I was going to title this Blog post – Beach Hacks or Tips for Beaching With Kids. SEO friendly post titles that get straight to the point of my message. But, as I reflect on our beach vacation (you can read all about it – Here) I realized, those titles, just won’t do.

No, sometimes, it is straight up survival mode around here. And, well, sand and waves, you really are no exception.

Children are tough little cookies and they require more work and attention when it comes to beach planning than I myself every did.

I pretty much took three things to the sandy shores – 1) a beach chair 2) a magazine 3) a cold beverage. I was set.

Yeah, not so much anymore. Thank goodness my in-laws rent an oceanfront home each year which saves us from completely thinking ahead, as we merely run across hot coals, I mean the sand, to the house for said items. But, while we do have that advantage to our stay, I still find the following beach tips necessary to share.

1. Zip Lock Baggie It

   I have a Lifeproof cell phone case, but that does not mean I confidently leave my phone on my towel or in the cup of my beach car. No! I still zip lock baggie that baby. I even will throw extra bags in our cooler. They are great for holding a pacifier, snacks, random seashells found on the beach and that precious cell phone!

2. Baby Powder

   Sprinkle some of this magic pixie dust on your little ones feet and legs to easily remove sand. It is much better than rubbing a towel against your child’s skin which can easily irritate.

3. Dig A Bed

   I know, you are thinking… “What?” Laying a towel on the sand and climbing under the umbrella, while sounds appealing actually is the worse “mattress” you may sleep on in your life. Have you tried? It is hard! And, yet, you see parents do it over and over for their kids. Use the palm of your hand to scoop the sand left and right to create an indent (almost like a cradle). Then lay a towel over the sand and place child. We even do this for the older kids, creating mini recliners in the sand.

4. Pack Snacks… And Well!

   Unless you want to make multiple runs from the ocean to your lodging, pack some great snacks. Always prepare to be on the beach for a length of time. Even if you are not! We pre-make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, gummies, pretzels, goldfish crackers, etc. Try to pack individual snacks so nothing goes to waste and you can accommodate multiple people.

5. Freeze Water Bottles & Use As Ice

   This tip accompanies the tip above. Food safety is a must. Especially on a hot beach. Keep cold foods cold with frozen bottles of water. 1) They tend to last longer than heaping piles of ice and 2) They are multi-purpose. As they melt you eventually have water and we also use the bottles to cool down. Placing the bottle against the back of our necks for some instant relief.

6. Beach Towel

   This Towel for the win! My sister-in-law, Abbey scored this great beach find. It repels sand! Yes. You read that correct.

7. Water Shoes

   This was a total whim, but I am glad I purchased and packed. When we got to the beach we were greeted by lots and lots of jellyfish. They were in the water and all over the shore. Within the first hour, my oldest niece was stung three times and she never went in the water! I packed the shoes for the rough ocean floor but these provided some comfort and piece of mind for walking across the jellyfish invested shore. Try These or These!

8. Pack A Spray Bottle of Vinegar

   For the fries, y’all! Just kidding. Hence the tip above and the jellyfish dilemma and possible stings. I had always heard, you pee on a jellyfish sting. I think that public form of medicine is looked down upon. Vinegar does the trick! We actually learned that from a lifeguard. Vinegar takes the sting out.

9. Reusable Shopping Bags

   These make great beach bags! Coming from a self-proclaimed, “fashion girl” – skip the beach bag fashion. Unless you are in Saint-Tropez… no one cares! These are great for toting sandy towels and toys and they rinse up and dry great. Seriously, save your money.

10. 5 Gallon Bucket

    Can’t you tell from the photo above? My dear daughter and our young nieces and nephews enjoyed every single moment with this bucket! Fill that sucker up with ocean water and watch the kiddies frolic around it like it is a magic well or something. No, in all seriousness, it is great for quick washes of the hands and feet, for sand castle play and for even quick dunks from the sun.

Do you have a beach tip that I missed? If so, share in the comments section below. Happy beaching!

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