The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and everybody’s ready to spend their summer at the beach. No matter how big your family is, it can be frustrating to prepare for summer each year. Your kids are a little older, and you might have a new baby to consider. Your favorite items are either tucked away in the basement or sitting on a store shelf with a hefty price tag. Here are some great ideas to jumpstart your summer in 2022 without a fuss:

Where are you going?

The first thing to think about when planning your summer is to decide which beaches you want to visit. Are you driving out to the ocean? Do you live near some beautiful lakes? If you’re traveling a great distance or you want to camp, you’ll need to pack everything to stay closer to the water.

Make a list of everything you’ll need before you start packing. Some main packing list categories include hygiene, clothing, and entertainment items. Consider where you will sleep or if you need to bring a mattress. Take care of all animals, the garbage, and the coffee pot before you leave. Some places offer activities and supplies to help you save money and packing space, so consider where you’re staying before you start packing.

Hotels

A hotel or resort can make things easier and help you plan your visit. Sometimes, a package or activity discount is provided when you stay at larger hotel chains. Check out different offerings when gauging which hotel is worth the price. It’s also important to consider a hotel with a pool if the weather is terrible and you cannot cancel your trip.

Vacation Homes or Condos

It can be cheaper and easier to stay in an Airbnb or similar rental property during a vacation. You can easily check prices and reviews online to find the best place for your family. One of the most significant benefits is that you will likely have access to a fully-stocked kitchen. A kitchen will enable you to make healthier and cheaper food than what you would get from eating out during the entire trip.

Look for a house or condo that fits everybody’s needs. If you have a baby or small children, look for a home with accommodating supplies, such as cribs or bunk beds. Some of these rental units will include activities such as kayaks for enjoying nice weather and even board games if the weather isn’t in your favor. You’ll want to reserve the property early because they are known to be booked out as the summer heats up.

Camping

Depending on where you stay, camping can be the cheapest option, but you need to pack the most supplies. When camping, you can sleep in an RV, a tent, or even your vehicle. Most campsites cost between $15 to $60 a night, but if you check online, you may be able to find a spot to boondock for free. Truck stops and some large department stores like Wal-Mart also allow free overnight parking but call ahead to be sure.

Local Beaches

Check online for weather conditions and events at your local beaches. If you live in a high-traffic area, avoid the busier times when you bring your children. Going in the early morning or the evening can help you avoid crowds.

What should you bring?

Age is the second most crucial factor when considering what to take to the beach. As we all know, babies have different needs than older children, and some activities will not be appropriate. Consider the age and needs of each family member and what they most enjoy. If you’re trying to save space and money, you limit entertainment items for each person to one or two.

Everybody

These are necessities that aren’t age-dependent:

• Baby powder (to get sand off of everybody)
• Extra drinking water
• Lots of snacks
• At least one towel per person
• Sunscreen (choose your favorite: sticks, sprays, or lotions)
• Longer sleeves, hats, sandals, and sunglasses

Babies

Aside from your everyday necessities, here’s a list of things you can bring to enjoy your time at the beach with a baby:

• Blow up baby pool (use like an easy to pack playpen)
• Shade tent
• Baby floaty (choose one with a canopy to provide shade)
• One or two extra outfits
• Nursing swimsuit

Older Children

Here are some things that can help older children and teens enjoy the beach more:

• Bucket and shovel (one per kid, if possible)
• Noodles
• Floaties
• Diving rings or sinking toys
• Squirt guns
• Goggles or snorkel set
• Life jackets
• Beach ball, water balls, or a volleyball
• A frisbee
• Kites

Activities to try.

Sometimes less is more, and you can have a ton of fun without bringing any toys. But, even if you bring toys, the kids might get restless depending on how long you stay at the beach. So, whether you bring toys or not, here are a few of these ideas to try when you do get to the beach:

Beach Fun

• Make a sandcastle together.
• Bury each other (or just feet) in the sand.
• Search for frogs, seashells, driftwood, or pretty rocks.
• See who can stay underwater the longest.
• Play games with a beach ball.
• Write everybody’s name in the sand.
• Play I Spy.
• Encourage your children to make friends.

Bad Weather Fun

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and your vacation is too far from home to turn back. It can dampen everybody’s mood if this happens, but there are ways to have fun without the sun. Try a few of these activities if the beach isn’t the place to be:

• Check out local attractions, like movie theaters and museums.
• Play hide and seek in the dark (with older children). It’s like regular hide and seek, but with all the curtains shut and the lights out. Make sure the walkways are clear and go slow while trying to find everybody with your hands out in front of you.
• Play board games, if they’re available.
• Visit the local library.
• Use the hotel pool.