Spending a day at the beach is a great fun activity for families. It’s cheap and there’s plenty to do all day. Follow these simple guidelines and your day will be memorable, cheap, and safe!

Save money by packing a lunch– Make sandwiches at home and pack them in a cooler. Fruit is always refreshing at the beach so grab your apples, peaches, plums, and grapes. Your cooler does not have to be huge, just big enough for your sandwiches and fruit. You should make extra sandwiches in case someone loses a sandwich in the sand or is extra hungry. Fill a large thermos with water or another refreshing drink and try to stay away from soda and sugary drinks, you want to keep your body hydrated.

Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen as soon as you get to the beach and make sure to reapply every 1-2 hours. If you go into the water, reapply as soon as you get out. Sunscreen may say water resistant but the salt water attracts the sun and you want to be sure you’re protected. A 30 spf sunscreen will work just fine if you make sure to reapply. Anything over the 30 won’t last longer. When applying sunscreen, especially on children, start at the top and work your way down. Don’t forget the ears, top of the head, and go under the bathing suit. You want to be sure if they should bend over while playing or swimming that the area is protected.

Toys – Be sure to bring a pail and shovel or beach toys. Kids love to dig in the sand and make sandcastles. Carry them in a waterproof bag so it makes clean up easy.

Towels and a sheet – Bring a large light colored sheet (I have my 2 beach sheets) and a towel for everyone, it makes it easier. Carrying beach chairs when there’s only one or two people doing all the carrying can be a pain. Lay on the sheet with the kids and stick your toes in the sand, they will love it…. it’s only sand!

Respect others 

• Unless you plan on walking to find a garbage pail every 20 minutes, bring a bag for garbage. Everyone always forgets this. Nothing is grosser than when you’re digging with your kids and you come across someone’s garbage that they buried. If you have a bag, you can simply throw it out at the end of the day.
• When walking by other people laying down, walk easy. When you walk fast or run, sand kicks up on those laying down and catching rays. At the end of the day when you pick your sheet or towels up, check to see if there is someone next to you, to avoid getting sand on them. Lift your towels and sheet gently.

Plastic money container – Do not bring your purse on to the beach. Get a plastic money container to hold your license, money, and keys. This is small enough to carry with you if you all are down at the water and it’s waterproof.

Lifeguard – Listen to the lifeguard. They will tell you if there are currents that you need to avoid. They know the water and want everyone to have a great time but most importantly stay safe.

Most of all have fun, collect shells, build castles, and make a family day to remember!

When was the last time you went to the beach for the day?