beach with kids

BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
UK Travel: Best Beaches for Kids in Southern England
- October 5, 2023
The changeable British weather and dramatically rugged UK coastline may not instantly invoke visions of family-friendly beach days. However, Southern England is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches that offer the perfect escape for families seeking sun, sea, surf, and sand. Whether you’re a local looking for a day of relaxation or a visitor eager to explore the stunning shores of the region, you’re in for a treat! Today, travel blogger and UK mom of two, Aimee Keeble will be our guide and show us around the best beaches for kids in Southern England. This post will point you in the right direction for some epic beach adventures! Each recommendation is a tried and tested favourite along the south coast from Dorset to Kent (we will need another list to cover Devon and Cornwall!).

Top tips for a great British beach experience

From building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves to exploring rock pools teeming with fascinating marine life, the beaches of Southern UK are not only safe and welcoming for children but also provide parents with a well-deserved break. To make your trip even more enjoyable, here are some practical tips for visiting these delightful destinations. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, our guide will ensure you make the most of your time on these magnificent shores.

Check the weather and prepare accordingly

British weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before heading to the beach. Prepare for four seasons in a day. Pack accordingly with sunscreen and hats for sunny days, and raincoats and extra layers for cooler, wetter days. Be sure to pack waterproofs and wellies alongside the sun cream and swimmers.

If you’re planning to spend a few hours at the beach, take a windbreak, parasol, and picnic blankets for comfort. It’s rare to find beaches with loungers (beach chairs) or parasols.

Food and water

On the way to the beach, pick up a local bite to eat, especially fish and chips or a sweet treat of ice cream or donuts. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. Having a beach picnic is not only convenient but also a fun family activity. Don’t forget to check if the beach has designated picnic areas or restrictions on bringing food. And when eating at the beach, be sure to keep a watch for diving seagulls who will steal your snacks!

Swim safely

Always supervise children when they’re in the water. Familiarize yourself with the beach’s specific safety guidelines, including any flags or signs indicating water conditions and potential hazards. Life jackets are always recommended when kids are swimming in the water. See our full post on beach safety tips for parents.

Sun and sand

Protect your family from the sun’s rays by applying sunscreen regularly, and wearing hats, sunglasses, and rashguards. Seek shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid sunburn. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain to reach the beach can be uneven and rocky.

Best beaches for kids in Southern England

1. Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset

Best for: White powder-soft sand and picturesque beach huts. Perfect for family strolls and building sandcastles

Our favourite beach for kids in Southern England has to be Mudeford Sandbank. Here you will find lengthy stretches of powder-soft white sand, lined with quaint blue and white beach huts.

There are two ways to reach the sandbank, either by parking at Hengistbury Head Car Park and walking 1 mile through the beautiful nature reserve, or by parking at Mudeford Quay and hopping on the short ferry. There are toilets and cafe’s available at regular intervals. Nearby Mudeford Quay is a small working dock that hosts extensive crab colonies and is a popular crabbing spot for kids. Great to visit all year round, but Spring and Autumn are best for avoiding the crowds.

A short drive away, you will also find the sweeping golden sands of Bournemouth Beach, which hosts plenty of beachfront parking and endless sandcastle-building opportunities.

2. Birling Gap, East Sussex

Best for: Stacking giant pebbles and skimming stones

With iconic white cliffs as far as the eye can see, Birling Gap Beach is a lesser-known gem of England’s south coast. Large grey pebbles and chunks of limestone provide endless building, stacking, and skimming opportunities to keep the children entertained for hours.

The beach is managed by the National Trust, which provides the car park, toilets, and café facilities at the top of the cliff. This location is not easily accessible, with a steep metal staircase down the cliffside and uneven terrain along the beach. Stay safe here by keeping 5m from the cliff edge and monitoring the tides.

3. Charmouth Beach, Dorset

Best for: Fossil hunting

Explore the pre-historic rocky bay of Charmouth Beach in Dorset, and you may discover some Jurassic treasures of your own! The East beach here is a great place to start your search, and there are regular guided fossil hunting walks you can join.

Our little dinosaur fans become enthralled by the search for fossils, splitting large rocks open to expose ammonites inside. Here you will also find a discovery centre, car park, toilets and cafes.

A short drive away along the Jurassic coast, you will also find Lyme Regis Beach, which is another treasure trove of fossils. The best time of year for fossil hunting is Winter, but you can find items year round.

4. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex

Best for: Paddling and tidepooling

As the tide recedes, shallow lagoons and sandbanks emerge along the lengthy West Wittering Beach. These knee-high pools are perfect for young children to safely play in the sea without the large waves, which are usually common along the south coast.

The sand here is perfect for sandcastle building. there’s ample parking, toilets, small shops and cafes. It can get very busy during the summer months, so it is best to visit outside of high summer.

5. Camber Sands, East Sussex

Best for: Endless sand dunes

Located near the border with Kent, Camber Sands is a popular beach along the south coast of England, as it is one of the few sandy stretches in the area. Five miles of sandy shores lined with undulating sand dunes make it a perfect spot for children to run wild.

The shoreline is very flat, which makes this beach great for a paddle too. There are two car parks available and plenty of toilet and cafe options to choose from. This beach gets particularly windy and can be busy in the summer months.

Other beaches to consider:

Narrowing our list down to our favourite five beaches for kids in Southern England was difficult, so here are a few of our notable runner-up beaches:
- Chesil Beach, Dorset – A pebble beach 18 miles long near Weymouth
- Brighton and Worthing Beaches, East Sussex – A taste of the British seaside experience with penny arcades, swooping seagulls and fish and chips.
- Durdle Door, Dorset – A beach of tiny tactile stones and views of the iconic Durdle Door archway.
- Margate, Kent – Another seaside experience with one of Britain’s oldest amusement parks.
Explore more family-friendly places with us…
What’s your favourite Southern England beach?

About the author

Aimee is a humanitarian worker and photographer based in the UK. As a mum to two young boys, she spends much of her time outdoors in nature and enjoys traveling with her family. Aimee loves to support other families to explore with young children by sharing tips and inspiration.

You can find more from Aimee online in the following locations:
Instagram: @how_i_wander_uk
Website: How I Wander
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
Share the Beach: Sea Turtle Friendly Beachgoing
- June 8, 2023
Our planet’s oceans are home to countless marvels, and one of its most captivating creatures is the sea turtle. These ancient marine reptiles have existed for millions of years, gracefully navigating the vast expanses of the sea. As beach enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to ensure that our presence does not disrupt the delicate balance of their habitat. By becoming sea turtle-friendly beachgoers, we can enjoy these magnificent creatures while actively contributing to their conservation.

Today, Florida mom of two and marine biologist Bethany Augliere will delve into the essential practices and guidelines for observing sea turtles responsibly. We will explore how to create a safe environment for nesting females, safeguard hatchlings during their journey to the sea, and promote the overall well-being of these fascinating creatures. Additionally, we will discuss various ways to respectfully view sea turtles without causing harm or distress. Whether you are a dedicated conservationist or a curious beach lover, this post will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect and appreciate sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Be a turtle-friendly beachgoer

As the weather warms, families flock to the beaches to splash in the waves and dig in the sand. But, there’s another shore visitor — sea turtles, and they need our help to remain safe. Today, I’ll share with you some information about how to be a sea turtle-friendly beachgoer, and some ways you can responsibly view them. Let’s dive into the world of sea turtle-friendly beachgoing and discover how we can make a positive impact while enjoying these remarkable creatures in their stunning marine homes.

All about sea turtles

Sea turtles are marine reptiles adapted for life in the ocean. Though they require surfacing for air to breathe, some species can dive for more than an hour and up to 4,000 feet beneath the surface, swimming with their powerful flippers. Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. As they feed on sea grass and jellyfish, they help keep the balance in the ocean by controlling the population of these organisms.

