tide pools

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER

    Exploring Tide Pools on Cape Cod

    Nestled along the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, lie an abundance of tidal habitats that beckon curious explorers of all ages. From sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, these captivating tide pools serve as an open-air classroom where kids can immerse themselves in nature’s wonders while fostering a lifelong love for the environment. Today, Lissy Perna, Cape Cod mom of two and founder of Get Outside Cape Cod, is here to help you and your kids explore the beauty of the tidepools of Cape Cod. 

    Exploring tide pools on Cape Cod

    Have you ever explored a tide pool with your children? For the kids living here on Cape Cod, it is as common a pastime as going to the playground. These miniature underwater ecosystems, teeming with fascinating marine life and hidden treasures, offer an incredible opportunity for discovery, learning, and unforgettable family adventures.

    As you embark on this enchanting journey with your children, you’ll witness their eyes light up with excitement as they uncover a wealth of marine creatures, from scuttling hermit crabs and colorful sea stars to elusive octopuses and vibrant anemones. While they may start off merely observing, their natural curiosity will soon drive them to ask questions, investigate further, and engage in hands-on learning experiences that ignite their sense of wonder.

    So, if you are planning a visit to Cape Cod with your children, make sure to add tide pool exploration to your bucket list. Don’t worry; I’ll give you all the insider info about having a successful tide pool exploring excursion that you need to make your adventure a success! 

    Why should you explore tide pools with your kids?

    What is better than a day at the beach? Splashing in the salty waves, building epic sandcastles, and perfecting your boogie-boarding skills are great ways to spend time in the sun. But, if you visit the beach at low tide, you’ll be amazed by what you can find! And your kids may become obsessed with this new activity at the beach! As the ocean tide recedes, giant puddles of water appear and teem with sea life. Crabs, worms, fish, and eels can be found if you investigate. This activity is a perfect hands-on learning experience for children and adults alike! 

    Beyond the joy of discovery, exploring tide pools also offers a chance to educate your children about the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship. As they witness the interplay between different species and witness firsthand the effects of tides and currents, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to protect and preserve these fragile habitats.

    Moreover, this outdoor escapade provides a golden opportunity for families to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with one another. As you huddle together, searching for hidden treasures or sharing stories of your own childhood adventures, the bond between parent and child strengthens, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

    So, whether you’re a Cape Cod local or planning a family vacation to this idyllic destination, take a break from the usual tourist haunts and venture into the realm of tide pools. Equipped with a sense of wonder and a willingness to learn, you’ll embark on a remarkable journey where curiosity and joy merge, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Let’s dive into the magical world of Cape Cod’s tide pools and discover the endless possibilities that await your family in nature’s captivating classroom.

    What’s unique about the tide pools on Cape Cod?

    The tide pools in Cape Cod possess a unique charm that sets them apart from other coastal regions. Cape Cod’s tide pools showcase an impressive biodiversity of marine life. From tiny hermit crabs and sea stars to elusive seahorses and fascinating sea slugs, the tide pools of Cape Cod offer a rich tapestry of species to discover. The variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops, sandy stretches, and tidal flats, contribute to this remarkable biodiversity. Each location offers its own set of geological features and ecological characteristics, providing a diverse range of exploration opportunities.

    Cape Cod is renowned for its annual migrations of marine creatures, including horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. During certain times of the year, tide pool explorers may witness these fascinating natural phenomena as thousands of horseshoe crabs gather to spawn, or flocks of shorebirds feed along the shoreline. Such spectacles add an extra layer of wonder and excitement to the tide pool experience.

    In addition to the abundant marine life, Cape Cod’s tide pools boast breathtaking natural beauty. The rugged coastline, picturesque beaches, and dramatic rocky formations create a stunning backdrop for exploring the tide pools. The serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make every visit to the tide pools of Cape Cod a truly memorable experience.

    These special and unique characteristics of Cape Cod’s tide pools make them an exceptional destination for families to connect with nature, learn about marine life, and create lasting memories while exploring the captivating intertidal world.

    Best tide pools on Cape Cod for kids

    Here on Cape Cod, specifically in Brewster, the exposed sand left after the tide recedes is called “the flats.” This expanse of the ocean floor is the largest in North America! You can walk over a mile into Cape Cod Bay at dead low tide. But, if you can’t make it to Brewster, plenty of other Cape Cod towns have tide pools worth exploring. 

