A beach vacation can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Once you have booked your beach house rental, you’re ready to begin planning your days on the sand. Some preparation and smart strategies can help everyone enjoy themselves while staying safe and comfortable. 

A Parent’s Guide for a Successful Beach Day

1. Plan Wisely 

Plan your day so you arrive in the morning before the rest of the crowds. You’ll enjoy cooler weather and can grab your favorite spot before the crowds arrive. Leave the beach around 10 or 11 AM, and head back to your beach house rental for lunch and the kids’ naps. You can return after 3 or 4 PM to finish out the day; everyone will get a break from the sun and heat, and you’ll avoid the midday hours when the sun is strongest. 

2. Pack the Necessities

There are some must-have supplies you should bring with you to protect the entire family from the elements, from the sun to the hot sand. Pack a beach umbrella and some seats and towels to place underneath it. Take sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats for everyone, sunglasses, and water shoes or flip-flops. 

3. Limit Toys

Parents often feel that they need to haul tons of toys out for a fun beach day, but the beach will offer all the fun you need. Too many toys will load you up with heavy supplies you'll have to carry back and forth. 

Leave the favorite toys in the beach house rental, as saltwater can corrode metal or the tide can carry them away. If you want to bring toys, a bucket and shovel, kite, or boogie boards are great options. 

4. Stay Hydrated

Sweating under the sun can dehydrate people much faster than most realize. Stay ahead of this by packing a cooler with plenty of water bottles. Freeze some of the bottles; you can drink the unfrozen ones first and pull out cold water later in the day as the ice bottles melt. Some cold snacks in the cooler can also be a nice treat for the kids, such as popsicles or frozen grapes. 

5. Find the Right Beach

Do your research to find a family-friendly beach. This might include those with a lifeguard, gentle slope, soft sand without rocks. Research whether there is a riptide, and avoid these beaches. Check whether any concerns arrive seasonally that you'll want to avoid, such as tropical storm systems, jellyfish, or algae blooms. 

When you're ready to plan your vacation, start with Sugar Sands Realty & Management Inc. in Orange Beach, AL. They have a wide selection of beach house rentals along the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Their family-friendly vacation rentals come with a variety of amenities, sizes, and locations to meet your needs. Start searching listings on their website and call (251) 974-1672 for assistance.