We live 5 minutes from the beach and growing up by the beach was a real highlight of my childhood. However, I married a man that hates the sand! One of my favourite ways to spend the summer is at the beach with the boys and these great beach hacks will make a day at the beach a dream.
The secret for enjoying a day at the beach is what you take with you and I have some great hints and tips.
Leave towels at home for the younger children and purchase towelling dresses or robes instead. It is much easier to just pop them on when they are wet and cold.
Talc or baby powder is great for removing sand off feet before putting your shoes on.
Get some shade – a beach umbrella is a must with children, even better is a UV tent as they can take a nap in it.
Take plenty of sunscreen. Even if it says it is water proof please reapply every time they have been in the water.
A string bag is perfect for carrying beach toys.
Take beach toys, bucket, spade, ball, flying disc and cars or diggers.
Take snacks and water. I pack my snacks in individual bags as sand will always find a way in to an open bag. The same with water, it is better to pack multiple bottles than one large one.
Take spare change for ice creams and beach snacks. Never take a lot of cash or your cards.
If you want to take photo’s – make sure it is just a cheap compact camera – sand and camera lenses do not mix well. Or even better take a waterproof one.
Hats are a must for everyone.
We always take a couple of UV suits so that they can use one against the other.
Beach shoes are great if you are going to a rocky area.
So what are my essentials:
For me it is a decent pair of shoes, I love these womens fitflops from the MoZiMo Website. I tend to go bare foot on the dry sand, but as our beach goes a long way out, I like trainer style shoes to walk on it!.
I also suggest large bright beach towels (great place markers) and also good for sitting on and getting dry.
UV wear for the boys. Yes we always have sunscreen on, but the more protection the better.
Even at 7 and 8 the boys love toweling robes. perfect for getting warm and dry.
A large bag for putting it all in
Kindle – just for me!
Beach toys, such as balls, kites, bucket and spades.
baby powder or talk, perfect for removing sand before putting shoes on
Water
Beach kettle and cups. There is always time and the need for tea.
I also have in the car, a beach tent, windbreak and spare change for the parking meter.