    Great beaches for tide pools on Cape Cod

    • Crosby Landing, Brewster
    • Thumpertown Beach, Eastham
    • Skaket Beach, Orleans
    • Town Neck Beach, Sandwich
    • Gray’s Beach, Yarmouth
    • Corporation Beach, Dennis

    You may notice these beaches are all on the north side of Cape Cod. We have found that the tide is much more extreme on the north side, so there are more tide pools! *Bonus, these beaches also tend to have calmer waves for your younger children to swim safely. 

    Does it cost money to go to beaches and tide pools on Cape Cod?

    It depends on when and where you go. There are fifteen towns on Cape Cod, and every town has different rules and regulations for its beaches. Please check the town’s website to see if you can buy a beach pass for the day or if you need a pre-purchased beach sticker or pass. Sometimes, your luck might be that low tide is before or after the time of day that a beach pass is required. Another option is walking or cycling to a beach to avoid paying the fees. 

    Checking the tide

    Once you’re ready to go on a tide pool exploring adventure and have chosen your location, it’s time to check the tide! When you visit the beach, it’s essential to be there at low tide or an hour or so before and/or after. The tide changes from high to low every six hours and varies about 45 mins daily, so the easiest way to check what the tide will be is to look at a tide chart. Some local businesses carry paper ones, and we always head to the Brewster General Store to pick one up. It stays posted on our fridge all summer long. Furthermore, another way to check the tide is by looking online. So, here is the most accurate website I’ve found.

    What to wear to explore tide pools on Cape Cod with your children

    When you want to go on a tide pool exploration, it’s wise to be dressed appropriately. Bathing suits or water-repellant clothing is the best option; you’ll surely get wet when exploring a tide pool! One thing my children often wear, and I recommend, is water shoes with a rubber sole, or even shoes like Crocs. This way, you can climb over rocks, sometimes covered with sharp barnacles, without injuring your feet. When we explore tide pools in the colder weather (beach season is year-round when you live on Cape Cod!), my children wear their waders or insulated boots for extra protection and warmth.

    Another item to consider wearing is a wide-brimmed hat. There isn’t any shade on the flats, so sun protection is essential! Also, a fun extra item that isn’t necessary would be polarized sunglasses. The polarization makes it easier to view the sea life under the water. Also, they provide additional protection for your eyes! If you wear sunscreen, please consider using a mineral-based and reef-safe brand. The chemicals used in many regular sunscreens harm coral and possibly other sea life. 

    Supplies for exploring tide pools with children

    Honestly, you don’t need any toys or supplies on your tide pool adventure. There have been many impromptu visits to the beach with my children when they didn’t bring anything. They used sticks, shells, rocks, and pieces of driftwood to entertain themselves.

    However, if you are to bring anything, this is what I recommend: 

    • bucket for collecting treasures
    • shovel for digging in the sand or picking up a crab
    • net for catching minnows or sand shrimp
    • field guide for identifying what you discover

    You can also use items you already have in your home! Bring a Tupperware container as a bucket, a large serving spoon as a shovel, or a sieve as a net! Just remember, glass items on the beaches are not a good idea!

    And, as always, for any adventure, I’d recommend always packing some snacks and water bottles to keep your kids fed and hydrated. You may also consider bringing a waterproof camera or a smartphone in a protective case to capture memories without risking damage.

    What creatures will you find while exploring tide pools on Cape Cod?

    The wonder of nature is that it is wild and unpredictable. This rule applies to tide pools on Cape Cod as well. Even after a lifetime of living on Cape Cod and regularly visiting tide pools, I still find species I never noticed before. I am constantly surprised by what I discover. So, here are some of the most common things you may find while exploring tide pools on Cape Cod:

    • Hermit crabs – these small crabs inhabit the empty shells of other creatures, such as periwinkles, mud snails, or moon snails. They are found abundantly in tide pools and can range in size up to two inches. 
    • Asian shore crabs – this type of crab is an invasive species. They are commonly found burrowed underneath rocks in the shallow tide pools.
    • Lady crabs – this type of crab is a fantastic swimmer. Beware, they are quite defensive, and their pinch is a little bit painful.
    • Bloodworm – this type of sea worm has a translucent body, and you can see its reddish bodily fluids through its exterior. 
    • Decorator worm – this type of worm forms a protective casing over its exposed body. They construct it with bits of shell, sand, and seaweed.
    • Ice cream cone worm – this type of worm creates a thin layer of sand around its body in the shape of a cone, hence the name.
    • Scallops – the ones you will find on the beach are bay scallops, and they are smaller than the ones found in the deep ocean. These bay scallops have dozens of small blue eyes if you look closely!
    • Oyster – this white shelled mollusk can be found in the bay on Cape Cod. They are known to produce pearls!
    • Quahog – this hard shell clam can range in size from millimeters long up to 4 inches. 
    • Sand shrimp – this light colored small shrimp can walk on the ocean floor with their small front legs.