Seven species of sea turtles inhabit the Earth’s oceans: loggerhead, leatherback (the largest) green turtle, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley (the smallest), olive ridley, and flatback. All but the flatback live in United States waters, and all six are listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, sea turtles face threats due to humans from entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris, poaching of adults and eggs, pollution, vessel strikes, and habitat destruction.

A female leatherback sea turtle swims along the shore in South Florida.

Sea turtle nesting season

Females return to shore to lay eggs, often making long journeys to go to specific beaches year after year. While sea turtles nest around the U.S., including the southeast from about March to November and Hawaii from mid-April to September, 90% of nesting takes place in Florida. Large numbers of greens, loggerheads, and leatherbacks crawl ashore to lay their eggs. Two other species – Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill – also nest in Florida, but in very small numbers.

As the sun sets, a female turtle makes her way up the beach from the sea, dragging her heavy body through the sand. Having watched nesting turtles many times for work, it looks exhausting — I feel for those moms. Every so often, a turtle will begin nesting early in the morning at sunrise, but it’s less common.

Once she finds a suitable spot in the dry region of the beach, the female turtle digs a body pit, flinging sand with her flippers and shuffling her body. When the pit is ready, she works on the hole for the eggs, called a nesting chamber. She scoops out the sand with her back flippers and then enters a trance-like state once she begins to drop 80 to 150 ping pong-sized eggs, depending on the species.

A sea turtle nest in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

A leatherback hatchling swims out to sea after emerging from the nest.

Hot chicks, cool dudes

About 60 days after the eggs are laid, depending on the temperature of the sand and other environmental conditions, the hatchlings emerge and crawl to the sea, usually under cover of darkness, which offers protection from predators.

Warmer temperatures during a sea turtle nest’s incubation tend to produce female hatchlings. Cooler temperatures, which can result from rainfall or shade from a building or a tree, tend to produce eggs that will become males.

This means global temperatures and climate change could impact future populations of turtles. For instance, one turtle hospital in Florida has documented only female hatchlings for the last 4 years, which have also been the hottest years on record. Similarly, a 2018 study showed that 99% of turtles who originated from the warmer, northern region of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia were females.

Tips for helping sea turtles nest safely

With climate change, habitat loss, and other threats already present, it’s our job to be educated and responsible visitors to the beach to minimize our impact. The journey is not easy for the nesting females or hatchlings. So, here are a few guidelines to ensure you are not disrupting safe passage for the turtles.

1. Respect nesting areas

Sea turtles typically choose sandy beaches with suitable conditions for nesting. Look for areas with soft, undisturbed sand above the high tide line. Nests are often marked by tracks leading from the ocean to the nesting site, resembling a series of comma-shaped depressions left by the turtle’s flippers. Many beaches with known sea turtle nesting activity will have signs or barriers indicating the presence of nests. Respect these signs and avoid entering or disturbing the designated nesting areas. These signs help protect the eggs and ensure the safety of the nesting females.

Be aware of marked nesting areas on the beach and avoid walking or setting up beach equipment in these designated zones. Keep a safe distance from nests and do not disturb or touch them. Dispose of trash properly and never leave any items, such as plastic bags or food containers, on the beach. Sea turtles can mistake litter for food, which can lead to serious health issues if ingested.

2. Lights out

Artificial lights can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean. If you are living or staying at a beachfront property, keep lights off while not in use and close your blinds at night to avoid adding to the overall sky glow. Avoid the use of unshielded outdoor lighting fixtures.

Be mindful of using flashlights or even your phone when walking the beach at night. Sea turtles use moonlight for guidance when nesting and hatching, and lights and flash photography can confuse them and even cause them to move near parking lots and streets, or wander in circles and waste precious energy.

If you want some sort of light, use turtle-friendly lighting that is low in intensity, directed downward, and shielded from the beach. Using long wavelength light, which appears amber or red, will prevent sea turtle disorientations. Many phones have an option for nighttime or dark mode that produces less blue light.

3. Do not disturb

If you see a nesting female (or hatchlings), be sure not to disturb her, which could cause her to stop laying eggs and return to the ocean. Keep a respectful distance to avoid causing any distress or disruptions. Observe quietly and from a distance. Remember, the priority is to provide a safe and quiet environment for the turtles.

Justin Perrault, Ph.D., a scientist from Loggerhead Marinelife Center, studies a nesting sea turtle on a beach in South Florida.

4. Leave No Trace

Dispose of trash properly and never leave any items, such as plastic bags or food containers, on the beach. Sea turtles can mistake litter for food, which can lead to serious health issues if ingested. Before leaving the beach, fill in any holes or flatten sandcastles. These obstacles can impede nesting females and cause hatchlings to become trapped or disoriented on their way to the sea. Remember to grab your toys and buckets, and any beach chairs or umbrellas, too!

If you want to help marine life even further, bring a grabber and a bucket and clean up trash as part of your family beach activity. Children can understand that even small actions can make a big difference in sea turtle conservation. Picking up trash, reducing plastic use, and spreading the word about protecting sea turtles can have a positive impact on their survival. Every little bit helps.

5. Avoid balloons

Did you know that balloons pose a significant threat to sea turtles and other marine life? Balloons that are released into the air can end up in the ocean, where they are often mistaken for food by sea turtles. Sea turtles are known to mistake balloons for jellyfish, which are a common part of their diet. When sea turtles consume balloons, they can cause serious internal injuries or blockages. This can lead to malnutrition, organ damage, and even death. Balloons and their attached strings can also entangle sea turtles, causing them physical harm. The strings can wrap around their flippers, necks, or internal organs, leading to injuries, infections, or impairing their ability to swim and feed.

To protect sea turtles and the marine environment, it is crucial to avoid releasing balloons into the air. Instead, opt for environmentally friendly alternatives for celebrations or events, such as using reusable decorations, bubbles, or kites. By making conscious choices, we can reduce the risk of harm to sea turtles and preserve the health of our oceans.

Who to call for wildlife emergencies

If you come across a nesting sea turtle or notice any signs of nesting activity, report it to the local authorities or sea turtle conservation organizations. They can provide assistance and monitor the nests to ensure proper protection. It’s also good to know the local numbers for sea turtle and other marine wildlife emergencies if you happen upon an injured or stranded turtle. A quick Google search for the state and sea turtle emergency will often bring up the right number. Here are a few:
- Florida: Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline — (888) 404-3922
- Georgia: Call DNR’s hotline — (800)272-8363
- Hawaii: Call NOAA’s stranding response hotline — (888) 256-9840
- Maryland: Call DNR’s hotline — (800) 628-9944
- South Carolina: Call SCDNR’s 24-hour hotline — (800) 922-5431
Ways to safely view and interact with sea turtles

If you are interested in seeing sea turtles in the wild, including nesting females or hatchling releases, many nonprofit organizations and sea turtle hospitals offer guided nighttime walks. You can also visit a facility that houses or rehabilitates sea turtles to see them up close.

Some beaches offer organized sea turtle watch programs led by trained volunteers or conservation organizations. These programs provide educational opportunities to observe nesting turtles while following strict guidelines to ensure the turtles’ safety.

One of my favorite places to view turtles in South Florida is Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center located in Juno Beach, Florida. Kids can view turtle patients up close while taking a walk through the public outdoor sea turtle hospital and learn about their rescue event to, their diagnosis, rehabilitation process, and release plan from the volunteers and staff.

Some conservation organizations offer “adoption” programs where kids can symbolically adopt a sea turtle. This provides a fun and educational way to learn more about sea turtles while supporting their conservation efforts.

In addition to helping save sick and injured turtles, LMC also conducts scientific studies on health, disease nest success, and more to aid in conservation and management efforts.

