Trips to the beach are a popular summertime activity for both children and adults. Beaches are great for relaxing in the sun and enjoying the refreshing waters of lakes and oceans. Taking the right items with you will help ensure you get the most out of your beach getaway. Proper sun protection, food and drinks, toys and play equipment are important ingredients for making your beach trip fun and rejuvenating.
You might be looking forward to spending a day in the warm summer sun--and you'll get even more than you would outdoors at home, because sand and water both act as reflectors and increase sun exposure. Protect yourself and your family from sunburn and heat stroke by applying a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30--more if your skin is fair. Apply the sunscreen before you arrive at the beach, because it needs to soak into your skin for at least 30 minutes for optimum protection. If you are going to be at the beach all day, re-apply sunscreen every hour and wait at least 30 minutes before swimming.
Take light, long-sleeve shirts or dresses to protect your skin during the hottest part of the day, between noon and 3 pm. Take sandals and a large sheet, towel or mat to protect your feet and body from hot sand. A portable beach umbrella can also be useful for sun protection, especially if you have young children who are more susceptible to sunburn. Take plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you are spending all day outside in the sun, drink 8 ounces of water every 30 minutes to keep your body properly hydrated.
While water is the best drink to have on a hot day, many people enjoy soda and fruit juices too. Pack your drinks in a cooler with plenty of ice and store the cooler under an umbrella or towel to keep it out of direct sunlight. Take a plastic shopping bag to collect your cans and trash to make cleanup easier and avoid littering. Salty foods such as nuts, chips and pretzels help maintain sodium levels that might be depleted through sweating. Fresh fruits and sandwiches are also excellent options for light snacks throughout the day.
If you are going to the beach with your family or a group of friends, Frisbees and footballs are great toys to have along. Take inflatable toys such as rafts or donuts for entertainment in the water. A selection of plastic shovels, molds and buckets for building sand castles will keep children entertained for hours. A portable radio or CD player can turn your beach day into a party, but leave expensive electronics at home, because sand and water will inevitably get everywhere. For adults, the beach is often a place to relax. Take a good book or a selection of magazines to read while the kids are playing. A deck of cards or a Twister game can provide entertainment for all ages.
