Beach trips can be a snap if you have a system. A big part of my system is having everything pre-packed so that when I decide to take the kids to the beach – we just load up the car and go. I go to the beach year round so I have our routine down.
Sunscreen the kids before you go and bring some to re-apply. Here’s my system:
THE Backpack
The reason I tutored you through packing THE backpack — is that it is an essential item for your BEACH TRIP! It’s important that it’s a backpack or you’ll never make it from the car to the sand.
IKEA Bag (the waterproof blue one that you can buy at checkout for under $1)
This IKEA bag is key to beach success. I love it. It’s okay if it gets wet and sandy. It’s indestructible. Plus, it holds A LOT OF STUFF! Here’s what goes in your IKEA bag:
- Sand toys — with EXTRA shovels. Always have way more shovels than you need. Kids will flock to your toys and you don’t want fights over who gets to use the shovel. Shovels are also known for handle breakage – so extras never hurt.
- Picnic blanket and/or beach towel. I always bring one picnic blanket and one beach towel per person.
- Beach umbrella. My umbrella is light and it rests perfectly atop the toys and towels. It doesn’t really fit inside the bag, but it balances there pretty well.
Camp Chair (preferably one that folds and has a case with a handle that fits over your shoulder)
Mom gets a camp chair. You might not get to sit in it much, but it gives the illusion of relaxation. I even have mine fitted with zip ties to hold the umbrella in place.
Flip-Flops for All
Don’t struggle with shoes you can’t just kick off. When you get to the sand, you’ll want to take off your shoes. These are the easiest way to go. Plus, they protect the bottom of your feet from the hot sand on the way off the beach.
- I’m not making any money for this tip, but I am in love with my Montrail Molokini flip-flops. I’ve worn these puppies for 3 YEARS! You put them in the oven when you first buy them and mold them to your foot! They are incredibly comfortable. $55 is a lot for me to spend on shoes, but it’s worth it for 3+ years of comfort. I wear them all year.
Beach Lunch
The rest of the stuff I can already have packed. The beach lunch is the only real chore I need to do to get us out the door. We usually have simple PB&J, with apples or carrots, and a few snacks thrown in. I don’t know what it is about the beach – but everything just tastes better. Your water bottles should already be packed in your backpack. I only bring what I can fit in the backpack. If it’s a family day at the beach and I have help — then I might consider a cooler.
Extras
- Boogie board
- Extra umbrella
- The extra bag in the photo is full of toys my daughter chose to bring in addition to the sand toys, but she had to carry those herself.
How to carry it all?
- I have the backpack on my back. Then the camp chair over my right shoulder. The IKEA bag goes over the camp chair strap and I can balance the umbrella with my right hand. Beach lunch should be inside the backpack and the flip-flops are on my feet. That leaves my left hand free for holding little hands.
What do I bring if I have a baby?
- Bring help! And waaaay more stuff like sun shades and a pack & play.
