Written by Katie Brenneman, Guest Writer
What’s more fun than a beach day? Okay, you can probably think of a few things, but beach days deserve the hype they get.
Going to the beach is one of the best things you can do for your mental, physical, and emotional health. From the relaxing atmosphere to the sunshine to the various leisure activities you can do while there, the beach is an ideal travel destination for singles, couples, and families.
With that being said, things like overcrowding, lack of safety resources, and not packing properly can suck the fun right out of your beach day plans. Luckily, with a few traveling tips that tackle things to know and do to make your beach day as pleasant and enamoring as possible, you can ward off anything meant to mess up your plans.
Here are seven tips for planning a fun day at the beach.
Pack the Night Before
One of the fastest ways to suck the fun out of your beach day is to pack the day of. It can be incredibly stressful, and you’ll likely end up forgetting something important. Packing the night before can mitigate this stress and give you time to ensure you’ve got everything.
Here’s what to pack for a fun day at the beach, including but not limited to:
- Towels
- Cooler
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Beach chairs
- Lots of water
- Snacks and drinks
- Beach toys for the kids
- Umbrellas or a beach tent
- Sandles, flip flops, or slides
- Hand sanitizer and toiletries
- A set of warm clothes for everyone
- All prescriptions and related medical items unique to your family
Next, invite other family and friends to your beach day to make it that much more enjoyable.
Invite Other Family and Friends
If you want just to make it an immediate family trip to the beach, that’s great. But, on the other hand, you could invite extended family members and friends to enjoy your beach day with you.
Give them a call and see what they’re going to be doing on the day you plan to go to the beach. If they don’t have any plans, extend an invite to them. Ask that they bring their own beach chairs, towels, blankets, and anything else that’ll make the day as fun as it can be.
Planning activities for those that don’t love going in the water is also essential for a fun day at the beach.
Plan Activities for Those Who Don’t Love Going in the Water
Playing in and enjoying the water seems like the best part about beach days. However, there are many other activities to indulge in at the beach. In addition, it’s imperative to be mindful of those in your family who don’t love going in the water. They, too, should have a wonderful time at the beach.
So, plan activities that don’t involve going into the water. For example, metal detecting for hidden treasures is an excellent activity for those who want to enjoy the beach scene more than the water.
The following are also great out-of-the-water activities for your family:
- Going on a hike
- Reading a good book or magazine
- Collect seashells and other findings on the shore
- Making sandcastles and sand animals
- Doing puzzles, word searches, or other brain games
- Playing frisbee, football, or another beach-friendly sport
- Shopping on the boardwalk or at surrounding businesses
Another tip for planning a fun day at the beach is prioritizing safety and setting ground rules.
Prioritize Safety and Set Ground Rules
The water and the surrounding beach can become dangerous if you aren’t careful. Because of this, it’s crucial you prioritize safety and set ground rules with your family for what to do and what not to do while at the beach.
Get a spot close to lifeguards and medical staff on the beach if you can. At the very least, you should know where and who these individuals are should an emergency happen.
Also crucial for safety on the beach is noting where the closest medical care facilities are on the way there. Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency room, urgent care, and clinic location. Note their hours and have their phone numbers programmed in your phone.
You might also want to talk with your health insurance company about potential expenses should you have to visit one of these facilities. The more prepared you are, the better.
As far as your beach day ground rules, they can include:
- Never go anywhere by yourself
- Always stay within eyesight of a parent
- A parent must accompany a child if they want to go swimming
- Don’t interact with strangers
- Always wear the proper water safety gear
- Stay fed and hydrated during the day
- Everyone wears and reapplies sunscreen throughout the day
Also, plan to get to the beach early.
Get There Early
Overcrowding is one of the worst things about public beaches. However, if you get there early enough, you can enjoy some space and private time on the beach before the crowd trickles in.
Plan to get to the beach early. Arriving no later than lunchtime is your best bet, especially on a nice, warm day full of sunshine. You should know how long it will take to get to the beach. Set your alarm and get on the road early enough to get there when just a few people are setting up for the day.
Once you do arrive at the beach, enjoy the water.
Enjoy the Water
Simply put, when you get to the beach, enjoy the main attraction: the water.
Here are a few activity ideas to help you enjoy the water while at the beach:
- Go for a swim
- Go scuba diving or fishing
- Go surfing to get some cardio in
- Look for marine life on the shore
- Take a boat ride or enjoy jet skis
Lastly, make sure you bring more than enough water to keep everyone hydrated.
Stay Hydrated
You’ll probably bring soda, juice, and other drinks, but bring twice as much water with you. Water is the best way to keep our bodies hydrated. It also helps keep our body temperatures normal, joints lubricated, and organs working correctly.
We don’t want anyone to get sick, dehydrated under the sun, or sluggish throughout the day. So, instead of filling up on sugary drinks, take in more water than usual.
Ultimately, be sure you and everyone attending the beach with you stay hydrated with lots of water throughout your beach day.
Conclusion
Planning a fun day at the beach can be seamless if you follow the tips above.
Pack the night before and extend an invitation to other family and friends to enjoy the day with you.
Also, plan water and non-water activities to ensure everyone has fun during your beach day.
And finally, be sure to prioritize safety, get there early, and stay hydrated to make your beach day as pleasant as it can be.
Leave a reply