Looking for some super useful beach hacks for a fun-filled family day? These 21 ideas are ones every mom needs to know about!
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We recently took a family “vacation” to the beach for a week. I use the word vacation lightly because anyone with young kids knows a day at the beach isn’t exactly relaxing for mom and dad.
However, using these beach hacks went a long way to making it less stressful.
If you are planning a beach trip soon, be sure to try out some of these tips and tricks. They are super simple and require little preparation so you can focus on making memories as a family and having fun in the sun.
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21 Beach Hacks
Hack #1: Set a Timer for Applying Sunscreen
Sunscreen is SO important, not just for kids but for adults too. One of the best tricks I’ve learned over the years is to set a timer for every 60 minutes so you don’t forget to reapply. No one wants their beach trip ruined by sunburn.
Here are a few of our go-to sunscreens:
A tip from my esthetician is to always make sure your first coat of sunscreen is lotion. Then you can use the easy sprays when reapplying every hour for the best sun protection.
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
Hack #2: Use Solar Buddies for Easy Application
Gone are the days of your kids arguing over having to apply sunscreen. Solar Buddies are a must-have! My kids LOVE using them and it makes application fast and easy!
This is also an easy way to have them “help” apply their own sunscreen. I don’t know about you, but my toddlers put up less of a fight when they get to do things themselves. Next time you are struggling with your kids, try this beach hack.
Hack #3: Freeze Drinks and Snack Pouches
One way to keep your drinks and fruit pouches from getting too hot too quickly is to freeze them halfway before heading to the beach. The hot sun will defrost them just in time for your kids to enjoy a refreshment when they need to cool down. This is perfect for bottled water, juice boxes, and even applesauce pouches.
Hack #4: Set Up a Baby Pool for Small Kids
Do you have really young kids that might not be a fan of the ocean and waves, but still love the water? A simple solution is to bring a baby pool and fill it with water. You can put the pool under a tent near your chairs to let your little one enjoy splashing in the water without having to go into the ocean. This one is pretty awesome because it comes with the tent already attached.
Hack #5: Transport Everything in a Beach Wagon
Chances are if you’re heading to the beach with kids you have a lot of stuff.
A beach wagon is a MUST for hauling loads of gear to and from a condo or beach house. It’s so convenient to pile everything inside the wagon. Plus most are designed to roll across the sand easily.
Instead of carrying an ice chest, tons of bags, toys, and snacks, you can load it all into a wagon for one easy trip.
Hack #6: Create a Sand-Free Play Area
I saw this beach hack on Facebook a few months back and have been dying to try it. I’m sure you’ve already seen this beach hack on TikTok or Instagram, but if not you can use a fitted bed sheet to create a large play area with sides to keep the sand out. Simply use your bags, ice chest, or chairs to hold the four corners in place and it creates a sand-free play area.
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the shore with this Beach Day Scavenger Hunt Printable! Grab yours HERE!
Hack #7: Pack a Battery Powered Spray Fan
A battery-powered spray fan or mister is another essential for any hot summer day. Sitting in the sun all day is a surefire way to get overheated, but with a fan, you can instantly cool off.
I love this one. It’s also great for hot summer days at home or sporting events!
Hack #8: Create a Hand Rinsing Station
The worst thing is when you are covered in sand and you need clean hands for something. Creating a handwashing station is the perfect solution. Designate one large bucket (those sand toys really do come in handy) as the area where everyone will wash their hands. No one can play in this… it’s only for dipping hands to clean them.
Hack #9: Bring on the Sand Toys
My motto is the more sand toys the better. We bring them all so that if my kids get bored with one they can move on to another one. Our favorites are the ones made by Melissa and Doug, sandcastle molds, and this sand and water wheel.
Hack #10: Pick the Perfect Beach Bag
The best beach bags are ones that can be hosed off when leaving the beach. My favorites are Bogg bags for towels and personal items and mesh bags to hold all the beach toys. I also love the Bogg Burr bags which transform your bag into an ice chest.
To see what I keep in my own personal beach bag check out these 20 must-have summer essentials for moms.
Hack #11: Extra Sun Protection
You don’t want to rely solely on sunscreen for protection from harmful UV rays. Make sure you are dressing yourself and your family in hats, sunglasses, and SPF shirts, and beach clothes. Also, it’s a great idea to set up umbrellas or tents for added shade and protection from those UV rays.
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
Hack #12: Bring an iPad for Rest Time
While we try to monitor screen time as much as possible, if you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time on the beach it may be a good idea to bring an iPad in a waterproof case. This is great if you want your kids to take a break and have a “rest time” under the tent.
Hack #13: Remove Sand with Baby Powder
If you’ve never tried using baby powder to remove sand at the end of a beach day, add it to your packing list. Just rub it all over your arms and legs before leaving the beach and the sand will easily come off.
Hack #14: Practice Water Safety
Water safety should be your top priority at the beach, especially if you have young kids. We obviously don’t let our kids anywhere near the water without an adult present, but for that extra level of safety, we make Grayson wear a puddle jumper. Audrey is still too small for one, so I like this safety vest for smaller kids.
Hack #15: Don’t Forget the Tunes
A day at the beach isn’t complete without some good music. I love my portable Bluetooth speaker because it is waterproof and really loud. One good trick, esp if you have young kids, is to download a white noise app and play it through the speaker if they are napping on the beach.
Hack #16: Bring a Portable Potty
The last thing you want is to be stuck on the beach when your toddler needs to potty. We have this portable potty with the bags that we normally keep in the car. When we are headed out to the beach, we throw it in the bag. In an emergency situation, we can put the kids inside the pop-up tent and let them use the potty.
Hack #17: Bug Spray
Depending on the time of year and time of day, you may deal with pesky bugs while trying to relax on the beach. I always keep a small can of OFF in my beach bag in case they get too bad.
Hack #18: Use a Snack Spinner
These snack spinners are a must-have if you have young kids. They are perfect for the beach, in the car, or anywhere your kids may want to eat snacks. I love that they have five different compartments to hold a variety of foods, but only one section opens at a time to prevent everything from spilling.
Hack #19: Pack a Trash Bag
Pack a trash bag to use at your beach station throughout the day. You won’t have to worry about the wind blowing trash away or having to walk to find a can. Just tie it to one of your beach chairs and when it’s time to go home throw it in the nearest dumpster.
Hack #20: Bring Extra Everything
This one should go without saying. If you have young kids you know you should always be prepared. I like to make sure I have double of everything: water diapers, clean clothes, drinks, snacks, etc. If your kids need it, you should have extra just in case.
Hack #21: Hide your Valuables
If you are bringing money or other valuables to the beach, you want to keep them safe. I have heard of some people hiding valuables in a baby’s diaper. I also found this water bottle safe which is another great place to hide your things.
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
The next time you head to the beach, be sure to try out some of these beach hacks. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram for lots more tips and tricks related to making mom’s life a little easier!
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This post is all about beach hacks for a fun-filled family day.
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