Ideas for a Beach Day

Stay Hydrated. The sun, sand, and salty air can leave you feeling parched. Bring along plenty of water and other beverages to stay hydrated during your beach excursion. While drinks are often available for purchase nearby, they tend to be pricey. Save time and money by bringing your own drinks in a cooler.

• Keeping your drinks in a cooler with ice ensures they stay cool and sand-free.
• It's recommended to bring at least one gallon of water per person.

Don't Forget Sunscreen! Applying sunscreen is crucial for a day at the beach. Direct exposure to the sun can lead to painful sunburns, skin damage, and even skin cancer in the long run. Protect yourself by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before hitting the beach.

• Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you're in the water.

Bring Shade. The sun's rays can be intense on the beach. Carry an umbrella to provide some shade when the sun becomes too harsh. If you don't have one, you can usually purchase or rent an umbrella from a nearby shop. Set it up in a vacant spot and relax underneath while keeping an eye on your belongings.

• Keep a watchful eye on your belongings when you take a dip in the water.

Get Lost in a Good Read. Take advantage of the beach's tranquility to catch up on your reading. Bring along a magazine or choose a light, entertaining book. Sit back under your umbrella, soak up the ambiance, and immerse yourself in a captivating story.

• Opt for a book that you don't mind getting a bit sandy or wet, as beach conditions can be unpredictable.

Create a Beach Playlist. Unwind on the shore while listening to your favorite tunes. Curate a playlist before heading to the beach, whether on your phone or iPod. Don't forget to pack a pair of headphones.

• If you prefer not to use headphones, consider bringing a portable speaker. Just be mindful of the volume to respect other beachgoers' peace and quiet.

Take a Leisurely Stroll. Explore the shoreline and soak in the beach's beauty. There's more to see than just sand and waves. Observe the other beach dwellers, birds, seashells, and tide pools.

• Keep track of your surroundings to avoid getting disoriented. Beaches can be vast, and it's easy to lose your way.

Dive into the Waves. The water is where the excitement begins at the beach. Take a refreshing swim or wade out as far as you feel comfortable. Consider bringing along a flotation device or renting a jet ski for some aquatic adventures.

• Always heed warnings about dangerous water conditions. Pay attention to signage and lifeguard instructions.

Arrive Early. Beat the crowds by getting to the beach bright and early. Aim to arrive before the rush sets in, typically around 9 a.m. This way, you can secure a prime spot and set up your beach gear without any hassle.

Bring a Beach Wagon. Carrying all your beach essentials can be a hassle. Simplify the process by bringing along a sturdy wagon or cart to transport your gear. Opt for one with durable wheels designed to navigate sandy terrain effortlessly.

• The Wonder Wheeler is a popular choice for beachgoers.

Set the Mood with Music. Enhance the beach vibes by bringing along a speaker to share tunes with your friends. Whether it's a radio or a smartphone-compatible speaker, choose a playlist that everyone can groove to.

• Respect others by keeping the volume at a reasonable level, especially in crowded areas.

Engage in Beach Games. Bring along games that everyone can participate in. Whether it's football, Frisbee, bocce ball, volleyball, or any other beach-friendly game, ensure it's inclusive for all. Consider organizing activities like beach mini-golf, relay races, or sandcastle building contests.

Stock Up on Refreshments. Pack plenty of refreshments to share with everyone. Carry large bottles of water, soda, or juice for hydration. Pre-make sandwiches or other easily shareable snacks. Don't forget to clean up after your meal and ensure you leave no trace behind when leaving the beach.

• If you're of legal age, consider bringing alcoholic beverages like beer or wine after confirming it's allowed on the beach.

Opt for a Lifeguard-Adjacent Spot. Positioning near a lifeguard station offers added safety for families with young children. It ensures quick assistance in case of emergencies and helps kids recognize their location easily.

• Avoid setting up directly in front of the lifeguard station to allow clear access to the water.

Set Up a Beach Tent. Invest in a compact tent that's easy to assemble and dismantle, especially if you're bringing kids along. Tents provide ample shade and a cozy spot for napping. Choose a location that doesn't encroach on others' space.

• Opt for a collapsible tent that folds flat and comes with a carry case for convenient transportation.

Embark on a Treasure Hunt. Engage your kids in an exciting treasure hunt activity to keep them active and entertained. Bury items like golf balls, large shells, or plastic toys in the sand and let them uncover the treasures. Ensure to bury the items close to your location for supervision and provide them with clues.

• Place a bucket in the center of the treasure area for them to collect the uncovered items.

Create a Sandcastle Masterpiece. Building a sandcastle remains a timeless childhood experience at the beach. Find a suitable spot where the castle won't be easily washed away, dig a sand well, and gather sand. Add water to the sand, compact it, and start constructing your castle until it's complete.

• Utilize a bucket to shape the castle's structures.

Take to the Skies with a Kite. The beach's windy conditions make it an ideal spot for kite flying. It's a delightful activity to entertain kids and presents a fun challenge. If you don't have a kite, they're usually available for purchase at nearby souvenir shops. Choose a spacious area and supervise your children as they fly the kite.

• Before heading to the beach, ensure your kite is in working condition by testing it out.

Discover the Beach Environment. While the beach offers enjoyment, it's also a valuable educational setting for children. Explore the shoreline, examining shells, tide pools, flora, and fauna washed ashore, such as starfish. Create a checklist of items for your children to identify and turn it into a game by quizzing them on the names of creatures like crabs and seaweed.

• Caution your kids against picking up anything hazardous, such as sharp-edged broken shells.
• Only collect natural items from the beach if it's legal. Otherwise, opt for man-made objects like sea glass, china, or coins.

• Be sure to pack these beach essentials:
  • Beach towel
  • Tent or umbrella
  • Bathing suit
  • Sunscreen
  • Cart or wagon
  • Balls for games
  • iPod, cell phone, or any other electronics (just keep them dry)
  • Snacks
  • Drinks

• Capture precious beach memories with photographs.
• Opt for inexpensive sunglasses for the beach to avoid ruining expensive pairs. Cheaper sunglasses can still offer sufficient UVA and UVB protection.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of restrooms before settling down on the beach, especially if you're with kids, to avoid last-minute stress.

• Stay alert for jellyfish. Avoid swimming in areas known for jellyfish presence.
• Apply sunscreen diligently to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer from prolonged sun exposure.
• Avoid littering as it harms the environment and can lead to hefty fines.