Do you remember the time before you had children, without big bags full of all kinds of things like toys, diapers, wipes, stuffed animals, and so on? Let's not be under any illusions, even a day at the beach with children looks very different than it did as a couple. With children, every trip becomes an adventure, and every family vacation requires meticulous planning in advance to ensure you don't forget anything. But don't panic, once everything is packed, the vacation will be an unforgettable experience that the children will talk about for a long time and the parents can enjoy. Sun, sea, and sand - whether the children are older, with a toddler, or a baby, a beach vacation is always a good idea. In the following article, you'll find out which must-haves shouldn't be missing on a family vacation by the sea and what children really need on the beach.
Our must-haves: What children need at the beach
If your next vacation is going to be under palm trees, a day at the beach is a must. This can be quite a challenge, especially with children, as parents have to think of all sorts of things to ensure the trip doesn't end in total disaster. To ensure you have the most important things and supplies in your beach bag and your stay is stress-free, we've compiled the best tips for you.
1. The best beaches for the little ones
When planning your next beach vacation, you should take a close look at the beaches. Not all sand is created equal, and while most sandy beaches are incredibly beautiful, they aren't always the ideal choice for families with children. For example, the beach with the most beautiful sand might offer absolutely no shade, or the wonderfully clear water might only be found along the coast where swimming is virtually impossible due to rough waves, especially for the little ones. To find the perfect spot for your beach vacation, here are our tips for choosing beaches:
- While soft, fine sand feels great underfoot, it's not suitable for building sandcastles. The best sand also contains small stones and shells: Not only does it make building more enjoyable, but you'll also be grateful for it when rinsing your swimwear.
- Plenty of space to romp, play, and splash around – the perfect beach for families is located away from the tourist hotspots. Instead of fighting with hundreds of vacationers for loungers, it's worth bringing your own beach umbrella and finding a quiet spot.
- The opportunity for a nap should be provided. It's not just small children who tend to need a break after extensive play in the sea and on the beach, when the heat is at its highest. Make sure there's enough shade or a suitable sun protection device like a parasol to give your children and yourself the opportunity to enjoy a moment of peace.
2. UV protection: Not just for children
Most parents know that sunscreen is essential for children. But when everyone is covered in sunscreen, those responsible for applying it often forget about themselves. Not only should sunscreen with SPF 50 be in your beach bag; a sun hat and UV-protective swimwear can also protect against the sun's rays and prevent sunburn. Especially near water or in the sea or lake, the sun's rays should not be underestimated, and with the right clothing and sunscreen, UV protection can be ensured even over a longer period of time. If you are traveling with a baby, make sure you find shade. As beautiful and pleasant as the sun is, it can cause more damage to the sensitive skin of little ones, and that's why you should always have appropriate sun protection for small children, such as a parasol or beach tent.
3. Activities for kids
Depending on your child's age, it's enough to simply drive to the beach and enjoy the huge sandbox. However, if you have a baby or your kids are older, the needs that guide your beach search also change. Anyone who thinks that a baby is surely the least demanding is wrong: Especially for parents of a baby, it makes sense to pay attention to proximity to the beach when choosing accommodation. For example, to avoid long walks and to avoid having to lug all the things a baby needs, like diapers, a beach towel, an umbrella for naps, and much more, over long distances. But even for toddlers, there are plenty of things that can significantly increase the fun factor at the beach:
- A treasure hunt : Organize a little treasure hunt with your kids. All you need is a prepared message in a bottle, some clues, and a chest containing treasure that you can easily bury in the sand. This will keep the kids busy for a while, while parents can relax and watch the action.
- Wave Ball : A game of wave ball is more suited to older children. All you need is a beach ball; the higher the waves, the more strenuous it becomes to bounce the ball back and forth. But be careful: When temperatures are high and the sun is shining, the risk of sunburn and sunstroke is high. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids and only wear UV-protective clothing when playing in the water.
- Sand toys : No one is too old to build a sandcastle. Whether it's mom, dad, or the grandparents, once the kids start building, the whole family quickly joins in. It's fun that hardly anyone can resist. With the right sand toys, it's even more enjoyable.
A day or vacation at the seaside is an experience for the whole family, provided you're properly prepared. Many beaches are ideal for parents with babies or toddlers who want to spend even less time in the water and want to focus on the beach and its surroundings. If your children are older, you should also make sure that the beaches you plan to visit are suitable for swimming and splashing around. A life jacket ensures safety, not just for non-swimmers, because the currents in the water should not be underestimated. And with our tips, nothing will go wrong. Have fun!
