Looking for a ideas for a great day at the beach? Try these activities and enjoy a fun day in the sun with baby!
There are so many reasons the beach is a great destination for your family! No matter the age range of your kiddos, get your beach on and enjoy the sand, sun and surf!
Of course, there are some precautions to take, but most importantly, the beach is a beautiful getaway where you can explore, learn, relax and benefit from all the many wonders of the ocean.
Beach Day Must-Haves and Toddler Activities:
1. Sun Protection – A must for children and adults alike, choose a sunscreen that is safe and gentle for your skin type, offers an amount of SPF of at least 30 and is labeled as a Broad-spectrum formula that covers both UVA and UVB rays. Studies show that children need some direct sunlight, 10-15 minutes a day depending on skin tone, for Vitamin D absorption. So while you’re at the beach, kids can benefit from the safe time in the sunlight they get right before you apply your sunscreen and hit the water!
Our top pick is Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+. The debate is still out for babies under 6 months and the use of sunscreen. One Part Sunshine has some great info and tips for Babies and Sunscreen.
Wearing protecting clothing like hats, long sleeves and sunglasses are also an option for beach days. There are definitely some cute surf shirts and swimsuits available that you and the kids will love. Check out these adorable items from Hurley Kids!
Any day at the beach will have sun, even on the cloudiest days. Provide shade and shelter for lunch time, relax time and for when the kids get too tired to play! We love this Shade Shack Portable Beach Tent, roomy enough for two adults and a child with an open floor, where your little one can play in the sand while being protected from the wind and sun. For an individual sized tent with built in SPF 30, we love this Seaside Beach Cabana Tent.
Check out Huffington Post’s 8 Reasons to Take Babies to the Beach!
2. Beach Rules – Safety is always first! Talk to the kids and other adults who will be joining you at the beach about your family’s safety rules and things to watch out for (like jellyfish)! Here are some suggestions adapted from the National Water Safety Council.
- Wear a life vest (or floaties) in the water and always check the lifeguard stand for wave alerts!
- Water Shoes protect from sharp rocks, glass and sea urchins!
- Never Swim Alone!
- Stay hydrated and drink water and sport drinks.
3. Make Memories – The beach offers so many opportunities for photos, silly moments, beautiful scenes and discoveries. Capture those memories and take home some souvenirs from your beach trip.
The kids will love collecting items they find on the beach like shells, sea glass and smooth rocks. Create a scavenger hunt or play i-Spy games for a fun day of discovery and learning. When you get home, you can do more kids activities with your beach booty you gathered. We love this list from Craftionary – 22 Beach Activities for Kids.
Take as many photos as you can! If you have a water proof phone case, a Go-Pro camera or a disposable underwater camera, take lots of pictures in the ocean! Try these 27 Fun & Creative Ideas for Beach Pictures and display them in your kid’s bedroom for long lasting memories.
Take the time to exercise or play sports on the beach too. Beach yoga, volleyball, swim races, jogging and long walks are all fun choices. Not only will it be great to throw in some physical activity, it will also TIRE THE KIDS OUT!
No matter the weather or season, the beach is the best place to be! Enjoy your time at one of the world’s greatest wonders and create wonderful memories with your family!
Need more beach inspiration? Check out these Tips for an Awesome Beach Day, Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach and try this How to Dye Seashells Science Experiment afterwards. And be sure to check out these other Vacation Destinations.
