What to Bring - Toys and Supplies



Boogie Boards @ Publix

When our days there were ended,
we departed and went on our journey,
and they all, with wives and children,
accompanied us until we were outside the city.
And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed...
Acts 21:5

 

Keep in mind – simplicity is sometimes best – heavy loads and small children and costly expenditures overwhelm!

 REQUIRED:

~ High SPF Sunscreen – reapply constantly if midday (we did not reapply often enough) – or apply once and go mid-afternoon for cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and less sunburns

~ Bug spray – for inland or lake adventures - Family poison level will suffice (Deep Woods not necessary)

~ Waters

~ Snacks – our preference is Cheezits for longevity and fruit for hydration

~ Lunch/Dinner – if traveling or beaching during mealtimes – kids may have to be reminded to ingest at the beach

~ Fan – if camping – not only for the heat but also to dry beach suits and towels and to keep away the mosquitoes

~ Evening cover-up – for cold natured mommas (or daddies) on breezy beaches

 

NICE TO HAVE:

~ Beach umbrella – if any like shade and relaxation or need to escape nasty burns

~ Beach chairs – if any like to vegetate – lightweight is a plus – Sam’s shoppers?

~ Umbrellas/Ponchos/Rain jacket – when it rains, it pours

~ Boogie boards – if kids are old enough – tummy surfing is a blast

~ Shovel  & pail – if bringing any age kid – our 13-year-old digs as much as the little one

~ Towel – personal preference is a small hand towel – thick beach towels sour and reek in 2 seconds in Florida humidity and it’s HOT – rain showers also like to drench hanging towels, and small towels can more easily be hung inside during such weather – no need for a big honkin’ cumbersome beach towel J

~ White Vinegar – for adding to the sour towel wash; removes acidic smells like none other (btw, works on urine and vomit aromas as well)

~ Small Net – for catching sea creatures

~ Bamboo mat – for items that prefer limited sand exposure – dry super fast – LOVE ours

~ Tiny blow up baby pool or similar water holding device  – if bringing an itty bitty - thought this was ingenious of one family to entertain their itty-bitty at their beach umbrella

 

NOT ENOUGH? BEACH TOYS AND MORE:

~ Wagon – tried a landlubbing wagon – drug it across the beach; beach wagons have big tires – big help! we no longer use one

~ Kid’s Bike Travel Trailer – for lugging way too much junk to the beach

~ Paddles with ball – older kids and parents have a blast with these

~ Skim board – for kids with perseverance – a hit with our 11 year old son

~ Surf board – good luck – we are still trying to get up on one

~ Paddle boards/Kayaks/Canoes – used more on the lakes than the gulf by families –one point of access to Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park – available for rent by various businesses offering free delivery – limited canoes available for rent at Grayton Beach State Park

~ Skip ball – not sure the official name of this ball - it jumps across the water – hubby wants one J

~ Kites – wind blows HARD – watch out for amateur nose dives