What we bring to the beach | Cape Cod with kids

It’s taken me four years, but I think I’ve got our what we bring to the beach situation under control.  Last year, I was only brave enough for a few solo trips to the beach with both kids (being outnumbered can be especially daunting when you throw the ocean, and busy parking lots, and loads of people, and snack-hungry seagulls into the mix).

But this year, we are all twelve months older (I’ve definitely gotten wiser… and saltier, but maybe more patient and resourceful?) and we’re spending as much time at the beach as we can.  Being prepared without over-packing has been key.  I’m able to carry all of this fairly easily by myself, while still getting two little people safely to the sand.  And, of course, the load lightens significantly (and we have more fun, duh) when Nick is down. 

WHAT WE BRING TO THE BEACH

• These beach chairs: We have an older print (it’s a little too jazzy for my liking, but I usually cover my chair with a beach towel… and also, like, it’s a beach chair… who cares), but I did save a bit by buying a set of two (click here for a link to the single chair).  They have backpack straps, making them super easy to carry.  We clip the kids’ puddle jumpers on to the frame — both for the trek to/from the beach and to dry in between swims.  
• Puddle Jumpers: Both of our kids (ages 2 + 4) wear Puddle Jumpers while in the water– it’s a non-negotiable for now.  They know they need to be wearing their “swimmie” (I kind of love that they call them this) before going swimming.  The Puddle Jumpers are very comfortable and really easy to adjust.  They are Coast Guard approved and help children to stay upright while in the water (though Grace is still able to practice swimming/dunking while wearing hers).
• Beach toys and a mesh bag for carrying: We keep our sand toys in a big mesh laundry bag.  This means we only bring most of the beach’s sand, rather than all of the beach’s sand, home with us.  Some days one or both of the kids are eager/willing to help — so they drag the sand toys behind them.  Our favorite toys are from Melissa + Doug (specifically this cupcake set, this ice cream set, these numbered buckets, this sifting tower… and, because what would a beach day be without a bunch of creatures that your kids named Regular Jerome, Mr. Jerome, Mrs. Jerome, and Cousin Jerome… this litter of lizards). I love that each of these toys is multipurpose and really encourages imaginative play.  For example, the buckets have sand stampers on the bottom, so they can be used for building castles, filling with sand/water, making stamped pictures in the sand, etc.  Same goes for the baking toys.  We always seem to have new friends joining in to play ice cream stand or sand bakery.  Also: I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like that everything matches… I have a problem.
• This umbrella: It is large, but lightweight and easy to carry (it comes in two pieces with a carry bag) and is rated SPF 100.  The bottom piece has an attached screw to anchor it securely in the sand.  On particularly sunny + toasty days, I dig a hole for the kids (sometimes it’s a car, sometimes it’s a pool, sometimes it’s a space ship) in the shade of the umbrella — it keeps them occupied and out of the sun.
• Beach bag: I like the open-top version of these classic totes… mostly because we can basically haphazardly throw stuff in there if we’re fleeing the beach mid-meltdown (it happens).  In the beach bag, we keep a wet bag — I use the mesh pocket for our sunscreen, and the inside for extra swim diapers or wet bathing suits (I try to get them changed before the ride home… sometimes that happens, sometimes not).  We also bring a towel for each of us, this travel potty (it goes everywhere with us… and as far as travel potties go, it’s legit), and these beach towel clips because I’ve recently become v high maintenance.  I keep a stroller clip on one of the handles, both to keep my keys handy and to consolidate the bags when going from the car to the beach and back again.
• Scout Cooler: Most days, we get to the beach early.  We play, swim, collect some treasures, stay for lunch and leave shortly after in time for Nicky’s nap (I was hoping he might nap at the beach, but we can only be so lucky… and we’re very lucky).  This cooler has plenty of room for three lunches, water bottles, fruit, snacks and a few ice packs and easily wipes clean.

I probably look like the personification of the summer fun aisle at Target, waddling to the beach with all of this in tow… but it works.  We use and enjoy it all.  Especially the Jeromes.  

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Also On Tap for Today:

• The Best 2018 Beach Reads from Book Riot
• And the best foods to pack for the beach from The Kitchn
• Aaand some of my favorite beach photos <3

What do you bring to the beach?  What are your lizards named?