Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations.
While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way.
Sun Protection Essentials
No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials.
- Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- UV shirts or UV suits
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Sunburn relief cream
When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears.
Keep Cool
Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them.
Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration.
Fun in the Sun
It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it.
A few classic toys to consider bringing:
- Sandcastle buckets and shovels
- Frisbee
- Kite
- Skimboard
- Water guns
- Floats
- A mask, snorkel, and flippers
If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun.
Keep Things Easy
A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them.
These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:
- Cooler bags
- Mesh or waterproof bags
- Sunglass straps
- Aloe vera gel
- Sand remover wipes
- Insulated water bottles
- Bug repellant
- Trash bags
- Rash guards
- Beach chairs
The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live.
Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.