Did you know that each year on August 30, we celebrate a special day, dedicated to beaches? Dedicated to both appreciating their beauty and promoting environmental awareness, National Beach Day provides us with many activities to do with our loved ones, especially our little ones! Do not have any ideas on how to spend this special day? We’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
What Can We Do with Our Children on the Beach?
Spending a day at the beach does not only have to be about swimming and sunbathing! A beach is a place with many curiosities, and for each, we can find an activity. What can we do with our little ones on this special day? Here are a couple of examples.
Flying a Kite: Flying a kite on the beach can be a magical experience for little kids. With wide open space and the gentle breeze of the sea to accompany them, the beach is the perfect environment to let a colourful kite soar high in the sky. Your little ones love watching the kite dance among the clouds. While having fun with the breeze and the wonderful colours of the kites, your child will also learn about the wind, coordination, and patience.
Building Sandcastles: The best! Building sandcastles is a timeless beach activity for everyone to enjoy regardless of age, while sparking creativity and teamwork. Children can dig, mould, and shape the sand into castles, bridges, and moats. Come on, let’s grab our buckets and moulds, and start digging! While building, you can decorate with seashells and small pebbles (be mindful of any choking hazards!) making the castles even more fun and colourful!
Discovering Seashells: Hunting for seashells is like searching for hidden treasure along the shore. Each shell is unique in its shapes, textures, and colours, and children will delight in finding and collecting them. This activity not only stimulates curiosity but also provides a keepsake for them to always remember this special day filled with happy memories around loved ones.
Pebble Art: After collecting seashells and pebbles, we can create artwork with them, letting our imagination run with unique shapes and colours of the gifts of the sand while relaxing under the warm sun. Together with your children, you can collect smooth pebbles and different shells and arrange them into pictures and patterns, or even spell out words in the sand. Whether it is a smiley face or a simple landscape, pebble art allows kids to express themselves while appreciating the beauty of the beach.
Sand Mermaids: Under the sea… Under the sea… what comes to mind when at the beach? Mermaids! Transforming into a sand mermaid at the beach with your kids is pure fun. Little ones can lie down while others cover their legs with sand, shaping it into a mermaid tail, and decorating it with colourful shells and pebbles. It’s another way of letting imaginations run wild and once complete, they can pose for photos, creating lasting memories of this special day.
Important Things to Consider on the Beach
Keeping in mind some important details when on the beach ensures your little one’s safety and comfort, and doubles the fun! Especially on short trips, making the most of your day is of great importance, and with these tips and tricks we can guarantee the best of times both for ourselves and for our little ones. What can we do? Let’s dive in!
Sun and Heat Protection
Protecting babies and young children from sun and heat is essential due to their sensitive skin and higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Sun creams with SPF30 or higher, especially with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are essential for shielding their skin. Lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses provide additional protection from the sun. It’s important to plan outdoor activities during early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun hours. After sun exposure, proper skin care, including cool compresses and moisturisers, helps maintain skin health. Ensuring children stay hydrated with water and hydrating foods is also key to preventing heat-related issues. For further information, make sure to check our “Sun and Heat Protection During Summer” article!
Nutrition & Hydration
To keep kids healthy and energised during summer, it’s important to focus on hydration and balanced nutrition. Encourage regular water intake, offering hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumbers, while limiting sugary and caffeinated drinks. Ensure meals include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and provide nutrient-dense snacks like yoghurt, nuts, and fresh fruit. Involve children in meal preparation and stick to regular meal and snack times to maintain balanced nutrition. Watch for signs of dehydration and encourage breaks from play for water and healthy snacks. If you want to learn more, please check our “Nutrition & Hydration During Summer” article!
Wardrobe Essentials
Creating a comfortable, stylish, and functional summer wardrobe for kids involves choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to keep them cool. Essential clothing items include t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, dresses, and swimwear, along with lightweight pyjamas for warm nights. Footwear options like sandals, sneakers, and water shoes ensure comfort and protection during various activities, keeping the fun going for as long as possible. Accessories such as hats, sunglasses, and lightweight jackets add both style and sun protection. Sun protection is crucial, so incorporate sunscreen and UV-protective clothing into their outfits. Practical tips like mixing and matching clothes, following laundry care, and budget-friendly shopping can help parents build a versatile wardrobe. Special considerations should be made for different age groups, activity levels, and any specific needs to ensure comfort and ease throughout the summer. For a more extensive guide, make sure to check our “Summer Wardrobe Essentials for Kids” article!
Swimming Essentials
Swimming essentials for kids include well-fitted swimsuits and swim nappies for comfort and hygiene, as well as swimming aids like floats and kickboards to build confidence and skills in the water. Goggles protect eyes from chlorine while enhancing underwater visibility, and swim caps keep hair out of the face, reducing distractions. Pool toys add fun and creativity to swimming, while shower supplies like shampoo, conditioner, and moisturiser help maintain healthy skin and hair after swimming. Towels are essential for keeping kids warm and dry, and sandals or water shoes provide traction and protection on wet surfaces. A secure bag to organize and carry all these items ensures a stress-free and enjoyable trip to the pool. For more information, check out our “Kids Swimming Essentials” article!
