Practical and fun tips and checklists for parents when planning a trip to the beach.

Before you leave the car

  • The steering wheel flip: When you park, turn your steering wheel 180°. This keeps the top side (where you actually grip) in the shade, preventing burned hands when you return.
  • The sunscreen paint party: Use a clean foundation brush or paintbrush to apply sunscreen. Kids find the painting sensation fun rather than annoying, and it ensures more even coverage on faces.

On the sand

  • The thong flip: Always place your thongs, flip-flops or slides face down on the sand. This keeps the footbed cool so you don't burn the soles of your feet when it's time to head back.
  • The phone shield: Keep your phone inside a transparent zip-lock bag. You can still use the touchscreen through the plastic, but sand won't get into your charging port or speakers.

The clean up and pack up

  • Keep a bottle of baby powder or a dedicated sand brush in the car. Rubbing baby powder on sandy legs makes the sand fall off instantly and painlessly. No more sandpaper rubbing with towels!
  • Carry all sand toys in a mesh bag. Give the bag a good shake on the walk back; the sand and water fall out through the holes instead of ending up in the boot of your car.
  • Place a large plastic heavy-duty tub in the boot. Throw all wet towels, sandy swimmers, and used toys directly into it. It keeps the car dry and makes it easy to carry everything straight to the laundry when you get home.
  • Keep a large bottle of water in the car (out of the sun!). Even if you use the baby powder trick, a quick freshwater rinse for salt-stung eyes or sandy toes is always a life saver; pun intended!