Here’s a list from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that lists public walks and hatchling releases from other organizations and facilities.

A loggerhead sea turtle receiving treatment at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Fla.

Books about sea turtles for kids
Help protect the sea turtles

In conclusion, being a conscientious beachgoer is essential for the protection and conservation of sea turtles. Remember, every action, no matter how small, counts in the grand scheme of sea turtle conservation. By becoming conscientious beachgoers and actively engaging in efforts to protect and conserve sea turtles, we can ensure that these ancient marine reptiles continue to grace our oceans for generations to come. Let us cherish and safeguard their presence, embracing our responsibility as stewards of the sea. By following a few simple guidelines, we can make a positive impact and ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures.

About the author

Bethany Augliere is a marine biologist, conservationist, and storyteller. She has always been inspired to encourage people to fall in love with nature and explore their own backyard, in hopes of instilling a desire to help protect the Earth and its creatures — especially the ocean. Her work has brought her eye-to-eye with giant tiger sharks, playful dolphins, curious manta rays, and gentle manatees. Now, as a mom, she aspires to share those adventures with her family, whether it’s kayaking in the Everglades or searching for shark teeth on the beach.

You can find more from Bethany online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wilder_seas
Facebook: @bethanyaugliere
Website: http://www.bethanyaugliere.com
RWMC posts: Bethany Augliere
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, FAMILY TRAVEL, FISH, INFORMATION, LOCAL GEMS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Adventures in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with Kids
- January 12, 2023
It’s no secret that we love showcasing fun and unique outdoor adventure destinations and locations here at RWMC. We often write about the importance of adventuring together as a family and how much that benefits everyone and solidifies family bonds. But even better than writing about it is getting to experience those bonding moments with my own family and create memories together. So today, I’m excited to share with you a bit about our family’s recent trip to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida and all the outdoor adventures the area has to offer families. There are so many amazing adventures to be had in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids! If the destination isn’t yet on your family’s bucket list, it should be! Let me tell you why…

*This post was sponsored by Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Activities and accommodations were exchanged for review purposes. All opinions expressed and all photos contained herein belong to the author.

Traveling with kids

There’s something both magical and exhausting about traveling to a new place with kids. Yes, traveling with kids can mean endless whining, interruptions to your daily routine, and stress on mom to make the most out of the trip. But, it can also be an opportunity to make life-long memories, cultivate of love of adventure, and take some healthy risks by trying new things. Travel has been proven to have significant benefits for everyone in the family. So while it’s exhausting, it’s also totally worth it.

Traveling to a new place and partaking in exciting new experiences with your kids is an amazing way to bond with your family. Our busy schedules often make it difficult for families to spend much quality time together on a day-to-day basis. But when you travel, you put aside your typical responsibilities and commitments so that you can be truly present with one another.

Travel also allows you to learn new things about one another and try out exciting experiences that you otherwise might not have had the chance to. Experiencing new things together with those you love and trust helps boost your kids’ confidence and fosters independence. And getting outside in a place that looks and feels different than it does at home gives your children a whole new appreciation for the natural world and the diversity of life.

Traveling with family can be one of the most rewarding adventures you can have together. However, you do not need to travel all over the country or world to provide your kids with the benefits that family vacations generate. Sometimes, adventure is closer than you think!

Exploring Destin-Fort Walton Beach

My kids and I recently had the opportunity to spend some time in and around Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to check out some of the amazing things to do outside with kids. I’ve been curious about the destination for years, but this was my first time visiting and really getting to know the area. Boy, am I glad we did! We were blown away by the incredible outdoor adventure activities and unique experiences Destin-Fort Walton Beach has to offer families.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, let me take a minute to set the stage. Destin-Fort Walton Beach is located on the Florida Panhandle, between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. The city of Destin is located on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. The city of Fort Walton Beach is located on the mainland, just west of Destin.

The Gulf coast beaches are famous for their powdery, sugar-white sand and glistening emerald waters. The sand is made from finely ground quartz crystals that literally squeak beneath your bare feet! This gives the water in the area that famous blue-green hue that will take your breath away. On the other side, you’ll find Choctawhatchee Bay, a calm saltwater oasis perfect for wildlife and perfect for exploring.

Pack your trip with “Little Adventures”

We’ve talked about how important it is to travel with your kids and try new things. But, when you’re exploring a new area, how do you find the best outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences? Researching activities can be time-consuming, and the number of options for guides, places, and rental shops can be overwhelming. That’s one of the reasons why we love it when destinations take it upon themselves to help families find unique location-specific outdoor activities in their location – because they know the area best!

Destin-Fort Walton Beach has done just that! They’re committed to helping families get outside in the area and see all the amazing things they have to offer. They’ve made exploring Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids fun and easy!

Working with local moms, they’ve put together bite-sized family-friendly “Little Adventures” that feature unique experiences for families to get out on the water. It’s “done-for-you” outdoor adventure planning, so you just have to show up and have fun! The Little Adventures activities are things like deep-sea fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, tidepooling, dolphin cruises, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, camping, and more!

Don’t know what Little Adventure you want to do? All the available Little Adventure activities are searchable by price, age of your children, interest, and how much time they take. Or live chat with a local mom, right there on the website and get tailored recommendations for family fun and all your questions answered. You could also check out their Little Adventures map to see what activities are close to you. Kudos to Destin-Fort Walton Beach for making getting outside with kids super easy for moms!

Outdoor activities for families in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

The combination of both Gulf Coast beach and inner bay means that the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area is the perfect location for water adventures of all kinds! And that’s exactly what my water babies wanted to do most. Of course, we highly recommend that you spend some time on the pristine beaches, playing in the white sand and emerald green waves. But, there’s so much more to this area than just beautiful beaches. It’s packed with outdoor adventures for everyone in your family, regardless of age, interest, or budget.

We had the opportunity to try out a few of the best outdoor Little Adventures the area has to offer. Needless to say, we were seriously impressed! There truly was something for all of us. My daughter fell madly in love with the white sand beaches and crystal clear water. My son took advantage of all the fish and native wildlife in the area. And I was blown away by the natural beauty of the areas we explored that were off the beaten path.

For every adventure we did, there were ten others we wanted to do (we’ll have to come back)! The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area truly is a magical family-friendly location. Here are some of the highlights from our trip that we’d love to recommend to you.

Fishing with kids in Destin

Let’s start with our family’s favorite outdoor activity…fishing.

Fishing with your kids is not only a fun bonding activity, but it’s also an incredible way to teach them about nature and conservation. Fishing lets you create amazing memories with your kids, filled with action and adventure. And, from the “circle of life” lesson that comes with using live bait to the “leave no trace” principle of cleaning up after people, fishing is a way that parents can instill a love of nature and respect for the environment from a very early age.

It’s nearly impossible to talk about Destin, Florida, without mentioning fishing. The area started out as a small fishing village built around the Destin Harbor and is now home to the world’s largest charter fishing fleet. The fishing boats line one side of the harbor from end to end and provide a livelihood for many locals, as well as adventure and entertainment for visitors.

With a reputation as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” fishing is obviously one of the top outdoor family activities in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. Hundred of boats are available to rent for both deep-sea and inshore fishing. If you want help catching the big one, local guides are available to show you the ropes and get you in the right place with the right bait. But, a do-it-yourself attitude will also suffice, and your family can catch tuna, mackerel, cobia, snapper, and many other species right off the shore (or pier) in various locations throughout the area.

Deep-sea fishing with kids

At the very top of our list of “must do” activities in Destin was deep-sea fishing. As I mentioned, we’re a fishing family, but deep-sea fishing is not something that we’ve had the opportunity to try (being landlocked makes it a bit difficult). But in Destin, deep-sea fishing is an experience all of itself!

