10 Tips for Taking Kids to the Beach

As Summer sets in it is almost a crime not to visit Western Australia’s beaches and rivers.  Let’s get our young nature players into some sand, water and unstructured beach/river bank play while the weather is warm, they’ll absolutely love it!

If you’re planning a family trip to the beach to try and beat the heat, be sure to check out our list of the best swim spot suggestions here in Perth, and have a read through our list of ten tips to keep your kids happily playing at the beach:

1. Most parents set up a shade tent, which is a must for the Summer months in Perth, especially with a little one.  If you are on a quieter stretch of beach, or if there are a few youngsters around, bring a second tent and set it up right at the water line.  Kids will always want to potter around the shallows, and there is no point having a tent just to keep your towels and bags shaded.
2. Alternatively, avoid the heat of the day and head to the beach in the late afternoon.  Finish up with dinner and a shower at the beach – just like camping!  Hop straight into pyjamas and hopefully by the time you get home the kids are ready to go straight to bed (if they aren’t already asleep in the back seat!)
3. Bring a blow up boat/pool for your baby to eat in – they can drop and pick up food without getting sand on it!
4. Bring along baby powder or cornflour to help remove sticky sand from feet, legs and hands.
5. Pack a few cool toys to play with: water spray bottles or water squirters, a toy dump truck, or a frisbee or ball can all make a fun addition to the standard bucket and spade set.
6. Boogie boards are not just for surfing the waves, you can use them to slide down hills too!  And at the end of the day pack all your gear on top and use it as a sled to get the gear back to the car.
7. Bring a real set of binoculars for a closer look at boats on the horizon or birds flying by. If your kids are old enough, you might like to take a book on local birds to start identifying some species, or photographing birds you see to research later.
8. If the waves are too strong for your smallest ones, dig a small canal to create a pool of water suitable for splashing around in.  Bring a small garden shovel to make the digging easier.
9. Combine a beach visit with pre- or post-trip activities, like making kites to fly when you get to the beach or picking up a shell or pebble to take home and paint after your trip.
10. If your child is old enough, explain how dangerous rubbish can be for the sea animals and make a game out of collecting some before you leave.  It’s a good way to explore, be active and care for the environment.

We hope you and your family find some time to make happy memories enjoying Perth’s beautiful beaches this Summer.