So you’re thinking about taking your family to the beach. That’s awesome! Beach days are a great way to relax and have fun with the people you love. But before you head out, there are a few things you need to do to make sure you have a perfect day. Planning ahead will help your fantasy vision of the beach day and the hot reality match a lot closer.
1. Pick your beach.
There are beaches all over the world, so it’s important to find one that’s right for your family. If it’s just a day trip to the beach you’ll want to pick one close by but also consider the following factors when making your decision:
What kind of sand do you want? Soft, sandy beaches are great for building sandcastles, while pebbly beaches are better for walking barefoot.
How warm do you want the water to be? Some beaches are warmer than others.
Do you want/need any amenities? Some beaches have lifeguards, restrooms, and showers.
What activities do you want to do? Some beaches are better for swimming, while others are better for surfing or fishing.
2. Check the weather.
You don’t want to get caught in a rainstorm or a heat wave. Check the weather forecast before you go to the beach so you can dress appropriately and plan accordingly. This seems like common sense but see if you can check the forecast at the beach not just outside your window.
3. Pack your stuff.
In addition to your swimsuits and towels, be sure to pack the following items:
Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher
Sunglasses
Hat
A UPF 50+ beach tent or umbrella that provides enough shade protection from direct sunlight you can retreat to. It only takes 20 min to burn in the direct sunlight and you’ll want to spend all day at the beach if you are comfortable and enjoying yourself.
Water bottles -with water, sports drinks, basically any hydration you prefer
Snacks
Books, toys and games
First-aid kit
4. Get there early or late.
The best way to avoid the crowds is to get to the beach early. This will give you plenty of time to find a good spot and set up camp. If it’s not a busy beach you might want to get there later when the sun isn’t as strong and you’ll still be around to enjoy the sunset.
5. Be prepared for anything.
Even if the weather forecast is good, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything. Bring a change of clothes in case it rains, and sunscreen even if it’s cloudy.
6. Just chill.
The most important thing is to relax and have fun with your family. Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and build sandcastles. Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are some additional tips for planning a perfect beach day with your family:
Consider the age of your children when choosing activities. Younger children may not be able to swim or play in the sand for long periods of time.
If you have small children, bring a beach wagon to transport all of your gear.
If you are going to be spending the whole day at the beach, pack a cooler with drinks and snacks.
Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, even if you are not swimming.
Take breaks in the shade to avoid getting too hot.
Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash.
By following these tips, you can plan a perfect beach day with your family that everyone will enjoy.
Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash
