There’s nothing like a day at the beach with your little crew — sandcastles, splash fights, and snack breaks under the sun. But as any parent knows, beach days can turn into chaos faster than you can say “Where’s the sunscreen?!” Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned beach-goer, here are 12 of the worst mistakes you can make when bringing kids to the shore.
1️⃣ Forgetting the Shade
Why it’s a disaster: Kids + sun = cranky, sunburned, overheated messes. Beaches rarely have natural shade, and without an umbrella, pop-up tent, or even a big towel draped creatively, you’re relying on sunscreen alone (and we all know how often that needs reapplying).
What can go wrong:
- Midday meltdowns from heat exhaustion
- Sunburned noses and shoulders (even with SPF 50)
- Nowhere to rest or take a break from the fun
FVC tip: Always bring more shade than you think you’ll need. A pop-up tent is gold. And bring it even if the forecast says “partly cloudy.” Clouds lie.
2️⃣ Bringing All the Toys
Why it’s a disaster: It seems like a good idea — shovels, buckets, boogie boards, inflatable whales, toy trucks…until you’re the one dragging a wagon across the sand like a pack mule.
What can go wrong:
- You spend 30 minutes hauling stuff and they only play with one bucket
- Something expensive gets lost to the waves
- The kids start fighting over the one thing you forgot to bring
FVC tip: Let each kid pick two favorite toys. That’s it. The beach itself is the best toy anyway.
3️⃣ Not Having a “Sand Exit Plan”
Why it’s a disaster: You’ve survived the beach day — but now you’re trying to get half-buried, sticky, sandy kids back into your clean car. Without a plan, this becomes a full-blown nightmare.
What can go wrong:
- Sand in every car crevice for the next 6 months
- Wet bathing suits soaking the seats
- A child having a breakdown because their sandy feet can’t go into their shoes
FVC tip: Bring a big jug of water (or a few) for a quick rinse, keep a towel near the car for brushing off sand, and have dry clothes ready. Baby powder also works wonders — it dries the skin and sand wipes right off.
4️⃣ Skipping the Snack Strategy
Why it’s a disaster: Hungry kids are grumpy kids — and beach hunger hits different. Sun, water, and sand play zap their energy fast, and if you didn’t come prepared with an actual food plan, you’re in for it.
What can go wrong:
- Meltdowns that no one saw coming
- $47 spent on one round of boardwalk corn dogs
- Someone eating half a sandy granola bar and crying because it was “gross”
FVC Tip: Pack a cooler with real snacks — think fruit slices, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Keep a stash of “fun treats” too, like juice pouches or cookies, as morale boosters when the tide turns (pun intended).
5️⃣ Not Marking Your Territory
Why it’s a disaster: You get to the beach, plop down your towel, and head to the water — only to return and realize your “spot” looks identical to 47 others. Now one kid is crying because their flip-flops are “stolen” and you’re low-key panicking about your phone.
What can go wrong:
- Losing track of your base camp
- Accidentally settling in someone else’s area
- Kids wandering back to the wrong umbrella
FVC Tip: Bring something bold and weird to mark your zone — a crazy beach flag, neon towel, or inflatable flamingo works wonders. Make it a landmark your kids can spot from the water or the snack stand.
6️⃣ No Dry Clothes, No Peace
Why it’s a disaster: Everyone’s soggy, the sun’s going down, and you realize you brought zero dry clothes. Now your car is wet, your kids are complaining, and someone’s sitting on a plastic bag.
What can go wrong:
- Wet car seats that smell like seaweed for a week
- Uncomfortable, chafing car rides home
- One kid refusing to move because they “hate wet underwear”
FVC Tip: Always pack full dry outfits — shirt, shorts, underwear, and flip-flops. Throw them in a mesh bag so they’re easy to grab. Bonus: bring an oversized towel or poncho to help them change beachside without an audience.
🔟 Packing Zero Entertainment for Downtime
Why it’s a disaster: There’s this myth that kids will entertain themselves endlessly at the beach. False. After the third sandcastle and second snack, they’ll come to you with the dreaded “I’m bored.”
What can go wrong:
- Kids nagging every five minutes
- Sibling fights out of pure boredom
- You sacrificing your phone just for a moment of peace
FVC Tip: Pack a few downtime lifesavers — a deck of waterproof cards, a beach scavenger hunt list, or a travel-size board game. Even something as simple as shells for a sorting game can keep kids happily busy during lulls.
1️⃣1️⃣ Letting Kids Go Barefoot All Day
Why it’s a disaster: Sand gets hot. Like, “fry-an-egg” hot. And not every beach is soft and friendly — shells, glass, jellyfish, and mystery pokey things love hiding in plain sight. Barefoot adventures can end in tears fast.
What can go wrong:
- Burned feet on hot sand
- Cuts or stubbed toes from hidden objects
- “Mommmm carry meeee” all the way back to the car
FVC Tip: Water shoes or beach sandals are game-changers. If your kid takes them off, keep a pair stashed by the towel for emergency runs across the scorching sand.
1️⃣2️⃣ Leaving Without a Final Sweep
Why it’s a disaster: Everyone’s tired, sandy, and just wants to go home. So you gather the obvious stuff, shake off the towels, and bail. But once you’re home? You realize your kid’s favorite beach toy, your car keys (yep), or someone’s flip-flops are still living their best life at the shore.
What can go wrong:
- Major meltdowns over lost toys
- A return trip to the beach you just left
- Sand surprises from forgotten half-buried snacks
FVC Tip: Always do a final “treasure sweep.” Have each kid pick an item to be responsible for. Do a quick perimeter scan for anything left behind — toys, clothes, trash, and mystery items you didn’t even remember bringing.
🏖️ Final Splash
Beach days with kids can be magic — or mayhem. With a little prep, a lot of snacks, and some solid FVC tips, you’ll dodge the common disasters and make room for memories you’ll actually want to remember. So pack smart, plan ahead, and above all… don’t forget the baby powder.
