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This blog post was originally published on July 13th, 2016. It’s been updated to include new products and copy.
The Dog Days of Summer are upon us! I just love the warm weather, the joy and excitement that seems to always be in the air, and the opportunity for great outdoor fun with the whole family. Visiting the beach is one of the best traditions of Summer, but I sometimes find that the idea of taking kids for a Family Beach Day can be daunting and feel SUPER stressful. It doesn’t have to be! Today I’m sharing my best tips and tricks for enjoying a day at the beach with your Littles, and creating memories you can all enjoy together!
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As any superhero (or Mom) will tell you, sometimes saving the day or having the time of your life is all about being prepared. There are a few things you can bring to the beach that will totally elevate your family beach groove while also lowering your stress level…
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
$69.99
Bring your own shade to the beach! Kids can play and nap underneath it, and it will be a great respite from the blazing sun so the fun times can last longer without you all getting tired and cranky right away.
Ostrich Back Chair
$61.81
These are a must. Great for setting up your watchtower over those playful kiddos– or for sipping a cocktail and reading a little of a book or magazine while they nap under your tent!
Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towel
$36.99 for a set of 4
Always bring along two more beach towels than people in your family. It’s good to have backups and also great to have something to put down and lay on when your kiddies are wrapped up like burritos on top!
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Wagon
$96.08
Don’t struggle on your way from the car! Load up a wagon with all your stuff, and pull it easily as your find the perfect spot to set up camp for the day.
YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler
$299
This is obvious, but bringing your own cooler to the beach will enable you to pack snacks, drinks, and comforts for your entire day and majorly lower your stress level (adult beverages you can pack in there might also lower your stress level). Plus, you will cut down on pricey Snack Shack purchases if you bring your own! They’ll probably be more delicious anyway…how many corndogs or soft pretzels can we really eat in a lifetime? Place your lip balms, lipsticks, and sunscreen in the cooler to keep them cool and prevent melting!
Intex Sunset Glow Baby Pool
$13.49
If you have young babies (under 2) this is a great Beach Hack: Bring an inflatable kiddie pool to put under your tent. Fill it with water, and let the babies splash and play in the shade and away from the waves! When they’re done with water time, just dump it out, and fill with fun toys for a perfect little playpen.
Pack enough snacks and beverages for the whole day, including lots of water!
Nabisco Team Favorites Variety Pack
$6.98
I prefer to bring the individually-packaged packs of snacks to the beach, since four or five (or more) sandy hands reaching in to the same bag can get old. You can even make your own “snack mixes” in reusable bags of your favorite snacks before you head out.
Stasher Silicone Food Grade Reusable Stand-Up Storage Bag
$19.73
I also like to pack cut-up fruit or other fresh options in the cooler in a reusable container with a bunch of plastic forks stored inside.
Contigo Kids Water Bottles
$37.97 for set of 2
Freeze your water bottles before you stash them in your cooler to make them nice and icy for your whole trip. Pack individual sippy cups with lids for the kids so sand can’t get inside!
Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Bottle
$22.99
Love to sip a cocktail on the beach? Mix a batch cocktail and store it in a metal container in your cooler. Just mix with ice and sip away!
Don’t forget the treats! Whether you love cookies or candy, make sure to store anything that contains chocolate at the top of your cooler so it doesn’t melt!
Another element that can always add stress to a family beach day is discomfort. Keep those whines at bay with a little something to keep everyone comfortable and happy…
Rayson Empty Spray Bottle
$3.30
Fill a small spray bottle with water and a couple of drops of lavender essential oil and stick it in the cooler to mist on anyone who is feeling yucky or overheated.
Top Race Collapsible Bucket
$16.99
Keep a bucket of water by your tent “door” for the kids to dip their hands and feet in. Marlowe hates when she’s done playing in the sand, but her hands are still “yucky”! This eliminates the sand in seconds without wasting a wipe.
Supergoop! Play SPF 50 Sunscreen
$32
Always load up on the sunscreen every thirty minutes or so, so you don’t burn!
Sun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
$3.99
I like to pack some lip balm with SPF in it. Marlowe loves putting on her “Yipstick” and it keeps her occupied while I reapply sunscreen on the rest of her body!
Talc-Free Baby Powder
$11.11
Helpful Beach Hack: Baby Powder helps de-sand your kids instantly! If kids have sand in every crevice– or a baby needs a diaper change– just sprinkle Baby Powder on the sticky, sandy areas and brush away to leave the skin clean. Then wipe and diaper as usual.
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I don’t know about you, but when I am feeling great about myself my mood is instantly brightened and I can roll with the punches way easier. Just because you’re spending a relaxing beach day with the family doesn’t mean that you can’t feel and look stylish! Plus, don’t forget how many great photo opportunities you’ll have! You bettah werk! ? There are so many lovely beachwear options, but for me, a great fitting swimsuit, flattering coverup, epic shades, and a hat are all musts.
Summersalt’s Classic One Piece
$95
Can’t go wrong with Summersalt swimsuits! They’re size-inclusive and super flattering!
Quay Sweet Dreams Sunglasses
$55
Love Quay sunnies, and these come in a variety of tortoiseshell options!
Janessa Leone Michon Hat
$230
It may seem pricey, but Janessa Leone hats last a lifetime and are a fantastic investment!
Old Navy Textile Slide Sandals
$15
I prefer slide sandals on the beach so I don’t have to deal with little buckles every time I want to kick off my shoes and take a dip!
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Bright Coral
$25
Bring along a pretty lipstick (and stash it in the cooler) to swipe on while you sip and survey the scene.
I hope you have a blast exploring the beaches near you this Summer! Just imagine that the chilly winter nights will be here before you know it– enjoy every hot afternoon before they’re all gone!
Copyright © 2016 Happily Eva After, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Eva, you and Lowie look so sweet at the beach. I remember when I was a kid, my friends mom would freeze washcloths and when we were getting hot or ready to leave…a nice refreshing way to clean us off. I also learned recently that baby powder can help getting the sand of wet feet. Another thing you may know about is Snapperfish, sun protective clothing. (I think that’s the name, my friends sister is part of the company! If you want more info let me know…I can get you in touch!) Keep up the great work, but take time to rest. Love to all! Auntie Sue