3 Tips for Going to the Beach with Kids
I love the beach with kids. On our first attempt driving to Splish Splash earlier this summer, my sister and brother in law took the kids to Oyster Beach. It was towards dusk so we didn’t get to go in the water, but it was still a fun day. In addition to having the basic essentials, if you plan on going to the beach this summer or a family vacation where a beach is nearby, here are three tips for going to the beach with kids.
Don’t Force them in the Water
While my oldest niece was literally a fish on her first beach day, my youngest niece was more comfortable in the sand than the ocean. There’s nothing wrong with testing it out, but if a child isn’t comfortable going in the ocean, you shouldn’t force them in the water. My youngest niece loves the pool and bath time, but the ocean and waves are too much for her. Find activities to do outside of the ocean like playing in the sand or going to the park areas with sprinklers. They can still have water fun without going into the ocean.
Bring Beach Toys
In addition to basic essentials, kids need some kind of entertainment or at least something to play with. Leave the stuffed animals and baby dolls behind and invest in some beach toys. Beach balls, kites, bubbles or shovel/pail sets are great toy options. Collecting water for moats and building sandcastles can be a fun bonding activity that will keep kids occupied for a long time.
Always Watch Them
If you’re an adult going to the beach with kids (or any public place for that matter), you should always be watching them. Being on vacation in other countries, I’ve noticed that lifeguards aren’t always present; even if there is one on duty, you should always know where the child is in and outside the water. This prevents them from wandering off on their own or with strangers. When planning on going to the beach with kids, try going at a time when it isn’t too hot like before 10AM or after 2PM and always bring sun protection. If you have small children, make sure to schedule in nap and snack times and it’s good to have plastic bags in handy when switching from wet to dry clothes.
What are your tips for going to the beach with kids?
These are awesome tips! We go to the beach with my nieces and nephews almost ever summer and toys are the name of the game. Thanks so much for participating in the Thursday Three Link-Up on LiveLifeWellBlog.com. I hope to see your post again this Thursday 🙂
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
I almost always drop the ball when it comes to bringing toys to the beach smh and that’s after living in Hawaii for three years. My Beach with Kids tip is to bring baby powder to get rid of excess sand that tip has helped me tremendously.
I don’t have any kids, but I agree with this.
This is one my my kids’ favorite places to go. I have 3, so I have to pack a boatload of stuff from sunscreen to towels to snacks to toys…lol.
Great tips! We are moving close to beach life and I dream of trips the beach with my littles.
Depending on your city, bringing water is super important! It can get so hot at the beach. It’s def important to stay hydrated.
Girl! I’ve seen so many kids be half way down the beach while their parents paid no attention. Great advice.
Great tips. We don’t do NY beaches, but when we are out of the states and in an area with pristine beaches we let our daughter have fun. She always wears her life vest and floaties ‘just in case’.
We only have lake beaches in MN but my daughter LOVES the lake. She loves to go in the water and see all the fish swimming around, I personally think its pretty gross but she loves it haha. I love the lake also, I just rather stay out the water lol I’m just no realizing that I haven’t taken her yet this summer. I definitely need to make plan to go soon!
Great tips! I’d add…please adhere to the signs if any are posted. It’s always better to be safe and having fun than sorry. Leave your valuables at home, in the car (out of sight) or in the hotel. Thieves love the beach.
Yes, great tips! We love the beach…toys are a much!
All great tips for going to the beach with kids! I don’t have any but still always great to have for the future. Watching them is def so important!!!
My tip is to take your own lounge chair and umbrella. Renting them can be expensive.
My kids weren’t fans of the beach the first couple of visits. They don’t like sand in their toes or swim shoes. I had to allow them time to warm up to the sand and the water. It took about an hour. lol
Mine is “Don’t” 🙂 . Just kidding! I love watching children play in the water and running around. I have no kids, but once in a while l will go to the beach with friends and their kids. Always fun.
LOL! Yes, it is great. Sand playing always bring out their creative mind.