There are hundreds of charter fishing boats available to take your family fishing in the area, making deep-sea fishing in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids a great choice. And while you can certainly fish from the shore, deep-sea fishing is definitely something to try. Most charters offer half or full-day trips; we recommend starting out with a half-day trip if you have kids younger than 10.

Hiring a chartered fishing boat will give you a lot of advantages over going it on your own. Experienced captains will know all the top fishing spots, be able to supply you with bait, poles, lures, and other necessities (as well as fishing licenses), and coach you on how to catch and land some massive fish! Most boats have bathrooms and air-conditioned cabins so that you can escape the heat on a warm day. And the best part…a great captain will take care of all.the.things, so you don’t have to worry about the details and can actually enjoy your outing!

Fishing with Captain Brandy of Disciple Ship

We highly recommend hiring a fishing captain that’s good with kids and knows how to get them on the fish. Luckily, we hit a home run with Caption Brandy of the Disciple Ship for our deep-sea fishing Little Adventure. We met Brandy at her boat in HarborWalk Village in Destin bright and early on a Sunday morning. A mom of 5 and the daughter of a Destin fishing captain, she not only knows her stuff, but was absolutely fantastic with the kids. We went over the basics of what to expect and how to stay safe before heading out into the Gulf to get our fishing on!

The first stop of the adventure was to load up on bait. I’ll tell you right now…bait fishing was a blast! Every dip of your line into the water resulted in pulling up 2-5 shiny little fish (and battling the pelicans over them). We were catching fish faster than we could pop them off the line! We caught all kinds of little fish (and even a squid!) and listened intently as Brandy told us about what we were catching. If your kids are into fast-action fishing and learning about various fish species, they’ll love this part of the experience.

Getting on the fish

After you’ve loaded up with bait, it’s time to head out into the Gulf to fish. Captain Brandy immediately put us on the fish and pretty soon we were reeling in fish after fish. Our catch included red snapper, blackfin tuna, remora, triggerfish, and mahi. I was super impressed with how hard these fish can fight and the resulting strength and determination my 10-year old demonstrated in getting them to the boat. Yes, we missed a few big ones (including what we think was a huge grouper and possibly a shark or two), but we ended up with a great catch and huge smiles on our faces.

The reality of adventuring with kids

Here at RWMC, we pride ourselves in being honest about our experiences (good and bad) so that we paint a realistic picture of how tough parenting outdoor kids can be. Traveling with kids and trying new things can be hard, and the adventure doesn’t always go as you expect. We still think it’s worth it to try (1000% worth it), but we also want you to know that it doesn’t always go smoothly (even for us), and misadventures happen.

Unfortunately, three of the four kids did not feel great on the boat. We took Dramamine before we left, made sure we had breakfast, brought plenty of water and snacks, and spent a lot of time staring at the horizon, but it wasn’t enough. Halfway into our fishing experience, we had to head back to shore to drop off sick kids. It broke my heart and theirs. It’s hard to see kids not feeling well, and they were all so disappointed not to be able to finish out the fishing trip. It was a tough decision but the right one. We split up, and three of the kids went back to the hotel to play on the beach (and felt totally fine once they were onshore), and I stayed with the kid that felt fine and continued fishing.

Be flexible; expect the unexpected

It wasn’t what we wanted or expected, but I think we did the best we could in being flexible. Sometimes that’s all you can do in the situation. Sometimes adventures don’t go as planned, so being willing to make accommodations and roll with the punches can make a huge difference.

Captain Brandy was so kind about the situation and understanding. She made sure my son got as much of an amazing deep sea experience as he could, with extra attention and lots of encouragement, and hands-on training. And the other kids had a blast playing on the beach and having some fruity frozen drinks. Of course, we were all disappointed that deep-sea fishing didn’t work out for everyone, but luckily, there are so many amazing things to do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids, that the alternatives are still pretty fantastic.

Destin Fishing Rodeo

The Destin Fishing Rodeo is a fishing competition that lasts the entire month of October. Originally started to bring some additional tourism to the area, it helps extend the tourist season into the fall and attracts fishermen and fisherwomen from around the world! Today, anyone can register to enter the competition, and there are multiple prizes awarded daily and monthly for the largest catch in each of the specified categories.

By chartering a boat, we were automatically entered into the Fishing Rodeo! (If you don’t charter a boat, you can still pay to register in one of the other categories and fish by kayak, SUP, private boat, or from the shore.) Each day, from 10 am until 7 pm, there are daily weigh-ins at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in HarborWalk Village. The biggest fish make the daily leaderboard and qualify to win a cash prize!

The best part is that every child who enters a fish in the Destin Fishing Rodeo that weighs one pound or more gets a rod and reel, and a certificate for framing! We were so excited to take our biggest fish to the weigh station and get entered in the competition. While he didn’t catch anything too big, my son still made the leaderboard and stayed there until the end of the day (when another kid’s catch overtook his). He didn’t even care that he didn’t win; he was just so excited to be a part of the whole experience.

And what an experience it was! People were packed around the weigh station, watching the catch come in. The giant leaderboard was filled with some seriously impressive numbers. The announcers were making jokes, drinks were being passed around, and there was so much fun and excitement in the air. It was really something to see!

Clean, catch & cook

But the fun doesn’t end there. After our catch was weighed and recorded, it was time to clean the fish! Part of our fishing experience included getting to eat the fresh seafood that we caught, which we couldn’t do until it was cleaned and ready. Captian Brandy expertly showed my son how to clean the fish and got him involved in every aspect of the process. He loved taking care of his catch and it gave him so much pride to bag it all up and drop it off at East Pass Seafood, where they cooked it for us!

Talk about delicious! East Pass Seafood & Oyster House offers a “Hook & Cook” option for anyone that brings in their fresh catch. They’ll cook the fish for you – blackened, fried, or seared – and pair it with one of their amazing sides per person. We choose to get our fish seared, and accompanied by grits, corn, fries, and mashed potatoes. It was incredible! There’s something truly fantastic about eating fish you caught yourself just hours ago in the open air, as you sit by the water and watch the boats come it. What an experience!

HarborWalk Village

Even if it’s not October during the Fishing Rodeo, the HarborWalk Village in Destin is worth checking out! The harbor is the active hub of the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village and the center of it all. Charter boats of every size are docked along the harbor and give the area the energetic vibe of an active fishing community. The village is packed with restaurants, boutiques, adventure activities (ziplining and bungee trampoline jumping, to name a few), bars, shops, and so much more. You can also book a fishing charter, dolphin cruise, a buccaneer pirate cruise, rent jet skis and wave runners, and more!

There’s usually live music playing from somewhere along the HarborWalk Village boardwalk, fish being cleaned, and seagulls flying overhead. It’s a great place to people-watch or chat with fishermen and boat captains. The kids loved the hustle and bustle of this vibrant fun area and begged to try everything there was to offer, from a little train that cruises through the streets to frozen lemonade and cotton candy. I loved that many of the restaurants have open air patios overlooking the harbor where you can relax and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor while sipping on a drink and enjoying fresh seafood and a gorgeous sunset!

Pontoon rental for the day

One of the best ways to really maximize your time on the water and get an up-close look at the entire Destin-Fort Walton Beach area is to explore the Choctawhatchee Bay by boat. Whether you choose a canoe, kayak, SUP, or pontoon, getting out in the Bay on a watercraft is a unique opportunity to explore the area’s gorgeous coastline and become familiar with the local wildlife.

We spent a glorious October day exploring the Bay in a pontoon we rented from Beach Weekend. Beach Weekend has a fleet of spacious pontoons that provide plenty of space and shade for your adventure. They hold up to 12 passengers and can be rented for full or half days. Upon check-in, you go over the safety rules and get boarded on your boat. Once you’re in the Bay, there’s so much to explore! You can make your way through the Bay observing wildlife or check out one of the many private sugar-white beaches.

Exploring via pontoon

What I loved about this adventure was the freedom it gave us to explore the area in a whole new way. With the entire day before us and a full tank of fuel, we got to do a little bit of everything that everyone on the boat enjoyed. We cruised around with the sun on our cheeks and wind in our hair. We stopped to let the boys do a little fishing in areas they felt were extra fishy. The girls splashed in the cool water and had a blast jumping off the boat. We explored the tidepools on the deserted Spectre Island and caught crab, minnows, and shrimp. We picnicked on the beach, relaxed with our toes in the sand, and enjoyed the kids’ squeals and excitement as they discovered another treasure.

Spectre Island with Kids

The pontoon was such a lovely way to get familiar with Destin Fort Walton beach with kids and allowed us to explore places we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to check out. One of the best places to explore by boat is Spectre Island. Located just minutes west of Beach Weekend is a deserted little island in the middle of the sound. What started off as a dredging project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers years ago, is now one of the area’s best hangout spots by boat and the perfect place for kids to explore.

Anchor your pontoon and let the kids run wild. There are so many open-ended fun things to do here. They can swim, fish, tidepool, snorkel, spot dolphins, paddleboard, build sandcastles on the beach, or walk around and explore. The opportunities are endless for natural unstructured free play and exploration in the untouched natural habitat.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Since we’re speaking about marine life, on our last day in Destin, we spent some time exploring the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, which was a short walk down the beach from our hotel. Our family loves visiting aquariums, probably because we’re all obsessed with fish and marine life and passionate about preserving it.

The Gulfarium was a special treat and different from many of the aquariums we’ve been to due to their animal encounters program. This program is designed to educate and impassion guests to respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable up-close-and-personal animal encounters where you can interact with both the sea life and the caretakers. These unique encounters include holding baby alligators, feeding the sea lions, getting artwork done for you by a dolphin, lunching with the penguins, or snorkeling with sting rays!

The Gulfarium also hosts daily dolphin and sea lion shows, which we knew we had to attend! We thought the dolphin show was one of the best things we saw at the Gulfarium. The show was both educational (even I learned quite a bit) and entertaining. The bottlenose dolphins were really impressive, and the kids absolutely loved their performance.

More about the Gulfarium

Here are a few other things for families to note about the Gulfarium:
- - Make sure to check out the day’s schedule of chats, feedings and performances so you can plan your trip accordingly. The programs are great and you’ll want to be sure to get to each one a little early so that you can get a good spot/seat.
  - Gulfarium’s C.A.R.E. Center is a non-profit to facilitate and further coastal conservation efforts. Their specialty is sea turtles and the program has helped to rehabilitate and release hundred of sea turtles of various species found in the Gulf Coast, including Loggerhead, Green, Kemp’s ridley, and Leatherback.
- Reservations are required if you want to book an animal encounter.
- The Gulfarium is mostly outdoor and open air, right on the beach, with beautiful views.
- There’s an on-site food and drink concession stand where you can get lunch, snacks, and drinks for the family.
The best donuts in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

No vacation with kids would be complete without a little sugar, so let’s talk for a minute about some of the best donuts I’ve ever eaten. I love a good donut and would consider myself a bit of a donut snob. We love checking out local donut shops when we travel, and most of the time, the donuts are pretty good. However, every now and then, we’ll find a donut shop that blows us away, and this was one of those times. Parlor Doughnuts in Fort Walton Beach was incredible.

Parlor Doughnuts offers their signature “layered donut,” which is different than the traditional cake or yeast style of donut. There are vegan/gluten-friendly and keto-friendly donuts, so there’s something for everyone in your family. They also offer breakfast items such as acai bowls, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and tacos. And, of course, specialty coffee.

Before heading out on your day of adventuring in Destin-Fort Walton beach with kids, we highly recommend fueling up at Parlor Doughnuts. If you have the chance to try the S’mores donut, do it!!

Where to stay: The Island Resort – Fort Walton Beach

With so much to do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids, our days were filled with water activities and exploration, but in the evenings, the kids were thrilled just to swim in the pool and hang out at the hotel. Luckily, we stayed at The Island Resort, which is a beachfront property on Okaloosa Island, in between Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Family-friendly amenities and activities

The Island Resort has everything we needed to hunker down and stay happy, fed, and entertained. While I love exploring and being out and about, it’s also so nice to stay in a hotel where you never have to leave, if you don’t want to! The Island Resort has multiple restaurants (and they were all delicious!), a few bars, a little travel shop with beach toys and souvenirs, two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, laundry, and even a taco truck. They offer onsite activities during the day and evening – some of the activities offered while we were there were Harry Potter trivia, karaoke, poolside Monday night football on the giant inflatable screen, morning yoga, name-that-tune bingo, live music, and more!

The kids loved the swimming options – not only could you swim on the beach, there’s the large Grotto Pool (unheated), a second heated outdoor pool, and hot tub. The Grotto pool has a seasonal swim-up bar inside the cave and a real-life mermaid during the summer months! It was pretty cold in the pool when we were there in October, but that certainly didn’t keep my kids from enjoying it! I loved watching the sunsets over the pier on the beach, with a boat drink in hand.

Location, location, location

The Island Resort is ideally located within walking distance of all kinds of amazing places and activities, including the Island Pier, the Gulfarium, John Beasley Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, boat rentals, The Boardwalk, and all kinds of amazing restaurants and shops. It’s also right on the gorgeous white sand beach, with private beachfront access, daily chair and umbrella rentals, and a beachfront bar that makes the most amazing boat drinks.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids

We hope that this post has shown you just how beautiful the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area is and how many amazing outdoor activities there are for families. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed water activity for your older kids, a toddler-friendly outing, or a relaxing planned-for-you adventure for a large family, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Little Adventures website for all the details and add a few to your itinerary.

Let us know if/when you’ll be exploring Destin-Fort Walton Beach with kids and if we can answer any of your questions!

Additional travel resources

If you’re looking for a few more resources on the importance of traveling with kids and how to make it easier on everyone, be sure to check out the following articles:
Have we convinced you to add Destin to your family’s bucket list?

About the author

Sara McCarty is the founder of Run Wild My Child, a mom of 3, a wife, and a recovering corporate securities lawyer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching. She loves to travel and showcase unique destinations with outdoor family-friendly activities. She’s passionate about reading, photography, oysters, plants, coffee, cooking, and key lime pie.
BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING, SUMMER, WATER
How to Get Started Skimboarding With Kids
- April 21, 2022
Skimboarding is a fun, active, and affordable way to keep your kids entertained on the beach. Skimboarding is gaining in popularity, and for a good reason. It’s a safe way to introduce your kids to the ocean, challenge their abilities, boost their confidence, and let them have fun! Today, Wendy Cox, photographer and California mom of four, is here sharing everything you need to know to get started skimboarding with kids. She’ll walk you through the benefits of skimboarding for kids, how to skimboard, tips for choosing the right skimboard for kids, and so much more! This post will make you want to get to the beach as soon as possible!

Skimboarding with kids

Going to the beach as a parent is a far cry from the days when all you needed was a towel and a good book. Now, a trip to the beach means you’re schlepping shovels, buckets, towels, sunscreen, chairs, snacks, water bottles, an umbrella, and so much more through the hot sand. And then, when you get to the beach, your kids are either nervous of the water and afraid of the loud waves crashing on the shore or so interested they can’t stay out of them! And in the latter case, maybe it’s you that’s nervous about sending them out into the deep blue.

Either way, if you want to find a happy medium where your kids can play in the water but not be way out in the depths of the ocean, the solution you’re looking for is a skimboard. Skimboarding is a great way for kids to stay close to the shore in shallow water but still have fun.

What is skimboarding?

Skimboarding is a water sport, similar to surfing, where you can skid or slide across the surface of the water close to the shore on a small flat board. Skimboards are much smaller and thinner than surfboards, and they do not have any fins. Skimboarding happens in shallow water on the water’s edge, so there’s no need to go out into the water and wait for a wave, as you would when surfing.

5 reasons to let your kids try skimboarding

1. Size of the skimboard is manageable

A skimboard is small and easy to carry. Have you ever tried carrying a surfboard from the car to the waves? It is not easy! Surfboards are large and heavy (and expensive). When carrying, I have to constantly readjust the surfboard and try to find a way to make it comfortable. However, skimboards are much more manageable for parents (and kids) to bring to the beach. Plus, storage is less of an issue with a smaller board, and they’re more affordable.

2. Skimboarding gets kids familiar with the ocean

Skimboarding is a good introduction to the ocean for any kids (or parents) who might be apprehensive about surfing or swimming in the waves. For anyone not comfortable with waves and surf, skimboarding is the perfect introduction to help your child (and the parent) get more comfortable with the water and confident in their skills.

Skimboarding allows you to stay right at the shoreline. You can get a feel for the ocean without getting all the way in. Skimboarding is a great way to allow your kids to get a feel for the waves and how they break while still being able to touch the ground and stay close to the shore. They will feel the pull of the ocean and understand better how strong the water can be, while remaining safe. Skimboarding is a great introduction to spending time in the ocean.

3. Cold weather approved

Skimboarding doesn’t require you to submerge yourself in the water like surfing or swimming. You can skimboard on a cold day and not get completely soaked or frozen. Once you have the hang of it, you can skimboard without even getting very wet. My kids have even gone skimboarding while wearing a sweatshirt! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that, but it can be done. Our beaches on the West Coast can get chilly in the fall and winter, but often we can still skimboard in the off-season.

4. Skimboarding is great for most ages

Skimboarding is great for kids age 6 years old and up. The basic techniques are relatively easy to master and you don’t have to be a proficient swimmer to be able to skimboard. When skimboarding, you don’t go very deep into the water, so it’s an activity that kids can enjoy before they’re advanced swimmers. We always recommend a life jacket or other floatation device and vigilant parental supervision for any child playing near water that can’t swim.

The light weight and smaller size of a skimboard also make it easy for kids as young as 6 to use. Skimboards are much smaller than surfboards, so they can easily be used by kids 6 and older. If you have a child that’s younger than six that really wants to skimboard, it’s doable! Smaller boards are easiest for little ones to toss when getting started. You know your child best, so if they are younger but have good balance, athleticism, and agility, then let them give it a go.

5. Skimboarding is inexpensive

You can purchase a beginner skimboard for less than $25. While a professional skimboard can get extremely pricey, you don’t need the best skimboard on the market when you’re just getting started. Skimboards for a beginner are relatively inexpensive and will last for years when well taken care of. See our tips below for choosing the right skimboard for your child and what you should know before buying a skimboard.

Buying a skimboard

Now that we’ve covered the basics of skimboarding and all the benefits, hopefully, you’re convinced to give skimboarding with your kids a try! If you’re ready to purchase a skimboard, there are a few things you should know and take into consideration. First, you’ll want to consider the size, weight, type, and shape of the board, as well as the size, age and skill level of the person who will be using it.

Skimboards come in a variety of sizes, so you’ll want to match the skimboard sizes to the rider’s height and weight, and ability. Here’s a good skimboard size chart with some great info on how to get the proper skimboard fit. When just getting started, let a professional at the surf shop can help you choose the right board, to ensure the child’s success, and maximize the purchase. Many shops offer this service free of charge.

In addition to size, you’ll want to consider the material of the skimboard. High-quality boards will last much longer and be less dangerous to use. Cheaper wooden skimboards can splinter, break, and can be dangerous to use. The main types of skimboards are wood boards coated in epoxy, foam boards, carbon fiber boards, and fiberglass boards. These are a bit more expensive than plain wood boards, but they are much safer and last for many years. If a new board is out of your price range, try searching online resale groups for used boards.

Our family has two skimboards. They both have a foam surface on the top in order to get better grip and to avoid having to use wax. These beginner skimboards have worked well for us for many years. As my kids get older, we’re just now considering getting larger boards.

Teaching kids how to skimboard

The most typical way to skimboard is to glide over a thin layer of water with the board parallel to the waves. This is the best way for kids to learn how to skimboard. Skimboarding can be easy to learn and pick-up on your own, but if you’re really into it, many surf shops offer group and private lessons, as well as skim camps.

To skimboard by gliding, here are the steps you’ll need to take:
1. Stand in shallow water where there are at least a few inches of water between the surface and the ground.
2. Hold the skimboard in both hands, with your dominant hand on the base (bottom) of the board and your other hand on the top of the board.
3. With the board parallel to the surface of the water, take a few steps and swing the board, then release it in front of you. The board should skim over the surface of the water. (It’s sort of like skipping a giant rock on the water with two hands.)
  - You’ll want to throw the board hard enough that it’s moving and doesn’t lose momentum when you step on, but not so hard that you can’t quickly jump on after a few steps. This part takes a lot of practice to perfect.
4. Take a few running steps behind the board and step onto the board with your non-dominate foot in front and your dominant foot in the back. You’ll want to step into the skimboard gently and not jump on top of the board (which will sink the board and kill the momentum). It’s similar to sliding on hardwood floors in your socks.
5. Now skim across the surface of the water! Repeat, repeat, repeat!
Skimboarding into the surf

The more advanced way to skimboard is to skim yourself into deeper water and directly into the oncoming waves. This type of skimboard wave riding is great fun for older kids. You use the same technique as mentioned above but point the nose of the skimboard into the ocean. My 12-year-old prefers to skimboard this way. He loves to try new tricks, like getting air as the white water comes in. We’ve seen advanced and pro skimboarders do all kinds of spins, flips, and tricks this way. It’s something to work up to for sure!

Skimboarding spills and falls

When your kids are just starting out with skimboarding, it’s important to let them know that they will inevitably fall down. Spills and falls happen. A lot. Many times when trying to step onto the skimboard, it pulls your feet right out from underneath you, and you end up flat on your back in the water. Expect some falls and prepare your kids for not only the crash (in the sand), but the fact that water and sand may get in their mouth, eyes, and nose. It can be scary for kids the first few times it happens.

The plus side to falling off a skimboard is that, unlike skateboarding, the fall won’t be on a hard concrete surface. Wet sand is considerably softer than concrete, but can still hurt. Falling down is an important part of life in general though, so celebrate the fact that they keep trying even when it gets hard.

Choosing the best beaches for skimboarding

Some beaches are better for skimboarding with kids than others. Try to avoid beaches with rocky shores. Falling on a rock is not pleasant! Beaches with a lot of seaweed on the shore are also not ideal for skimboarding because the seaweed can inhibit the board from skimming smoothly over the water. You’ll also want a beach that isn’t super crowded so you have space to run and skim without running into others.

The best type of beach will have a long, soft sandy stretch of shoreline. Also, beginner skimboarders will have the best success at low tide.

Here in Southern California, we have some really great soft sandy beaches, but we also have rocky ones. We have to be choosy when we know we’ll be skimboarding.

Benefits of skimboarding for kids

Skimboarding has so many health benefits for kids (and even for you)! Some of these benefits of skimboarding include:
- increased balance
- stronger legs and core
- greater coordination
- improved awareness of ocean/wave patterns
- exposure to Vitamin D
- strengthening of smaller muscles in the feet by running on the uneven surface of the sand
Enjoying the beach while kids skimboard

I am currently reading a book by Wallace J. Nichols titled Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. How about that for a claim and title?!