    Tide pool etiquette

    Don’t worry, there aren’t many rules associated with playing in the tide pools, but a few are for your child’s safety and the safety of the living creatures you may encounter. We want you to encourage your kids to interact with the tide pool environment in a safe manner (for both your kids and the wildlife). 

    Try not to touch and only pick up what you can identify

    Try to teach your kids to observe and appreciate marine life without touching or disturbing it. I know this can be really hard! Kids learn by touching, but sometimes touching or picking up creatures can harm them or their delicate habitats. Encourage them to use their hands only when necessary, and even then, they should handle the creatures gently and with wet hands to avoid injuring them. Be sure to only pick up or touch what you know cannot hurt them (or hurt the thing you’re touching). You want to be sure that the creature can’t harm your child. A few types of worms have pincers, and they pack a punch with their bite!

    Leave no trace

    Emphasize the importance of leaving the tide pool area as they found it, without leaving any litter behind. Be sure to keep the creatures in their homes and take nothing and leave nothing. Remind your kids that tide pool creatures belong in their natural habitats. It’s important not to remove any animals, shells, or rocks from the tide pools. Explain that these creatures play vital roles in the ecosystem, and disrupting their environment can have negative consequences. This rule also applies to any rocks you turn over or other items you move in the tide pools. Show kids how to carefully turn over rocks to discover hidden creatures, but put them back exactly where they were. 

    Be gentle and mindful

    These creatures you find are small, but it doesn’t mean they are insignificant. Encourage your kids to be aware of their surroundings and to step carefully to avoid crushing or damaging marine life. Remind them to stay on the rocks and sandy areas, and to avoid trampling on seaweed or fragile plants.  Please remind your children to be gentle!

    Places to visit to learn more about sea life on Cape Cod

    After exploring the tide pools and beaches of Cape Cod, you should learn more about what you’ve found and other marine animals! Here are some places on Cape Cod that are worth the visit:

    Recommended books for learning about tide pools 

    Are you ready to go explore tide pools on Cape Cod?

    About the author

    Lissy lives near the ocean on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband, 2 rambunctious boys (aged 4 & 7), and an ever-growing number of pets. She grew up walking nature trails and finding joy in the beauty of nature. She now shares that love for local adventures with her community through her blog, “Get Outside Cape Cod.” Lissy knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors and wants to inspire and support families to do just that!

    You can find more from Lissy in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
    Website: Get Outside Cape Cod
    Facebook: @getoutsidecapecod
    RWMC Posts: Lissy Perna

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, FISH, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Exploring California Coast Tidepools

    Tidepools are incredible little shallow puddles of seawater with a life of their own! Each one is a microcosm – a tiny little rocky world filled with fascinating creatures and sea life. Exploring tidepools with kids provides endless hours of entertainment and learning for the whole family. There’s so much to observe and discover. Today, Araceli Gonzalez, Northern California mom of three, is here to take you on an adventure through the tidepools along the California coast!

    exploring california coast tidepools with kids

    California coast tidepools

    Tidepools are one of the main attractions along the California coastline. Sprinkled all along Highway 1, you’re sure to find these beautiful gems throughout. Some of the best tidepools can be found along the Mendocino Coast, Monterey, Big SUR, Cambria, and all the way down throughout Southern California. The Central Coast (the area roughly spanning the coastal region between Point Mugu and Monterey Bay) is a family favorite with amazing tidepools. The Carmel Coast tidepools are pictured here.  

    Exploring California coast tidepools with kids

    The best time of day to visit a tidepool

    The best time to visit a tidepool is low tide when the water levels are calm and at their lowest. Low tide gives you more tidepools to discover and lets you explore much further out on the beach. You can take a look at a “tide table” in your area to find low tide times of day and make the most of your visit. Tide tables are handy charts with helpful low and high tide information. We recommend going just before low tide to give yourself the maximum amount of time to explore the tidepools. Start inland and work your way out as the tide recedes. But make sure to keep your eye on the tide and what the water is doing. Stay safe and come back inland as the tide starts to rise. 

    Tidepool safety tips for kidsTidepool safety tips

    Tidepools are so much fun, but it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure your kids are safe. Water (and the ocean in particular) can be dangerous and safety should be a top priority when exploring tidepools. Always be mindful of ocean currents and waves. Keep an eye on the time, the tides, and the water level. Never leave littles unattended. Rocks can be slippery, especially when covered in seaweed, so be extra careful when walking around on rocky beaches.  Water shoes with good grip are always a good idea, but if your kids are anything like mine barefoot is their shoe of choice. Remind them to watch their step and not step directly into water where they can’t see the bottom (and know what they’re stepping on).

    For the safety of the animals in the tidepool, I like to remind my kids to be delicate when picking up any sea creatures. If you can observe without touching, that’s even better (but not always preferred for kids – they love a hands-on experience). If they do pick up something, always put it back where they found it. Advise them to never pull or remove animals attached to rocks or the sand. These should be observed just as they are – and that’s fun too! 

    Tidepooling with kids California coast

    Tidepool seashells 

    My kids love finding and playing with seashells in tidepools. Most of the shells we find belong to snails – periwinkle snails, whelk snails, unicorn whelk – mussels or oysters. Teach the kids to observe them, enjoy them (very gently) and then leave them behind for the next person to enjoy. We try to remain mindful of the impact we have when visiting these gorgeous places. We tread lightly and are careful not to trample on these tiny creatures. Most seashells we find are still occupied by little creatures that are still alive so they need to remain in their home. However, if we find an empty shell, I’ll let the kids keep one. We love collecting them, sorting them by shape and color. It really is one of our favorite activities.  

    Seashells in tidepools in California

    Tidepool treasures

    When you explore tidepools, you’ll find so many treasures to uncover. From tiny little snails to great big ones like the abalone that lived in this shell. From colorful sea glass to beautiful seashells. Rocks of every shape, size and color. Crabs and claws, urchin and anemones. Sea stars, slugs, sand dollars, and sculpin. Algea and octopus! In a tidepool, even the sand is interesting!

    Bring along a book or a printable guide that helps you and your kids identify your finds. Get to know the animals and plants in your area and the distinctions between them all. We can spend hours turning over each rock and observing the little creatures. Our kids love the thrill of exploring each tidepool. What will we find…a snail, crab, clam, oyster, starfish? You never know! There’s so much to learn from exploring a tidepool and it’s why we love the California coast so much. The opportunity to explore and learn about nature is priceless. 

    Best tidepools for kids in California

    Slowing down

    Exploring tidepools at low tide gives us an opportunity to uncover endless possibilities.  Look under each rock and you will be amazed at what you will find. Move seaweed aside and peer into crevices. Find craters in the sand or rock with trapped sea creatures. Dig in the sand and see what you can find. Exploring the tidepools always seems to slow us down and make us take notice of all the amazing things around us. I love that our kids stare at everything with such intent. They are so calm and interested while observing. It’s obvious that they’re learning and thinking and uncovering new ideas. They ask great questions and engage all their senses. In a busy and overscheduled world, it is so important to slow down and enjoy the little things.  Tidepooling gives us that opportunity.

    Tidepool adventures with kids - Central Coast California

    Hike it, baby

    Hiking is another family-favorite activity and the California coast is an incredible place to hike. We love a good trail that ends the hike down at the beach with some fun at a tidepool. Just the anticipation of going tidepooling gives the kids something to look forward to and helps us power through a hike. Point Lobos State Nature Reserve in Monterey County not only offers an incredible opportunity to hike along a breathtaking trail, but you can also break to explore some really amazing tidepools. This is one of our favorite hiking trail that leads to tidepools. 

    Exploring tidepools with kids along the California coastline

    Learning made fun

    Exploring the California coast tidepools is a great way to expose kids to marine life and get them interested in the wide variety of aquatic plants and animals. Tidepools have the power to really unleash a child’s curiosity! Exploring a tidepool is a great hands-on full-body way to learn and connect kids to our environment. We enjoy (and highly encourage) any and all questions that come our way. We love talking about what causes a tide, how the moon and sun play a role. Why is there a low and high tide? Why are some animals protected by a shell and not others? What’s the difference between these types of animals? Why the different colors, shapes of sizes? So many questions and so much to learn in a super fun environment! And if we don’t know the answers, we discuss our theories and then look them up when we get home!

    what you'll find in the California coast tidepools

    Cliffs and more

    California coast tidepool adventures are not only about the tidepools. When exploring the California coast, you’ll find so many other amazing sites and things to do. The topography along the California shoreline is incredible. The bluffs and cliffs, the rocks, the crashing waves and the gorgeous beaches. Along the Mendocino Coast, you will find an array of tide pools right alongside some really gorgeous cliffs. You can hike/climb down to the shore and admire all the beautiful flowers on the cliffs. There are dramatic coastal views filled with lush turquoise water all along this coastline. This area is filled with beautiful sleepy little coastal towns, farms and lighthouses, as well. Go for the tidepools, but make sure to check out other natural attractions and sites in the area, as well. 

    California Coast Tidepools with Kids

    California coast tidepools

    I hope this post inspires you to get out and explore the tidepools along the California coastline. There are so many different experiences you can have in so many various locations. The scenery and the finds are different every time you go. Exploring tidepools with the kids never seems to get old. California tidepools offer a wealth of diverse marine and aquatic life that’s sure to please kids of any age. Get them interested in nature – get them in a tidepool!

    About the author

    Araceli is a wife and momma to three wild and adventurous littles. She believes that nature and free play are truly the foundation for a beautiful childhood. Araceli and her husband make it a priority to raise their children with a strong bond to the great outdoors. She’s a working mom with an extensive career in Project Management. She’s creative, crafty and loves collecting houseplants. As a family, they love exploring wild places and she loves documenting their adventures.

    Find more from Araceli in the following locations:
    Instagram: @roaminggonzalez

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Exploring Tide Pools with Kids

    I’m so excited to bring you this guest post today all about exploring tide pools with kids. My good friend and fellow outdoor adventure mama Desirée Macke put together an absolutely fantastic post all about what kind of treasures you can find in the tide pools, when to go, what to pack, what to wear and even the best tide pool locations across the country. As a landlocked mama, I dream of doing these types of explorations with my kids. If you’re on or close to a coast (or even visit for vacation), I highly recommend checking out a tide pool with your kids. You will not be disappointed!

    everything you need to know for exploring tide pools with kids

    Not all beaches are created equal

    When you think of beaches and the shore you likely think of the kind of beach that slopes gently into a sapphire ocean, and a shore that is nice and smooth. You probably think of the kind of beach with soft, powdery sand that is good for sand castle building, and the shore being perfect for floating, splashing, and jumping waves as they break. For the longest time, I thought that was the only kind of ocean experience there was.

    I was born and raised in a landlocked state, we didn’t get out past the cornfields very often. It wasn’t until moving to the West Coast and having children that I realized the ocean varies greatly, and with different shorelines come vastly different shore experiences. We now live in the thick of Los Angeles, and while the concrete jungle offers a lot for us to do, more often than not we crave getting out into nature. One of my kids and my all-time favorite activities is not to go to the sandy beaches around us, though those are good fun. Rather, we like to head to a local rocky beach and scout out the tide pools that lie just offshore.

    Exploring California Tidepools with kidsTide pools for kidsexploring california tide pools with kids

    Tidepool treasure hunting

    There is something invigorating about the sun, salty air, and refreshingly cool waters that we can’t get enough of. I love letting the kids loose while under a watchful eye as they explore the shore. The liberties they’re given at the beach are something they absolutely revel in. I love that they can truly run wild. But we also like to slow down and take a good look at our surroundings. Living on the coast means that we have the chance to see and observe some really amazing things that you can’t find many places. Tide pools are our favorite place at the beach to explore. 

    Exploring Tidepools California beachtidepool treasures

    Useful parent tips for tidepooling

    As with anything with kids, a tide pool trip takes just a bit of planning to ensure a successful experience for kids and guardians alike. I have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve to make sure our tide pool time is the very best.

    1. Know when to go

    Low tide is best for exploring tide pools. Check your local tide report daily to see when low tides will occur. There have been a few scenarios where I’ve talked up a grand tide pool adventure only to get to the rocky beach and see…no tide pools. When the tide is high, the pools fill up. A high tide won’t necessarily make exploring impossible, but it will make it significantly more difficult with small children.

