How to Bring Your Kids to the Beach

There's nothing quite like a day at the beach. Between the abundant natural beauty and the myriad of tourist activities, there's no shortage of fun to be had at the beach. If you're planning to bring your kids to the beach, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Refreshments
• Cooler
• Umbrella
• Binoculars

1. Arrive early to claim a spot. This can be especially important if you're taking the kids to a popular tourist beach. As the sun rises and the heat stifles, expect the beaches to fill quickly.
2. Establish a base camp, of sorts, for your day at the beach. Plant a large, easily-recognizable beach umbrella. That way your kids will know where to go if they get separated from one another.
3. Agree that you'll reconvene every half-hour or so throughout the day. Though your kids may choose to wander off and enjoy different activities, make sure they check in with you every so often.
4. Coat your kids in sunscreen before they play in the sun. Sunburns can be painful and have lasting health implications. For maximum protection, choose a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, as per the directions on the bottle's label.
5. Plan plenty of fun activities for your kids to enjoy while you're at the beach. Younger kids may enjoy a seashell hunt or a paddleboat ride. Older kids and teens may enjoy skimboarding or renting a jet ski.
6. Watch your kids as they play. Make sure they don't wander too far up the beach or too far into the ocean. Bring a pair of small binoculars so you'll always have a good view.
7. Bring plenty of snacks and refreshments for your kids to enjoy. Playing in the sun can beexhausting, so your kids will need plenty of water and food to keep their energy levels high. Pack a cooler of snacks to avoid having to purchase costly refreshments from boardwalk shops.

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Tips & Warnings

• Pick beach clothing for your kids that's easy to recognize. If your son or daughter is wearing a bright red bathing suit, you'll easily be able to spot them while you relax on the shore. If you're bringing more than one kid to the beach, consider coordinating their bathing suit colors.
• In addition to your watchful eye, make sure you choose to visit a beach that has a trained lifeguard on duty at all times. Not every public beach provides such a service, though beaches that are more popular with tourists often have lifeguards.