Ah, the beach, the picturesque spot of calm waves and sand between your toes, where you leave your worries and cares behind . . . until you realize that a beach outing with kids makes none of that possible.
Anakin Skywalker said it best, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, and rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” While we can’t stop you from bringing home all the sand, we do have some tips to help you bring home less sand, and embrace the saltiness that can come with a beach outing with kids. Whether you embark on a solo mission with the kids, a beach trip with the family, or an all-day affair with out-of-town guests, these local mom tips are sure to guide your next successful beach day.
TIPS FOR THE SUN
- Layer It on Me
Sun protective clothing, like rash guards and hats, are more effective than just sunscreen alone — with the bonus of not having to worry about swimming, sweating, or reapplying. Even the best sunscreen when applied perfectly doesn’t block as much UVA and UVB as an extra protective layer. Local mom’s favorite for the whole family: Lands End.
- Sunnies Side Up
Ditch the cheaper shades in favor of some glasses with UVA and UVB protection with polarizing lenses. Brands like Knockaround and Cat and Jack offer some affordable options.
- Throwing Shade
Even with all the protection, having a reprieve from the sun is a must-have, especially with littles. The classic beach umbrella, Shubumi, or a beach tent can be a great and much-needed break from the sun.
- Burn Baby Burn
Sunscreen is a no-brainer, but make sure to apply it to often overlooked areas like feet, ears, and some love for our lips! Experts recommend SPF Lip Balm in at least SPF 30. And remember sunscreen is only good if it lasts — set a timer on your phone with intervals on when to reapply.
- Cooler Relief
Throw a bottle of soothing aloe in your cooler to provide immediate cooling comfort for any burns or scrapes.
FOR THE WALK
- Ice Ice Baby
Cooler backpacks are a great way to keep your snacks and drinks cold, while still remaining hands-free.
- Bag of Holding
Opt for mesh beach totes to filter out the sand, or washable materials, and make sure it is big enough to hold as much as humanly possible. Keep the bag pre-packed with beach favorites so you can grab and go with very little prep time. Mom’s favorites include Bogg bags and the Frakta Carrier Bag from IKEA.
- Gear Holder
A Stroller or Beach Wagon/Cart makes towing all the gear for a full beach day much easier while also providing a nice non-sandy place for kids to sit, eat, and nap. Plus one less thing to buy, since most will already have a stroller handy.
FOR THE SPOT
- Cover Me
Bring beach blankets, Turkish towels (Loomia, a local shop right in Mount Pleasant), or a fitted sheet! To get a sand-free lounging space, simply take a fitted sheet with you, place a heavy item in each corner (like a beach bag or cooler), and pull the corners up over them.
Keep shoes under a towel, so they don’t bake in the sun when it is time to go home!
- Not Today, Sand
Sand cupholders and/or portable tables make a great place to eat, drink, or keep items like wallets, keys, and phones away from the sand and water.
- Clean It Up
Bring a pack of baby wipes or sanitizer to clean hands before eating or drinking, and make sure to bring a trash bag to collect all the waste from the day.
FOR THE FOOD
- Hydration Station
Pack grab-and-go drinks and plenty of water. Freeze your drinks the night before so that when you pack your cooler, there’s no need to add additional ice. The drinks will keep everything cool without adding extra weight and will be ice-cold and ready to drink.
- Sealed
Bring chip clips or reusable bags to secure any leftover snacks.
- Always Be Snacking
Think easy, pre-packaged snacks like chips, popcorn, fruit snacks, pre-cut fruit and veggies. Even some hummus or salsa stored in the cooler would be a great snack. Using a bento or snacklebox allows you to bring multiple snacks in a closed shareable container.
FOR THE FUN
- Timing Is Everything
Going early means cooler temps, better parking, and smaller crowds with a schedule that can end around lunchtime/nap time. If you aren’t in the morning crowd, hold off going until later afternoon when the beach starts to clear out — you get the same benefits as the morning hours, plus the bonus of a sunset. Either time avoids the UV levels at their highest during midday and hopefully avoids the occasional popup afternoon summer thunderstorms.
- The Tides Have Turned
Check the tides. Low tides are best for beachcombers, and it also provides the opportunity for tide pools to form.
- Don’t Toy With Me
A simple bucket and shovel should do the trick, but also water squirters, surfer dudes, beach cars, and sand sifters are Mom fan favorites. But less is definitely more. Keep toys in a mesh bag to remove excess sand, making it easier to hose and dry them off when you get home. Collapsible sand buckets are a great addition and fold down for extra space and storage.
- Bag It Up
Invest in dedicated reusable bags you can bring time and time again to collect all those ocean treasures.
FOR THE JUST IN CASE
- Need Healing?
Make sure to bring a first aid kit with all the essentials, including bug spray or a bug bite thing. Local moms also suggest bringing vinegar to keep handy for jellyfish stings!
FOR THE CAR
- Change It Up
Pack a change of clothes for the ride home, or if you need to venture out after the beach. Reuse the same bag to hold all the wet clothes/towels to make for an easy transition to the washing machine.
FOR THE SAND
- One Last Attempt
Try to thwart the sand with a variety of tools both on and off the beach in hopes of removing as much sand as you can before heading home. Sand gloves, sand brushes, and talc-free powder all do an excellent job of keeping you sand free.
Keep a few sport water bottles filled with clean water in your car and use them to spray off any stubborn sand on you or your shoes.
Finally, the best tip for a beach outing with kids would be to go in with no expectations other than to have fun! Some days won’t be perfect — weather, elements, kids not cooperating, and sometimes nothing goes to plan. But like the beach, you go through highs and lows, you wash away the grit and salt, and then you reset. Happy Beaching!
Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer in Charleston for all the things to do, see, eat, and explore around the Lowcountry!