Do you remember how Jo took Beth to the seashore in Little Women when she was sick? In Jane Austen’s Emma, Emma’s sister Isabella wanted to take her children to the seashore for their health after a recommendation from her doctor. I think Mr. Nichols and all of those doctors were on to something!

I don’t know about you, but being near the ocean just makes me feel better and helps me to think more clearly. The ocean is both soothing and healing. It helps relax and inspires creativity. Just being near the water is good for your mood, spirit, and health.

And while I sometimes wish I could take my kids to the beach just to sit and enjoy the beauty of it in peaceful silence, that’s unrealistic for parents of small kids. However, we’ve found that everyone is a thousand times happier when they have something active to do at the beach and we still get the benefits of being there, despite the chaos and all the activity! Going to the beach is always worth it for us.

Multi-purpose skimboard

My kids really enjoy skimboarding when we’re at the beach. It keeps them active and entertained for hours! It’s something that all of my kids can do, and it fits so easily in the beach wagon. However, we’ve also found many uses for our skimboards other than skimboarding! When no one is using the board to skim around, it can also be stuck in the sand as a makeshift backstop for a game of wiffle ball. The board is the perfect surface to put your beach treasures on, like all of these sand dollars my kids found in Morro Bay. We’ve used our skimboards as a tabletop for picnic lunches on the beach.

Additional beach planning resources

The beach has so much to offer families! It’s a fun destination with the potential to make some unforgettable memories. Before your beach day, check out a few of our favorite posts about all things beach:
I hope you’re able to add skimboarding to your kids’ repertoire of things to do at the beach.

Have your kids ever tried skimboarding?

About the author

Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out of doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as a garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
RWMC posts: Wendy Cox
BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, SUMMER
10 Tips for Taking Amazing Photos of Your Kids at the Beach
- April 18, 2019
Summer will be here before we know it and I know lots of you are already planning your upcoming beach adventures. Today, we have the amazing Jeanni from JKutz Photography sharing all the tips, tricks and advice you need to know for capturing amazing photos of your kids on the beach. Make sure you read this awesome tutorial on beach photography before your trip and keep all these things in mind when capturing your cuties in the sand this summer.

The mountains or the sea? Where does your photographer’s heart call you to go? While I love the mountain views, there is something about those ocean waves that keep me coming back over and over again. The beach is truly a magical place and a great one for photographers. One of my most favorite things to do while sitting on the sandy shores is to capture images of my crew. I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and what not to do) when photographing kids on the beach. Here are my top 10 tips for capturing beautiful beachy images of your family.

10. Avoid high mid-day sun

I know, you have heard this a thousand times, but there is a reason photographers avoid the super-bright mid-day sun. That harsh bright sun creates harsh bright photos. And although we (as beach-goers) hate those overcast beach days, they’re much more photograph-friendly. If you are looking to create softer light airy beach photos, try photographing on a slightly overcast day. Beautiful beach photos happen when the bright sun is a bit muted by some cloud cover.

9. Be patient

Sit back, relax and wait for the right moment. Some of my favorite beach photos were taken when no one realized the camera was around. I like to sit a distance away from my children and watch them play. Forcing a cute playful moment often ends in frustration, tears and resentment of the camera. Try sitting back from the action and observing. You are guaranteed to see the magic moments unfold before your eyes and will be better prepared to grab the camera when the time is right.

8. Small can be mighty

Like every mom out there, I think my littles are the star of the show. I often fill the entire frame with their sweet beach babe bodies. Although these images are adorable, over time they can all look the same. I have to remind myself to mix up my shots by stepping back and capturing the entire scene. Try making your littles a small part of the shot by filling the frame with more of the beach. This is a great way to capture the entire experience of your beach trip.

7. Find the path less taken

Half the fun is getting there, am I right? The path leading to the beach might just have as much charm and beauty as the sandy shore itself. Take time to look around for that dreamy spot just before you reach the shores. You will end up with great views of the sea in your background.

6. Get cheesy

Getting that creative praise-worthy photo is every mom/photographer dreams. Candid images that tell a story are all the rage, which means cheesy posed images get a bad rep. However, sometimes a good old-fashioned stand there and smile photo is so worth it. Especially if you have young children that are always on the move because it can be really difficult to capture their sweet face. There is nothing wrong with a classic stand there and say “cheese” at the camera kind of photo.

5. Find the small details

As much as I love capturing the entire scene, I really love zooming in on the small details of the beach. Not only will the detailed pictures help you remember the way the sand felt in-between your toes, it will also give a good amount of variety of your gallery of beach images. Pay attention to those details and be sure to capture the tiny little details you never want to forget.

4. Sunrise can equal sunset

There’s a reason you see so many classic beach sunset photos – sunsets can be epic. We all love the pastel colors that paint the sky and we’ve all tried to capture that beauty as our kids frolic and play. But, depending on the direction the beach faces, the sunrise can actually create better images than the sunset. If the beach looks out towards the West, try photographing the “sunset” photo in the morning. When the sun is low, the landscape can block some of the harsh sun that is often found on open beaches.

3. Look for the quiet moments

The best beach moments don’t always happen on the beach with a sand shovel in hand or while the littles are jumping in the waves. Napping on the beach often results in a frame-worthy photo. As do beach picnics, snack breaks and all the little moments in between the action when the kids are resting and refueling.

2. Get directional

Do you have a perfect beach photo in your mind that you desperately want to create? Me too! Help your children create that image by positioning them where you want them and letting them know just what you would like them to do. Use gentle encouraging directions to get the shot you envision. Start by pointing out a perfect spot on the beach where the light is just right. Then suggest that your crew build a sand castle there or have them pick up that super cute floaty. Need them to turn and face the ocean? Ask if they see any dolphins jumping in the waves. Get creative and they’ll never know that this is all part of a plan.

1. Keep it simple

Cutting out the clutter of a beach trip will absolutely give your images a more editorial and stylized look. I am in no way suggesting not to pack all the coolers and bags. You need those! However, when it comes time to capture that perfect beach image, leave them out of the shot. Try having all the beach chairs, towels, and fun floats behind you or off to the side so they’re not in all your images. Move the kids away from the gear, for a few shots. If you have a lens with a longer focal lens, try zooming in or moving closer to cut out that clutter. One or two cute beach toys might be just perfect, but three or more is definitely a crowd.

More photography resources

If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!

Jeanni, originally born and raised in St. Paul MN, has traveled the country and world searching for a place to call home. She is a mom to a crew of 4 littles; 1 boy and 3 girls. After a 7 year career as an early childhood teacher, Jeanni is now proud to be working as a full-time mom. The bittersweet emotions of watching her children grow motivated her to pick up a camera and become a photographer. Photography is her heart’s work and she loves to capture joyful, natural moments. As a lover of natural light, Jeanni strives for fresh and airy images. She also has a deep love for her husband, a strong cup of coffee, the color white, and all things vintage. It is truly her great joy to share her work with you at jkutzphotography.com.
BEACH, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
8 Tried & True Tips for a Successful Beach Trip with Kids
- July 12, 2018
As we get closer to our family’s upcoming Florida trip, I’m so excited about spending time on the beach with my kids. I envision hours of fun in the waves, building sand castles and flying kites. However, I’m also aware of the meltdowns and non-stop action required to keep the kids entertained. In addition, this will be our first time taking a 4 month-old to the beach. A baby adds a whole new element of preparation and packing.

This is why I’m so excited for today’s post, by the fabulous Dr. Autumn Hanson of Permission 2 Move. Autumn is a physical therapist, blogger, mom of 2 and Florida-native. She’s here to share her tried and true tips on how to make your next beach trip with kids stress-free and fun! Not only will she help you prep for your trip, but she’ll get you moving out on the beach and making memories to last a lifetime.

