or beach umbrella can protect you and your family from the sun and keep your food cool.
Bring Essentials
Things like zip lock baggies and tupperware are helpful when transporting food, but they can also protect things such as your phone, keys, and wallet from getting damaged by the water or sand.
Consider also bring a travel first-aid kit too in case someone stubs their toe or gets a small injury.
Backpacks and coolers with wheels can also help you transport food to and from your vehicle, while having a few extra trash bags can help you organize trash and other items before you head back home.
Additionally, flotation devices such as, inflatable life jackets can help the younger swimmers of your family stay above water. Of course, anytime your children are in the water it’s imperative to be by their side. This way they don’t go out too far or get caught in danger.
Have Fun
Lastly, make sure you have fun. Collect shells on the beach with your kids, let them bury you in the sand, catch some waves, and most of all enjoy the day! Family beach trips are supposed to be fun and exciting, so it’s okay to laugh and play in the sand.