Whether you are lucky enough to live by the coast and, therefore, spend as many weekends a year as possible at the beach, or else live in a landlocked state and seeing the ocean is a special kind of treat, you always want to make the most out of family beach days.
Here, then, is your own concise yet comprehensive guide to planning the ultimate family beach day.
Get There Early!
Especially if you have small children, you are going to want to reserve a spot on the beach where you are near enough to the bathrooms and refreshments, are able to create a good amount of shade with the umbrella, and are also close to the ocean edge.
You and your partner will be able to relax much more easily if you have a clear view of your children near you, rather than having to spend the whole day trying to pick them out of a crowd.
By far, the best way to get the perfect spot is to arrive at the beach as early as possible, even if you set out your camp and then go for breakfast nearby.
Only Dress Your Children in Bright Colors
To reduce the possibility of panicking that you can no longer spot your own children in a sea of others, the brighter clothing and accessories your children have, the better.
You could choose fluorescent neon shorts for the boys and a full one-piece in the same color for the girls, meaning that although your children may not be winning any fashion competitions, they can play safely whilst you always know where they are.
Whilst shopping, why not treat yourself to one of the stunning swimsuits for women, too, and feel the most stylish you have ever felt on a beach day, not just as mummy?
Invest in a Large Cool Box (& Multiple Ice Packs)
An undeniable game-changer for a full-on beach day is to invest in a huge cooler box and fill it with drinks and snacks to keep everyone fed and watered for the whole day. If you have the time, you could also make homemade ice pops to hand out when the sunshine starts to bring on that beach fatigue!
In addition, taking along a strong and sturdy windbreak and then arranging it into a small circle will mean you have your own private changing room for you and your kids!
Always Take Your Car
Unless you are currently between cars, it makes so much more sense to take your own car to the beach, rather than catching public transport, if only for the simple fact that you can bring as many supplies as you like and simply leave everything in the car until you need it.
Depending on the location, some car parks are so close to the oceanfront that you may also want to consider attaching an awning and taking along deckchairs to enjoy the evening once you have finished on the beach itself.
FOR MORE POSTS LIKE THIS SEE OUR FAMILY ARCHIVE.