Have a family meeting to discuss your options. Before you start looking up options online, sit down and talk with your family members to see what everyone else has in mind for a beach trip. Whether you are planning a day at the beach or a vacation to a beach city, it will help to find out what everyone wants to do.[1] X Research source You might want to take notes to remind yourself what everyone wants to do and then you can refer to these when you make the arrangements and pack for your trip. For example, perhaps your partner wants to look for seashells, your daughter wants to learn to surf, and your son wants to build a sandcastle. Choose a beach location close to home if you are just going for the day. Look into your local beaches by doing a quick internet search, asking friends and family, or asking for recommendations on social media. You may have some great beaches close to where you live if you are near a lake or the ocean. You might have a great beach trip option within a short distance from your home that you’ve not yet explored.[2] X Research source Try checking for beaches at local state parks. You can also look into public beaches in your area. Select a beach resort

if you want to spend multiple days at the beach. If you plan to go out of the area for your beach trip, then you might look into a beach resort that you can stay at for a few days. Beach resorts are hotels on the beach with extra amenities, such as restaurants, swimming pools, and complimentary beach gear. Some popular beach destinations where you can find a resort include:[3] X Research source Myrtle Beach, North Carolina Laguna Beach, California Daytona Beach, Florida Look into a beach that you can camp at if your family is outdoorsy. If your family enjoys camping, then you might try to find a beach where camping is permitted. This will allow you family to stay overnight and it is also a great budget option. Some good choices include:[4] X Research source Beaches at state and national parks KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in the US and Canada Public beaches with campsites Make sure the beach you choose has the amenities you need. You might want to cook out on a grill at the beach, have a campfire, rinse the sand off your feet at a public shower, or simply use a clean restroom. Whatever amenities you want in the beach you visit, try to find one that has them all! You should be able

to find this information on the beach's website if they have one, or by asking a friend or family member who has visited that beach. Fill a cooler with plenty of water, snacks, and food. One of the most important things to bring on a family beach trip is a cooler full of ice and things to eat and drink! Since you will be spending at least a few hours at the beach, your family will need some snacks and water at the very least. However, packing a light lunch for everyone is ideal. Some good beach food and drinks include:[5] X Research source Reusable bottles filled with water and an extra gallon jug to refill them Fresh fruit, such as grapes and blueberries Easy to eat sandwiches, such as peanut butter and jelly, hummus, or turkey wraps Squeezable yogurt and applesauce pouches Bring towels, bathing suits, and a change of clothes for everyone. Before you head out on your family beach trip, have everyone change into their bathing suits and grab a towel and a change of clothes. Pack these items for any little ones as well.[6] X Research source Be sure to consider what your family wants to do after spending the day at the beach. For example, if you will be going shopping or taking a

walking through town, then they will all need to have comfortable walking shoes. If you have a baby or toddler, pack 2 changes of clothes plus diapers and wipes. Make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your baby’s scalp from the sun as well. Pack multiple containers of sunscreen for the whole family. Everyone in your family will need to apply and reapply sunscreen once every 2 hours while at the beach, or any time they get wet or sweaty.[7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Make sure that you bring plenty of sunscreen for everyone to do this![8] X Research source Bring along sunscreen that is easy to apply quickly, such as spray-on or stick sunscreen. Pack baby sunscreen for little ones between 6 months and 2 years. Keep in mind that babies under 6 months of age should not wear sunscreen and will need to be kept in the shade and covered up for the day instead. Get a large beach umbrella or tent to provide shade for your family. While wearing sunscreen should protect your family from getting sunburns at the beach, they will still need somewhere to escape from the heat

throughout the day. Bring along at least 1 large beach umbrella to provide shade for your family. You may also want to bring a popup tent to provide additional shade for your family.[9] X Research source Include any additional entertainment items your family may want. The best part of a beach day is all the different ways your family can play together! Make sure that you bring items that your family will want to use during their time at the beach. Some great options include:[10] X Research source Boogie boards Sand toys for building a sandcastle, such as buckets and shovels Frisbee or a ball A deck of cards or a travel board game Family-friendly novels that you can read out loud Apply sunscreen to everyone before you go out in the sun. It’s important to apply and reapply sunscreen to yourself and your family members throughout the day to protect them from sunburns. Select a sunscreen that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher and apply it at least 15 minutes before you go out in the sun. Then, reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours or after getting sweaty or wet.[11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified

dermatologists Go to source Make sure to apply the sunscreen to all areas of your body that will be exposed. Apply a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to lips. Take a picture of everyone in case someone gets lost. In the event that someone from your group gets separated from the rest of you, it will be helpful to have a picture that was taken on the same day. Take a minute to snap a picture of each member of your family before you head to the beach.[13] X Research source There’s no need to explain why you’re taking the photos of everyone. You can simply say, “Let me get a cute picture of each of you in your beach outfits!” Don’t forget to take a group photo as well to preserve the memory of your fun-filled family beach trip! Attach a bright flag, scarf, or towel to the top of your beach umbrella. Get a fluorescent color or print flag, scarf, or towel and attach it to the top of your family’s umbrella or tent. If you have older children or adult family members who might wander away from the beach site on their own, this will help to increase the visibility of your family’s beach spot. Point it out to your family members before anyone heads off to explore.[14] X Research

source For example, you could tie a bright pink scarf to the top of the umbrella and say to everyone, “See the pink scarf? Look for that if you get lost.” Instruct your kids on how far they can wander. If you’re planning to let your kids explore or play on their own near your beach site, make sure to set clear boundaries for how far they can roam. Point out landmarks to show them what the limits are and tell them how often they will need to check in.[15] X Research source For example, you might say to them, “Don’t go past the volleyball court or the pier. Check back in once every 20 minutes so I know you’re okay.”