In this post, we’ll look at seven things you should take into account before your next family beach adventure. Not just what to do when you’re there, but a few practical ideas too to make your day go smoothly. Let’s go!

How you’re going to get there

How to get to the beach is the first thing you need to decide. This depends on the size of your family, how far the beach is, and what you have available to you. A beach trip close by for a family of 4 or 5 takes very little planning. You can just hop in your family sedan or supermini and get there in no time at all. Bigger families could take multiple cars and drive together, but make sure to have a satnav so no-one gets lost.

It may also be worth considering taking public transport, especially if your chosen beach is a few hours away. Sure, it can be uncomfortable and slower, and no-one likes being sweaty and sandy on the bus or train. However, long drives after a day at the beach can be very tiring - so leaving your car at home could be safer overall.

What to pack

The most important decisions about the beach usually happen before you leave your home. If you don’t have the right stuff, your beach trip can descend into disaster. Especially if you’re taking young children along for the ride! Check our list of essentials to prevent hearing the dreaded cries of “I’m bored!” or “I’m hungry”! 

Essentials

• Sunblock and/or sunscreen

• Bottles of water (freeze them over night to keep cool)

• A picnic. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just lots of bite-sized snacks that won’t go off in the sun. A cool box or freezer bag is always a lifesaver on beach trips!

• Home comforts, such as folding chairs, towels, big blankets, and a parasol

• First aid kit

• Entertainment - that can be anything from a book to a paddleboard! 

Try out a new water sport

Want to add some excitement and possibly a workout into your day at the beach? Then consider doing a water sport. 

One of the easiest ones for beginners that’s fun to do as a whole family is stand up paddleboarding. You can get to grips with the basics of SUP after just a few hours! It’s easy for kids and there’s minimal risk of anyone getting hurt - even if they fall off the board. Many popular beaches have rental shops and you could even take beginner lessons. However, if you’re going to a remote beach it’s better to have your own equipment. iSUPs are a good idea in cases like this, as they are easy to transport and can roll up and fit into a backpack!

Other water sports that families may enjoy at the beach include surfing and kayaking. If you’re children are teens, checkout something like wakeboarding or kitesurfing! 

Going snorkelling

Snorkelling is a fun activity no matter how old you are. Strap on a pair of goggles, insert a breathing tube, and you’re ready to discover the magical underwater worlds of the sea. Research some snorkelling spots before your trip so that you know which ones are safe and you can be aware of any currents. And you can also get some idea of what brightly coloured fish and corals you may see! 

Obviously, snorkelling is different wherever you go. A grey beach off the coast of Scotland, Canada, or Norway, will not yield stunning colourful fish and you’ll almost certainly be quite cold afterwards. Instead, you could go rock-pooling, a way to investigate small coastal eco-systems!

Building a sandcastle

Building a sandcastle is the ideal way to enjoy a trip to the beach if you have children under the age of 6. It relies on teamwork and creativity, and the end result is something to be proud of, take pictures of, and you’ll have bonded a bit more over lots of laughs and smiles. 

Grab your bucket and spade, dig down until you find water, and then make your base. Once you have a big enough base, start adding to it and turn it into a work of art before sharing your sandcastle on Instagram, or putting it in the family album!

Going for a walk

You may want to just blow off the cobwebs and go for a nice long walk at the beach. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, going for walks in nature brings our stress levels down. It’s also good if you’re trying to get fitter or do a workout, as our ligaments and joints have to work harder when we’re walking on sand. 

Take off your shoes and socks and feel the sand between your toes - it’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation. Or at least, on a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of daily life! 

Play sports

Do you have a competitive or large family? Playing sports is the best way to bring that competitive spirit out and have a laugh at the same time. Whether it’s a small game of beach tennis, taking over a beach volleyball court, or putting bags and jumpers down and playing soccer, you’re sure to have a lot of fun.

Another plus? If you’ve got young children, this is a great way to tire them out - so they’ll snooze all the way through the car or train journey home!