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Wherever there is a beach located around the world, people will flock to it. Here in the United States alone, more than 400 million Americans head for some sun and surf every year. Those numbers are quite impressive. Many families can’t wait for “beach day” and pack up the vehicle and go. To get the most out of your hours under the sun, shopping experts have some great tips on making it a successful day at the beach.
Watch The Weather Report
Most folks enjoy hot temperatures and lots of sunshine when making the drive to the beach, but before you grab your flip-flops and bikini, consider the weather. Always be prepared and pack sweatshirts for the kids and even an umbrella if you get caught under a quick shower. Don’t forget a beach umbrella, too.
If it’s super hot, make sure you have protection with sunglasses and hats.
Beach “bums” also remind everyone to check the tide schedule so that you know how much “sand real estate” is available for setting down your blankets.
Pack The Ultimate Gear
Of course, your swimsuits and footwear are essential for recreational fun at the beach, but what you sit on matters, and you want to be comfy when you emerge from the ocean.
That’s why personalized beach towels add a nice touch. You can choose the vibrant color you love and be bold with your name on it or a nickname, etc. Nothing beats a soft, plush towel when you’re with the kids at the beach. Everyone has their own beautiful “blanket” that is personalized and made just for them.
Take Only A Few Toys
If you have young children, it’s fun to bring along some of their favorite toys, but beach day experts recommend traveling lightly and keeping the toys to a minimum. They probably won’t play with all of them, but having little pails and shovels and toy dump trucks for building little sand castles is something they will have fun doing.
Load Up On The Sunscreen
By now, everyone on the planet knows that the UVA/UVB rays can be very strong, and while you want to soak up the rays and play in the sea, you don’t want to get the little ones or anyone else fried by the end of the day. Even on a cloudy day, you can still get burned.
Arm yourselves with the proper sunscreen protection, and try to limit time in the midday sun. Dermatologists advise applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a 30 SPF or higher on all exposed skin; reapply every two hours.
Stay Hydrated; Make Snacks
It’s no secret that the beach air and surroundings give adults and kids an appetite. Pack plenty of snacks and beverages. Water is the best source for staying hydrated throughout your day at the beach, especially when it’s a sizzler with high heat and humidity.
Some kid-friendly snacks to consider would be Goldfish crackers, granola bars, fruit or yogurt pouches, cheese slices, etc.
Don’t forget to bring plastic containers and utensils. For this purpose outdoors, plastic is lightweight, functional, and doesn’t break.
Bring Baking Soda/Cornstarch
Not only do little hands get sandy while playing at the beach, but it happens to adults, too. Bring some baking soda or cornstarch with you stored in a small container. When it’s time to eat, sprinkle the baking soda on your children’s hands, and you’ll be amazed at how fast it removes the grains of sand and turns hands into smooth, clean surfaces.
Baking soda sprinkled over the feet can also remove beach sand fast and effectively.
Pack A First-Aid Kit
Hopefully, you won’t need this, but accidents can happen, so be prepared with a little, first-aid kit. You can buy one at the drugstore or make your own. Include a box of band-aids, hand sanitizer, sterile gauze pads, ointment, tweezers, medical tape, etc.
Conclusion
Family beach day is always a good time and something you’ll fondly remember no matter what age you are. Consider the expert list of recommendations above, and have a spectacular time! Think like a kid, and enjoy the natural beauty of the sun and surf.