What to Bring on a Family Beach Vacation With Small Children

Going on a vacation with small children is an adventure. Taking a family virginia beach vacation is something most small children enjoy, and the grown-ups do, too. Extra planning is always in order with children. When heading to the beach for a summer vacation, here are some necessities to pack or pick up upon arrival.

Essentials
Aside from the usual vacation items, pack a sturdy blanket, umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen and anything else to protect the family from the elements. The beach sun is stronger in the summer and during the day, so plan accordingly.

Snacks
Hitting the surf and playing in the sea air makes people hungry. Bringing along some favorite snacks for the little ones keeps them happy. Airtight and waterproof containers are practical choices. A cooler with ice or freezer packs will help to keep things cold when needed. Keep in mind that sand will stick to wet cans and hands, so pack extra napkins and towels to dust off the sand. Picnic baskets are helpful for carrying food that doesn’t need to be kept cold. It’s also a good place to keep extra toys and medicine for the kids.

Buckets
One of the most entertaining things about the beach is the sand. Children like to touch, and sand has an unusual texture. It sticks to anything wet, and can be molded to match a child’s imagination. While special sand castle molds are available at beachfront shops, plastic containers and buckets from home work just as well. Using different sizes and shapes helps to create not only sand castles, but cities and sculptures, too. A plastic shovel works well, but anything that can scoop in heavy sand is useful.

Towels
Bring at least two beach towels per person. Prepare for them to get wet, and bring along some extra plastic bags for storage. Hang up the towels as soon as possible after leaving the beach, but plan on letting them dry for several hours before using them again. A second set is useful for an afternoon session or first thing the next morning. Some beach hotels supply towels for beach-goers, but others do not.

Camera
Memories are made on family vacations. Take pictures leaving homes, and at every stop along the way. Capture the special moments with a camera. Get some candid shots of the child’s first encounter with waves and sand. Make movies when they run away from the rushing waves creeping toward their toes.

Clothing
Depending on the time of year, these vacations will probably involve swimming. Bring two bathing suits for everyone, plus a hat, shorts, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Plan for at least one rainy day, so bring a pair or two of long pants. Sandals and flip-flops are beach attire. This is often the place for a child’s first pair of flip-flops. They can often be found on sale at nearby shops in a variety of interesting colors and designs. Bring along walking shoes, too, for the boardwalk excursions.

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