Sun & Fun: What You Need to Know When Booking a Beach Vacation With Kids

Keywords: family-friendly, planning, vacation

By Jeanne Muchnick

The water is a natural playground for young children, making beach vacations a popular choice for families. However, too much sun can ruin a trip if you’re not careful. The following tips are courtesy of Dr. Beth Lange of the Coppertone Solar Research Center, and moms Lilia Fallgatter and Jennifer Thomas, who recently returned from beach vacations.

Research Before You Book. How family-friendly a place is can depend on the time of year you’re visiting. You don’t want to go somewhere and later find out its Spring Break for colleges meaning there will be tons of teenagers (and noise). You should also make sure there are other (age appropriate) kid-friendly activities nearby to give you alternatives to the beach. Kid’s programs, of course, are key to keeping your little one entertained (and giving you time for yourself). Find out about the counselor to child ratio and how old children must be to join. Ideally, you want more than just a playgroup. At Beaches resorts throughout the Caribbean the kids programs are interactive in teaching your children about the sea life, the local traditions and more.

Pack Equipment. Or ask to make sure the resort you’re going to has what you need (i.e. crib, high chairs, playpens, diapers). Ideally you’ll want a room with a small kitchen to give you a refrigerator and immediate food access for snacks and other items. For young babies/toddlers, think about taking up a pop up tent to provide some shade and relief throughout the day if you plan to be at the beach all day. Or ask the resort what type of shady canopies they provide.

Take plenty of sun protection and remember to apply, apply, apply. Sunscreen is a must have to protect delicate skin from the harsh rays and painful burns. Because the sun may cause damage immediately, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to yourself and your kids before heading outside, even if you will be under trees! Remember to reapply every 80 minutes - even if the sunscreen is waterproof and sweat proof. Umbrellas and beach canopies will provide a cool retreat from the heat. (FYI: Coppertone just released its new Continuous Spray Ultra Guard and Sport Spray SPF 70+ spray - A clear, no-rub spray that quickly covers the body at any angle for fast anti-sunburn protection. This spray allows for quick reapplication in less than 1 minute without rubbing in and getting hands greasy. Perfect to spritz on kids who don’t like to stand still!)

Follow the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Cover up with sun protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses and head for shade during mid-day heat whenever possible!

Don’t forget the toys. Especially perfect for the beach, of course, are the sand toys. Plastic pails and shovels are ideal for collecting seashells or building a sand castle. Other ideal games to play on the beach are Frisbee and volleyball. Even playing non-traditional beach games such as football, soccer, catch and horseshoes can be fun. Remember to pack the pool toys that can be used in the ocean (noodles, floaties, etc.) or ask to see if the resort has them.

Make sure there is food nearby, whether it’s a snack bar or snacks you bring yourself. A hungry child is a cranky child. Be prepared with plenty of healthy snacks (and a few not-so-healthy snacks — you’re on vacation, why not indulge a bit?) Fruit such as apples, oranges and melons can be refreshing. Packing a lunch will save you the time, trouble and money. A small cooler to keep things at the right temperature is also ideal.

Be vigilant. Always be vigilant of the kids around water. It only takes a second for a child disappears under water. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Remind children not to talk to strangers, including vendors who may approach them on the beach.

Relax. You’re on vacation to get away from the usual routine and to rest and relax. Good planning before the trip will eliminate stress later.

Jeanne Muchnick is a multi-tasking mama who’s been writing about her two girls ever since they were born. She’s the former Editor of Baby Magazine turned InTown Senior Editor whose parenting stories have also appeared in a variety of national consumer magazines including Woman’s Day, Healthy Kids, Parents, Parenting, Pregnancy, FamilyFun and more. She lives in Larchmont, NY with her two girls: Corey, 14 and Sydney, 11, her husband, Mark and her flat coated retriever, Chip.