Beach survival is another thing we went through this summer vacation. However, comparing the previous year, there were fewer tantrums now that the little one is more aware of the consequences and the world around.

Life became easier on us physically as well. We no longer use diapers, bottles, or pacifier. But, there’s always time for yelling and negotiating for more beach time when it’s time to go.

Here are some little essential rules and stuff we did and used to survive sandy time with our little three-year-old guy.

Check your car and pack on time

Think before you jump. Travelling with kids must be safe and comfortable. Make sure everything’s ok with the car, the air-conditioning works, the child carrier is all set, even if it’s a short ride to the beach. Set up your GPS too, and see tide predictions. We also try to do our summer shopping and other to-dos on time.

Once the UV rays get higher, we buy SPF 50+ for the family. Both my son and I have sensitive skin, and my husband applies sunscreen as well. When we pick the date for spending the day on the beach, we create a list and buy all the stuff we need throughout the week. Then pack everything the night before. We also put notes around the house for things we need to take in the morning. For instance, the note on the refrigerator for food, or the note on the office doors for the camera.

Beach survival kit

Some basic essentials you need to consider if you plan on surviving and having a lot of fun and peaceful moments with your family! Safety and comfort, boredom killers, food and beverages are all you need when you travel with kids anywhere. 

1 beach tent UPF 50+ or beach umbrella
2 swimsuit UPF 50+ or the combination of shirt, swim shorts and hat and water-friendly sandals 
3 sunscreen for babies, kids and adults (this is the safest brand!)
4 beach towels (we love these at pottery barn kids, but you need one for everyone plus extra for kids) 
5 change of clothes x2 (we also shop sets at Nordstrom or H&M) and comfy sandals (don’t forget extra underwear, socks and one set of warmer clothes if it gets chillier)
6 water bottle (always check it’s BPA and BPS free)
7 mini fridge for food and beverages
8 bento box is the easiest way to serve lunch and snacks to kids
9 large tote bag 
10 sand toys 
11 waterproof beach blanket 
12 wet bag and wet wipes 

When the boredom kicks back

The first 30 minutes or so, after setting everything up, the kid is silently playing in the sand, and we enjoy our drinks and have a chance to talk and relax. What comes next is obviously the boredom stage when he asks to go swimming and he could talk for an eternity and never give up. Unless you have a better idea.

You’ll need another set of entertainment for the kids, along with different varieties of sand toys. My top picks always are activity and colouring books, crayons and papers for drawing, car toys and a big ball. This space colouring and activity book is an absolute favourite, but we also love the letter tracing, scissor skills, dot to dot and stickers activity book. Bring enough, but not too much (at least, don’t offer all at once), and you never have to bring technology out!  

The second hour he usually spends swimming, either with one of us (if I haven’t finished my drink, which usually happens) or all together. He always prefers that we all get in the water because it’s double fun for him! However, neither one of us is in the water when UV rays are high. Anyways, that’s how we kill the boredom: the perfect timing and the toys. 

The food

After swimming, he’ll either eat lunch or a snack, depending on the time of the day. We prefer nutritious meals rather than junk food, so we bring food and beverages in our portable mini fridge. Here are some lunch and snacks at the beach ideas for the family we love. Sometimes we bring some additional treats too. If we plan beach day the whole day, we bring double sizing of the food, of course. 

Idea 1: meatballs, mashed potatoes, peas, Greek yoghurt, watermelon 
Idea 2: grilled chicken breasts, whole-wheat bread, tomato, cheese, apples
Idea 3: salmon salad, cucumber, protein bars, mango smoothie 
Idea 3: chicken kebabs, grilled broccoli, green salad, blueberries
Idea 4: avocado egg toast, tuna, papaya, raspberries 
Idea 5: veggie spaghetti, grilled mushrooms, baked oatmeal, banana

Baby powder

This is like the pro parenting tip, right? Don’t forget the baby powder because the sand gets everywhere. It’s sticky and annoying! Use the powder to turn wet sand into dry sand so it falls off easily. Then, you can peacefully travel home. Use this organic baby powder.

Trash bags

You don’t want to be one of those that leave their trash behind, and you certainly don’t want to raise your kids that way. Therefore, bring trash bags with you and collect everything before you leave. I always include my son in this activity. It’s fun for him, and it raises awareness of taking care of the planet Earth.

Go early so you can reserve a shady spot if there’s any and check everything one more time. There we have it – a complete beach survival guide with toddlers! Leave a comment below to share you experience with others, and please be kind to pin and share the beach survival guide to your social media. Have fun!