The Honest Homemaker

                         Beach tips for Beach Trips

                         Tips for a weekend visit to the sea-shore with kids.

 

We Love going to the beach! We try to do it at least a couple of times a year. This year we've been several times. I love to collect shells and Boogie board when the waves are right!

The boys were scared at first...The sights and sounds were so overwhelming to them.  After trying several things, what worked best was to tell Blade, "Look at that Ocean! It says PSHHHH! (Ocean Sound) Why are you so LOUD, Ocean?!" :) He Really seemed to enjoy it after that.

 

 

 

Here are a few more tips and a packing list for a weekend trip to the sea-side.

 

 

 Sunscreen:
I'm sure you've been there too...hanging out at the beach while on vacation and after only being there a few hours, someone is burning. Usually that someone is me. Our Seaside Vacays were normally spent applying sunscreen all over sandy legs every 30 minutes or so...talk about exfoliation! I tried the spray sunscreen, in hopes of it working...but alas the pink tint of my sunburn reared it's ugly face that evening. :( So until last week I was determined that this was just a beach way of life. My friend R. clued me in.

"Before you get on the sand, rub all exposed parts with a high SPF of "waterproof" sunscreen. Then when you need to re-apply, use the spray on kind."

NOTE...do not let the spray sunscreen get sand in the sprayer. (duh)
This last time, we were at the beach for hours and no-one got burned!

Protective Wear:
 I can't stress this enough...Take:

• SPF suits for your little guys, especially if they are going to be in the water.
• Hats and Sunglasses are always beach appropriate, unless you like looking like a raccoon!
• Footwear for little guys is a good idea as well, sometimes there are sharp shells...sometimes you have to take both of your 30-something pound boys back to the car, and BELIEVE ME! You don't want to carry them both all the way there because the sand is "TOO HOT" for them to walk on!

Equipment:  

• Umbrella
• Water (In sippy cup or baby bottle for easy drinking for the little ones.)
• Camera
• A blanket or sheet (to get off of the sand if you need to)
• Beach Towels
• Sand Off Mit These things are awesome!
• Beach Chairs
• Swim goggles
• Beach Bag
• Cash/Change (for parking, snacks ect.)
• After-Sun spray or gel (just in case)
• Stroller (preferably one that will roll on sand, check out the Jeep Jogging stroller)
• Sand toys
• Pacifiers
• Swim diapers 
• Food for the kiddos
• Cooler with drinks, bottles, ect.
• Something to keep the kids occupied in the car
• Boogie Boards
• Toy Bag

Overnight bag:

• Changes of Clothes for everyone
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Hotel/Condo Reservations
• Shoes
• Cosmetics
• Toiletries, see Toiletries Packing List
• Kids' special Blankets, Stuffed animals, Whatever
• Pack-N-Play
• Credit Cards, Driver's License, Cash,
• Blankets, Pillows

It's been just about a week since we made a trip down to the beach, but I'm already planning the next one. 

"LIVE IN THE SUNSHINE, SWIM THE SEA, DRINK THE WILD AIR." -Ralph Waldo Emerson