Parenting

10 Genius Beach Trip Hacks Every Parent Really Needs

ParentingPublished Aug 1, 2014
By Judy Dutton
beach family

A family beach trip with kids sounds like the perfect summer outing ... in theory. The reality involves packing tons of gear and snacks, struggling to slather squirmy kids in sunscreen, and lots of sand, of course -- getting everywhere from your sandwich to your sandals. There has to be an easier way, right? Turns out, there is! 

Try following a few of these 10 smart, parent-approved beach hacks to cut down on the stress of a family beach trip and enjoy all the benefits with far fewer hassles.

beach hacks

Images ©iStock.com/OJO_Images and ©iStock.com/ampueroleonardo

1/10
Bring baby powder-placeholder
Bring baby powder
iStock.com/gvictoria

Bring baby powder

Rub a handful on your kids' hands or feet and voila -- no more sand! Just like on baby's bums, baby powder absorbs moisture, which leaves skin dry so sand can't stick. That way your kiddos can easily shake off those gritty granules before eating food or putting on flip-flops.

2/10
Wrap your valuables in a diaper-placeholder
Wrap your valuables in a diaper
iStock.com/Renphoto

Wrap your valuables in a diaper

Want to join your little ones in the surf, but afraid of leaving your valuables unattended? Wrap your wallet, keys, smartphone, and other pricey possessions in a diaper to look as if it's been used. We absolutely guarantee no one will touch it.

3/10
Sit on a fitted sheet-placeholder
Sit on a fitted sheet
Phaniel/Reddit

Sit on a fitted sheet

A fitted sheet's elastic edge works as a perfect sand barrier: Just pin all four corners with your coolers and bags to create a sand-free area.

4/10
Turn your steering wheel-placeholder
Turn your steering wheel
iStock.com/spooh

Turn your steering wheel

Parking in the sun? Turn your steering wheel 180 degrees. That way when you're ready to leave, the part of the steering wheel that you use won't burn your hands.

5/10
Dress your kid like a surfer-placeholder
Dress your kid like a surfer

Dress your kid like a surfer

Tired of struggling to cover your kids in sunscreen? Minimize the work by dressing them in surfer clothes, which are typically made out of a fast-drying, breathable material that blocks the sun's damaging rays.

6/10
Bring balloons-placeholder
Bring balloons
iStock.com/happyfoto

Bring balloons

If your kids' ears get plugged with water after a swim, have them gently blow into a deflated balloon three or four times. This will force the water out. Problem solved!

7/10
Sew pockets on your towels-placeholder
Sew pockets on your towels
iStock.com/baytunc

Sew pockets on your towels

Sew pockets onto the corners of your beach towel where you can place things inside. Added bonus: It keeps your beach towel weighed down, too.

8/10
Pack snacks in an insulated tote-placeholder
Pack snacks in an insulated tote
iStock.com/wwing

Pack snacks in an insulated tote

Don't feel like lugging a whole cooler? A far lighter option is an insulated tote, which will keep your munchies cool without straining your back.

9/10
Fill a freezer bag with water-placeholder
Fill a freezer bag with water
iStock.com/DustyPixel

Fill a freezer bag with water

Stick it in the freezer overnight so the water inside is frozen by the time you leave. This bag does double duty: Use it as an ice pack for your cooler, and after the ice melts, you can use the bag to hold wet swimsuits.

10/10
Go early -- or late-placeholder
Go early -- or late
Pandu Adnyana/Flickr

Go early -- or late

To avoid the biggest crowds and the worst of the sun, families should consider heading to the beach early and coming back before lunch, or going there in the late afternoon or evening. Added perks: You'll get better parking and may not have to pack as much food for your trip. It's an easier and more kid-friendly strategy all round. 

How do you make family beach trips with kids easier and more fun?

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