As August winds down, now is the perfect time to make the best of the warm weather and sandy beaches to take your children on a beach day! Trips to the beach can sometimes be a hassle – sand in your car, treating sunburns for days after, etc. – but with a few of these preparations, you’ll be ready for a carefree and fun day in the water!
Before your outing, make sure you prepare in advance to avoid any missed items that you’ll regret later:
Hydrate!
While playing in the summer heat is a blast for your kids, it can also be very dangerous. Long days in the sun, especially if you and your child are being very active and playing, can cause serious dehydration. Pack plenty of water bottles, and even double check if there’s a visitor center on the beach that has a water fountain for refills, if needed.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a must have outdoors, but especially at the beach where there’s very little shade. Apply a sunscreen of at least 30 to yourself and your children 15 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every few hours, or as-needed if your child has been in the water and has washed some off.
Protective Clothing
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to prevent too much UV exposure! Bring along extra sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself while relaxing on the beach. If you or your children are especially fair-skinned, it doesn’t hurt to throw on a light t-shirt or cover-up to minimize exposure as well.
Snacks
No summer outing is complete without snacks, but they can especially be important after sweating and playing on the beach all day. Be sure to bring along some non-perishable snacks (crackers, chips, etc.) that won’t melt in the sun, and fuel up!
Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
It’s normal, and even healthy, for your children to make the most of your beach day and play in the elements, but safety is important too! Bringing along hand sanitizer and wipes ensures you and your children stay clean and healthy, even after swimming in the water and digging through the sand.
Heaven’s Elect Christian Learning Center is a Non-denominational Christian childcare center fully licensed by the state of Michigan. Our Midland childcare center has been serving the community since 2000. Please contact us at heavenselect.com.
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