Summer’s here, which means you finally have time with the kids. This can be a big struggle when you have kids off for weeks on end and a very finite amount of time off from work, but it’s also going to be one of the most important times of your life. You only get so many years of summer with them when they’re little. That’s why making the most of your time together is so important. 

In short, it’s so important that you take the time to spend your summers together. For those of you lucky enough to live near a beach or even a lake, one of the best and most budget-friendly things you can do together as a family is go to the beach. 

Any mom can tell you that wrangling together a bunch of kids, plopping them on the sand, and keeping them cool, fed, and safe for a day is not easy. If you go alone, there’s not much time for reading either. 

That’s why, despite the fact that beach days are such easy go-to options for a memorable day out, they also need a lot of planning. 

If you’re sick and tired of feeling like your day is chaotic from start to finish and want to actually be able to enjoy the beach day with your kids, then it’s time to start packing and plan better by following this guide. 

Step One: Buy Better Swimsuits 

You may think that just any swimsuit is a good swimsuit, but that is far from the case. As a mom, you want something stylish that’s also supportive and helps you feel good. Your kids need something that will support them having a fun time with as few distractions as possible. 

For Moms: Swimsuits That Support

For you, look for swimsuits for women that use spandex in the design for that much-appreciated extra stretch and support. Always opt for thicker fabric as well, as this works to cut out the sun’s harmful ways as well. Finally, seamless is the way to go. This type of construction doesn’t itch your skin, making it easier to enjoy all-day wear. 

For Kids: Swimsuits that Protect

For your kids, choose bright colors. These bright colors are easier to see. You’ll be able to spot them on the beach, in the water, if they’re trying to sneak off to buy ice cream without your permission, and everywhere else. 

Younger kids who don’t like putting on sunscreen and make a big fuss will also probably prefer to swap to full-body coverage. These sun-blocking designs mean that they only need to have sunscreen put on their hands, feet, and face, so less squirming, fewer sunburns, and more all-day beach fun. 

Step Two: Invest in a Good Beach Setup 

With the sheer amount of items you can get second-hand or online for a steal, it’s easy and budget-friendly to vamp up your beach setup. This means getting large beach blankets, chairs, a parasol, and even a fully covered tent for your kids or baby so they have a fun little spot to stay out of the sun. Of course, carrying everything is also a big challenge, so see about picking up a pack-away carrier. Just something with wheels that can carry your beach day things from the car to the spot your kids pick out. 

Honestly, even just a box with handles will do – something to turn a multi-trip trek into just one. 

Step Three: Prepping Food, Snacks and Drinks 

Staying hydrated and fed while you’re at the beach is so important. It can also be very expensive to just say you’ll eat out at whatever’s nearby. That’s why you’ll want to prep food and snacks and then bring them with you instead. After all, a cooler is an essential piece of equipment for any day out. 

Tips for Staying Hydrated

Snacks that are full of water, like fruit, are another excellent option for moms who want to keep their kids as hydrated as possible. 

You’ll also want to bring to-go drinks. This can be something that’s disposable, like a juice box, or just small reusable water bottles. If you want to save on juice, then water it down for flavor and extra hydration. 

Tips for Easy Food 

As for food, stick to the easy stuff. Buy pre-cut fruit, make sandwiches, and so on. It’s also a good idea to wrangle everyone in the house together to prep food for the beach the day before, so you can just place it into the cooler the day of and won’t have to worry about forgetting something. 

Step Four: Organize with Other Parents 

You ideally don’t want to be a single parent watching your kids. It’s hard enough when there’s just one, but if you have two or more, then you’ll simply want to have more eyes available to make sure everyone’s safe on the beach. After all, if you’re the only one, then you won’t be able to do anything but watch, which can cut down on your own enjoyment of the beach day. 

Go With Friends

That’s why if your partner can’t make it for whatever reason, it’s time to pull up that mom chat. See if anyone else would want to coordinate a beach day together. The kids can have fun with their friends, you have other moms to hang out with and share the load of watching, and you can even budget down by splitting up the food and drink like a potluck. 

Go With Family

Alternatively, see if any family is available and free. For moms, after all, there’s no such thing as a relaxing beach day until your kids’ temporal lobes are fully developed, so it’s better to have support instead. 

The best part is it’s how you can make a beach day more relaxed, easier to manage, and more fun, too.