Meet Autumn

Hello everyone! I’m excited to be here on Run Wild My Child sharing some tips and advice on how to make a beach trip with kids as successful and stress-free as possible. As a Florida native, I’ve spent a lot of time at the beach over the years. I was fortunate enough to grow up within walking distance to the beach in beautiful Treasure Island, Florida. With 3 girls in my house growing up (ranging in ages from 6-16), it was challenging to find activities we could all enjoy doing as a family. It was always a struggle just to get out the door. However, we were always happy to be at the beach once we got there.

Not much has changed since I began my own family years later. Now, as a parent of two girls aged 3 and 1, I appreciate the effort that makes a beach trip enjoyable for both the parents and kids. Without adequate preparation, the happy beach trip you imagine will likely end with one (or all) of the following: sunburns, crying children, a miserable spouse, sand covering everything, or even a strike from a stingray (as my husband suffered through and ranks as one of his most painful experiences)!

With dozens of family trips to the beach under my belt, from Hawaii to Bermuda and back to Florida, I’ve got boatloads of experience in what works and what doesn’t. Here are my 8 tried and true tips to make your beach trip run smoothly and enjoyable for everyone!

Timing is essential

Make sure that you choose the right time to hit the beach when going with little kids. While mid-day might sound appealing, there are two elements working against being at the beach mid-afternoon: the intensity of the sun’s heat and nap time. Those two factors, when combined, are exponentially harder to overcome and can lead to major meltdowns, both figuratively and literally. The best times to beach are mornings and evenings when the sun and heat are less intense.

In order to get to the beach early, pack the car the night before and plop your kiddos in the car as soon as their eyes open! The longer you spend in the house getting ready to go, the later you get to the beach. If you are like me and get great ideas of what to pack and clean and rearrange at the last minute…don’t! JUST LEAVE! (see below for more info on prepping the night before)

If you miss the window of leaving early or the day is heating up quickly, don’t despair. Going to the beach in the evening is wonderful! Usually, the crowd disappears shortly before the sun does, so you’ll have more space to run free. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset with cooler temperatures and without worrying about getting the sand on the lady next to you when your child uses her towel as a superhero cape.

Protect yourself from the elements

There is nowhere to hide from the sun at the beach. Long gone are the days where your sole purpose to go to the beach is to get tan. Little children need the shade, not only to protect their skin but also to hide their meltdown from the rest of the beachgoers. Trust me on this one.

Whether you choose a sun shelter, a giant umbrella or tent, you need something to protect your littles from the harsh sun and any sand-blowing wind. We have tried several options for beach protection from the sun and we love the Ikea Sommarvind. Once you master the folding process (after watching a few dozen YouTube videos), this pop-up tent cannot be beaten for its simplicity, storage size, and function.

Bring a cooler with hydrating snacks

Just before you anticipate a meltdown, call everyone over for a refreshing treat. The most enjoyable snacks are those that cool you off under the summer sun. Pro tip: these almost always include some sort of dripping liquid, so bring napkins or wet wipes, too! Our family favorites are watermelon, frozen grapes, coconut water, sparkling water (or bubble water as my 3 year-old lovingly refers to it) and popsicles.

If you are concerned about the amount of sugar in your children’s beach snacks, I have a great popsicle swap idea for you! Fill a silicone popsicle mold with water (or healthy juice) and fresh fruit, then pop it into the freezer. My girls really enjoy their own fruit popsicles at the beach and I love not having to constantly say, “NO MORE POPSICLES!”

To keep everything cool, you’re going to need a good cooler. Our favorite cooler is the Yeti Hopper Flip 8, but simpler options will also suffice. We also pack insulated water bottles to keep our water icy cold even when it is out of the cooler. Our favorite water bottle is this 64-ounce Hydroflask.

Prepare the night before

In our house, preparation starts the night before. Since we have a habit of doing ‘just one more thing’ before we leave, we have better luck getting out of the house on time without a mess if we prepare ahead of time and leave as soon as we wake up. Pack a bag with your sun protection, accessories and beach activities the night before and put it in the car. Tidy the house and check everything off your list as you pack. Leave the delicious snacks in the refrigerator until it is time to go.

Prepping the night before ensures we get out the door with everything we need at a decent time. We love the feeling of coming home after a long day on the beach and walking into an unusually clean house with overtired kids (and adults). The sigh of relief from everyone is quickly followed by a smile, as well as a lighter-hearted approach to showers and rest.

Play with your kids!

If you are in the mindset of going to the beach to ‘sit back and relax,’ you’re in for a shock! That’s the mindset of your former pre-family self. With little kids, those days are over! Sorry! Save that thought to motivate you to take a trip with your girlfriends later in the summer and instead switch gears to being active at the beach with your family.

If you are active at the beach, you will feel twice as successful. An enjoyable family outing and a full body workout all wrapped into one beautiful day at the beach! Think of the calories you’re burning as you drag that overflowing wagon through the sand. Try walking barefoot in the soft sand to strengthen your lower legs. Chase the kids (or the birds) for excellent cardio! But most of all, just play with your kids. That typically includes activities like shoveling sand, tag, body surfing in the waves while attempting to keep your kids’ faces out of the water and hauling buckets of water for the amateur sand sculptors. This is when the best memories are made!

Bring activities, but not many

Don’t go overboard packing entertainment for the kids. After all, the great thing about the beach is that it serves as its own entertainment. I do suggest bringing some activities though. My mother used pre-planned activities to achieve the family bonding she was interested in cultivating. While the rest of us were focused on what we like to do individually, she was focused on what activity drew us together as a family. These activities will vary on the age and interests of your family. Try to think of activities that promote teamwork like playing soccer, baseball, kan jam, Frisbee, or bocce ball together. These activities transfer your focus from the heat to the game.

Explore & make friends

Remember how I mentioned early that the beach serves as the entertainment as well as the destination? Use that to your advantage. Grab a shovel from your sand castle building crew and start digging. Have a contest to see who can find the most unique shell. Then head over to the edge of the water where the coquinas lay buried just below the surface, until, like magic, they resurface as the sand gets pulled away with the tide. Walk the beach for sea treasures. Cue the kids to find out what items float or not and why. Explore why you need water to make a sand castle or why a bucket of water gets heavier each subsequent one you carry.

You can also use your beach time to make new friends. Maybe it is as simple sitting near a family with kids your children’s ages. Kids make fast friends at the beach and then they’ll have new friends to explore and play games with. Plus, they’ll likely be much more understanding of the sand in the face from the superhero cape…I mean, towel.

Change your perspective

Little kids have a different idea of fun than parents do. I challenge you to view your beach trip from their point of view. Spend a whole day focusing on what’s important to them and you’ll be so pleasantly surprised at how much fun the beach can be.

Your kids won’t remember that you forgot the organic sunscreen and had to use the aerosol stuff you swore you would never use. They just know that you made sure they were protected. They don’t remember their meltdown over saltwater in their eyes. But they will remember you surrounding them with a towel and blotting it out. They won’t remember that the blueberries were covered in sand, but rather that you packed their favorite snack. They won’t remember the time they fought with their sibling about how big the sand castle has to be. But they will remember that they built the biggest sand castle ever and that you helped them do it.

What’s your best piece of advice
for beach outings with kids?

Hello, my name is Autumn! I am a wife to my high school sweetheart (a pilot in the Coast Guard) and mama to two spunky little girls that are frequently playing with dinosaurs in dress-up clothes. When I am not out adventuring with my family, I work as an outpatient physical therapist and Pilates reformer instructor. I love that my career allows me to help people move and feel better. However, after years of hearing my patients say, “I wish I would have learned the importance of movement sooner in life,” I started Permission2Move. I am grateful to have an avenue to inspire people to move more adventurously!

Learn how to creatively add movement into your daily life by following along at:

Website/Blog: permission2move.com

Instagram: @permission2move

Facebook: permission2move

Email: permission2move@gmail.com

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