Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t time to head to the beach for a fun family adventure. Whether you’re going to a local reservoir or lake, or if you’re taking a trip to the ocean, a day at the beach can be the perfect way to relax, unwind, and just enjoy the moment. To help ensure your day at the beach is as fun as possible, we’ve put together a list of some beach day must-haves.
- Sunscreen – Most people realize the importance of sunscreen. But it’s also important to continually re-apply that sunscreen if you and your family are spending long periods of time in the sun – especially if the kids are getting in and out of the water, even waterproof sunscreen can lose its effectiveness if not re-applied throughout the day.
- Shade – Yes, the whole purpose of going to the beach is to get an overdose of vitamin D, but it’s also important to have a shady place to retreat to if the sun gets to be too much. A beach umbrella or small pop-up tent can help provide a little protection when you and your family need to escape the afternoon rays.
- Water Bottles – It’s always important to stay hydrated, but it becomes even more critical when you are spending time in the sun – especially if you’re being active. Kids might be so engrossed with building sand castles or body surfing to remember to stay hydrated, so continually remind them to take a tug from their water bottles throughout the day.
- Activities – Even though kids are usually good at entertaining themselves at the beach, it never hurts to bring along something to keep them engaged just in case. It might be as simple as a football or baseball to throw around, or even cornhole or a badminton net depending on how ambitious you want to be.
- Phone Jail – Time designed specifically to unwind and relax is a great time to also unplug, so bring along a shoebox and have everyone put their phone in the box while you’re at the beach. The kids will undoubtedly complain, but even they will be amazed at how much fun they can have at the beach if they’re forced to stay off their phones. Even if they never admit it!
It isn’t always easy to plan a day at the beach for your family, but if you plan ahead just a little and make sure to pack these essentials, it’s almost guaranteed that you – and your entire family – will be grateful for the effort you put into making the day happen.
