Ahhh, taking your kids to the beach sounds idyllic, but we all know that when you're balancing a child who's not a fan of sand, one who could spend hours building castles, and your own sanity? Things can get...complicated. I've been there.
My beach trips often resembled a circus performance, juggling one sensory-avoiding son and my second, who could happily live on the shore forever. Over time, I learned valuable tricks to ensure everyone has some fun without leaving anyone feeling overwhelmed (including me). Here's how you can do the same.
Pack A Mix of Activities
Many kids can't sit still with one thing for long, especially at the beach. That's why I always brought a mix of activities to keep everyone happy. Whether it was sandcastle tools for my little builder, or kites, snorkel masks, skim boards, beach balls, and a scavenger hunt for treasures like seashells and shark teeth (family favorites of ours!), variety is key. For downtime, books, travel games, mini toys, watercolor paints (for paper or painting shells and rocks), or drawing sets under the shade of the umbrella can provide a much-needed break from the sun and waves, for the kids and you.
You might have one kid happily digging trenches or splashing in the waves, while another prefers playing travel games or reading under the umbrella. I learned early on to pack beyond just sand play.
A little prep goes a long way, especially for children who dislike sandy sensations. Water shoes were a game changer for my son, keeping the sand off his feet so he could still join in the fun. A thick beach blanket or even a small inflatable pool can create a sand-free haven, while a bucket of water nearby helps rinse sandy hands in a flash. Trust me, packing with sensory needs in mind can make all the difference.
Beach Base Camps for Balancing Different Preferences
Every family has one. The kid who could spend all day building castles, hunting shells, or running into the waves, and another is ready to call it after an hour. My youngest could linger on the beach until sunset, but my oldest? He'd be down to leave soon after arrival.
One strategy that worked wonders for us was setting up near other activities like a boardwalk, gift shop, or café. This gave us easy options to keep the trip balanced. My husband and I would divide and conquer. I gave our oldest son breaks and took him to check out the quirky items in little shops while my youngest and my husband stayed longer on the beach. Another trick? Make alternate days part of your itinerary. A beach day followed by a relaxing nature hike or a museum visit gives everyone something to look forward to, plus there are bonus points for letting your child decide on a few activities.
Don't underestimate the power of a good umbrella or tent setup. It's more than just shade; it's your base camp and mental reset zone. Comfortable kids = happy parents. Stock it with everything you need, from quick-dry towels to easy-access snacks. I love using collapsible bins to keep everything organized. When my son needed a sensory breather, he'd curl up in the shade with his favorite toys and a snack while I built sandcastles with his younger brother. A well-prepared home base turns potential chaos into a manageable (and even enjoyable) day for everyone!
The Multicolor Organizer is perfect for keeping all of the little items and snacks separate and sand-free!
Safety, Sunburns, Snacks, and Sanity
Here's a lesson I learned the hard way during one of our marathon beach days: nothing ends a beach day faster than a cranky, sunburned kid. Pack more snacks and water than you think you'll need. Opt for easy-to-eat options like pre-cut fruit, crackers, or snack bars that won't melt or spoil in the heat. Bonus tip? Bring a small cooler you can stash under your shade for easy access.
Why is sunscreen such a stressful event? Between the application opposition and forgetting to reapply, it was one of my biggest headaches on beach days with little ones. Over the years, I've found some helpful things, including setting alarms to remind me to reapply sunscreen and always having sunscreen options that my children would tolerate. One of my sons preferred spray, while the other liked non-greasy lotions, sun shirts, and hats. Giving them some choice on type went a long way towards application cooperation.
Trading off supervision is key, not only to help fight the fatigue of constant vigilance but also to allow one parent (or adult) to linger at the beach while another rounds up the troops for ice cream or a walk. Sharing the load ensures that everyone, parents included, enjoys moments of carefree fun.
Wrapping It Up
We always take a foldable wagon or beach cart for easy hauling to and from the shore. Everyone is too tired at the end of the day to make multiple trips back and forth. As you pack up at the end of the day, it’s a good idea to remember to keep that sand from hitchhiking into every crevice of your car by using a few simple items for cleanup. Sprinkling baby powder on feet and legs and then wiping off with a small towel is a secret weapon for brushing stubborn sand. If showers are available, rinse everyone down before loading up. I always keep a fresh blanket or towels to sit on and a clean change of clothes in the car for that final sandy swap.
Trips to the beach with kids come with their share of challenges, but they're also where some of the best memories are made. With the right planning, flexibility, and a touch of humor, the beach can become the destination everyone treasures. Give each child (and yourself) room to enjoy it their way. After all, the best trips aren't about perfection; they're about connection.
