Tips for the Perfect Beach Day

New Englanders may have to deal with long winters, but we also have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Planning the perfect beach day is a New England art form!

Pack and Plan: Pack the cooler with lots of refreshing snacks and easy to eat lunch. No heavy food here – tons of fresh fruit and veggies, sandwiches, and loads of water. The day before, buy a gallon jug of water and freeze it overnight, so you’ll have nice, cold water to drink throughout the day as it defrosts.

Get comfy! Monkey Mats are a great investment – you can stake them into the ground so they stay put and keep your towels free from sand. But a few king-sized sheets work just as well! We lay our towels on top of these to keep them sand-free. Chairs are essential! We always bring at least two, plus an umbrella for some shade.

Get clean! Always pack hand sanitizer – some of the best beaches have only porta-potties! Baby wipes – yes, even if you don’t have a baby. They’re perfect for wiping gobs of sunscreen (or perhaps ice cream) off your hands.  Baby powder is THE BEST way to remove sand! Sprinkle on your feet or hands and the sand will brush right off.

Sunscreen up: Nothing ruins a beach day like sunburn! Make sure you are reapplying every two hours – sooner if you’re swimming or sweating a bunch.

Bring games: Frisbee, football, sand toys, even some books! Swimming all day is super tiring and your troops will be pooped before lunchtime! Rotate your activities in and out of the water! After lunch, we always have a little break with some reading time to rest and recuperate. (Sometimes they even fall asleep in the shade for a bit!)

Bring a Wonder Wheeler! Instead of wrestling everything from the car to the beach, these can handle umbrellas, chairs, coolers and all the necessities you need!