Today's post is a compilation edited by Jeannie Krill, writer at Bright Horizons, and former Bright Horizons pre-kindergarten teacher.
Summer is upon us, and that means beach days are, too. Always a go-to summer activity, the beach is proving to be even more popular this year, as it’s one thing that’s still allowed in most areas amidst COVID-19 restrictions. And it can give your family an easy way to spend time outside and give the kids a change of scenery, all while keeping a safe distance from others.
Have your kids have been beach babies since birth…or are you getting ready to introduce them to the water for the first time? Either way, we have tips that will help make your time at the beach more enjoyable. Whether you’re lucky enough to live near Myrtle Beach, taking a weekend road trip to Cape Cod, or spending the day with your family on Long Beach, take a look at this guide for ideas on what to bring with you, including the all-important masks. Plus, get safety tips and activity ideas that will help keep your kids entertained.
What to Pack and Bring to the Beach
Beach Snacks
Beach Safety Tips for Kids
13 Beach Activities for Kids
What to Pack and Bring to the Beach
Before you head out to the beach, make a list of things to take with you. What do you want to be sure you don’t forget? A sandy beach with no towel or blanket can be pretty uncomfortable…and bright, sunny days without sunglasses aren’t fun. Jot down the necessities and check each item off your list as you pack it into the car. Think about your last trip to the beach…what did your kids ask for most? You might have heard, “I’m thirsty” or “I need another towel.” Take these things into consideration, too, and pack extras or things you might not have thought of last time.
Take a look at these ten suggestions.
A beach bag. The beach bag is the most critical item. Be sure it’s big enough to pack all of your needs, and durable enough to withstand the elements. A bag with pockets so you can separate wet, dry, and sandy items will help keep you organized.
The necessities. Gather chairs for everyone, towels, plenty of sunscreen, a first aid kit, a beach umbrella, swim goggles, hats, sunglasses, and a beach cart to carry it all.
A beach towel or picnic blanket. The sand can get hot…and having something to sit on helps! You can even find lightweight blankets that fold up to the size of a laptop and include a strap and pocket to hold a few small items (such as sunscreen and a wallet).
A potty seat. It’s hard to know whether the public restrooms will be open — and this can’t be a “wait and see” situation. Consider investing in a folding travel potty and bringing it along. Whenever your kids have to use the potty and, inevitably, they always do, they can use the travel potty in the tent or in the back of the car (when the car is close by). Be sure to bring heavy-duty baggies, wipes, and toilet paper, too.
Good sun coverage. Not only will a tent provide shade, it’s a great place for the younger kids to nap and play…and it can give them the privacy to use the potty, too. On windy days, be sure to bring something heavy to hold down each corner. A beach umbrella is a great idea, too, if you want to be in the shade, but still be able to soak in all the beach has to offer.
A variety of beach toys. The traditional pails and shovels are great but think about bringing other items your child can use to scoop and play with sand and water (cups, large spoons, a funnel, and more). Bring waterproof figurines — people, animals, etc. — and add them to sand castles.
Beach goggles. Have you ever gotten to the beach, only to realize that you left the goggles in the bathtub toy bin or in your child’s swim bag? Salt water is no fun on the eyes, so get a pair of goggles specifically for the beach and keep them in the beach bag.
An easy lunch set up. Avoid sandy sandwiches by bringing — and eating at — small portable beach tables.
Swim diapers. Reusable? Disposable? Both? Whichever option you go with, layer a regular diaper over the swim diaper until you get to your destination. This will help prevent leaks while you’re on your way.
Beach snacks. A well-stocked cooler is a must, especially since beach snack shacks and nearby restaurants may not be open. Make sure the kids have plenty of water — fill big water bottles and pack them with ice before you leave the house. Fill the cooler with sliced oranges, apples, cheese sticks, grapes, juice pops, chips, premade sandwiches, and more.
And don’t forget to get to the beach early! Do most of your packing the night before so that it’s easier to get out of the house in the morning. If you arrive at or before 9:30 a.m., your kids can even take their nap on the beach. Or, if that fails and you have to head home for naptime, you’ll still feel like you got a decent amount of time playing in the water and sand.
Beach Safety Tips for Children
Great childhood memories are made during summer days at the beach. But be sure to keep safety in mind and be aware of and avoid potential dangers with these beach safety tips.
Use life vests. Whenever your kids are around the ocean, pool, lake, or another large water source, make sure they’re wearing life vests that fit properly. And be sure not to purchase inflatable vests — they can easily deflate or pop.
Take an infant/child CPR class. These classes are generally a one-day commitment and are offered by many local organizations — they’re even offered online, if in-person isn’t an option this year. Taking a class can give you the tools and knowledge you need to step in and provide emergency care if something unthinkable happens.
Stay within an arm’s length and be observant. When your kids are near the water, stay close by — strong undertows and rip currents are unpredictable. And keep an eye out for big waves!
Keep your mobile phone nearby. You probably think this sounds silly in today’s age (when do you go anywhere without your phone?), but double check anyway — those few minutes could save a life.
Consider swim lessons. Help your kids become more familiar with the water by giving them a foundation for water safety rules and proper swim etiquette. Even in the middle of social distancing, some organizations are offering one-on-one sessions or group classes with limited numbers to ensure plenty of space between children. Keep in mind that the national YMCA guidelines for swim instruction advise instructors against submerging young children and encourage parents to participate in lessons.
Be aware of small pools of water, too. Your kids shouldn’t be left unattended near any body of water, including things like tide pools and kiddie pools in the backyard. The “arm’s length” rule applies here, too.
Know the signs of drowning.They look nothing like the thrashing and screaming you see on TV or in the movies. The real warning signs are quiet and often missed…so read up! And make sure your child knows the four golden rules of water safety, too:
- Don’t go near the water without an adult
- Never dunk another child
- Don’t run on the dock or pool deck
- Always jump in feet first
13 Beach Activities for Kids
Are you ready for a day of sun, sand, and fun? Now that you’ve read about what to bring to the beach and how to keep your kids safe while you’re there, you’re probably wondering how you’ll keep them entertained all day. Once you find your spot on the sand, here are some fun beach activities to do with your kids.A Few Final Thoughts
No matter which activities you choose, make sure your kids are supervised, stay a safe distance away from other families, and wear the necessary gear and sun protection at all times!Bright Horizons Blog Posts Related to The Family Beach Guide:
- 5 Ideas on Our Family’s Summer Bucket List
- Ways to Keep Kids Learning Over the Summer
- Camping with Kids: Tips and Activities
- “Staycation” Summer Activity Ideas for Families