    Try to get to the pools about an hour before the peak of low tide, and can stay for at least an hour and a half before the tide starts to noticeably rise.

    2. Hit the early tide

    Each day has two low tides and two high tides. If you like exploring with few other people around, hit up the early low tide cycle if possible. The morning low tides tend to have fewer people at the beach, which means more room to roam and more discoveries for you.

    3. Look up

    Don’t forget to look up once in a while! So often we are all so focused on what’s at our feet that our heads are constantly pointing down. On one of our most recent tide pool trips I just happened to be looking out at the ocean, and lo and behold, a small pod of dolphins was no more than 50 yards from us playing – a special treat no matter which beach you’re visiting!

    What can you find in California tidepoolsexploring tide pools with kidsexploring tide pools with kids

    Things to look for in the tide pools 

    I highly recommend that you brush up on local marine life before you go exploring the tide pools with your kids. Before heading to the shore, take a few minutes to educate yourself on what you’ll likely find in the tide pools in your area. Our first few trips to the tide pools I admittedly had no idea what we were looking for, or what we were looking at when we would excitedly discover something new. The question, “What is this?” was asked numerous times, and my answer was “I’m not sure,” more than I care to admit.

    Most creatures in the tide pools do a magnificent job blending in with the environment. Keep in mind that it can take some time and effort to find some of the sea life living in the pools.

    types of items you can find in a tidepool

    • Algae. As you move to the lower depths of the tide pools at a minus tide you may encounter various species of algae.
    • Anemones. We love these because you can gently press on an anemone and often it will close around your finger and squirt out water.
    • Barnacles. Barnacles have a rough or corrugated outer shell and where you find mussels or on exposed rock surfaces. 
    • Coral. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and colors of coral found in tide pools.
    • Crabs of varying species. Hermit crabs are a fan favorite in our house.
    • Octopus. We have only spotted an octopus once, and sadly, the big guy didn’t have a pulse.
    • Seashells. We’ve found that the rockier beaches tend to have shells on the small side, but that doesn’t stop us from searching for the prettiest ones we can find.

    california tide pools

    • Sea stars. In all of our trips we’ve only found one sea star, and it was certainly a highlight for all of us.
    • Seaweed. I encourage the kids to gently touch seaweed and feel its textures. I love asking questions such as, “Is it slimy? Is it rough? What do the little bulbs remind you of?”
    • Small fish. No matter how many times we see these tiny fish in the pools the kids always squeal with delight as the fish dart around our feet.
    • Starfish. We’ve only been fortunate to spot a starfish once. It clung to the rocks so ferociously that it was impossible to pick him up.
    • Snails. Sea snails are of no shortage in the tide pools, and my daughter is tickled each time she finds one.
    • Sea Urchins. Live urchin are everywhere in various shapes, colors and sizes. The dried urchin shells are a bit harder to find, as they are quite fragile and oftentimes break and shatter. Finding a whole, undamaged sea urchin is truly a treasure.

    exploring california tide poolsLA tide pools with kids

    What to wear to the tidepools

    This totally depends on just how far into the tide pools you want to go, and how willing you are to get wet. Sometimes we head to the pools in our everyday clothes. If I know our trip will be short I always toss a spare change of clothes in the car. No matter how short our stay, one of the kids inevitably ends up soaked. If I know our tide pool trip is going to be for an extended period of time we’ll go in our swimsuits.

    Sunglasses and hats are a must. Footwear is dependent on each person and each tide pool. Our tide pool bottoms have mostly round, smooth rocks, so my kids and I prefer to go barefoot so our toes can curl around rocks for better gripping. However, if your tide pool has sharper rocks a good pair of water shoes would be useful.

    Exploring Tide Pools with Kids

    What to pack for tidepool adventures

    Because our rocky beach doesn’t provide the most comfortable lounging we typically don’t bunker down for an entire day. That’s not to say we don’t spend hours and hours at the tide pools. For the kids and myself I can typically pack everything we need into one standard-size backpack.

    • A good reef-friendly waterproof sunscreen, which is reapplied at least every 30 minutes. Unless you’ve brought an umbrella or some sort of tent for shade, there is typically no reprieve from the sun.
    • Towels for each child.
    • A net and a bucket for treasures.
    • Enough water and snacks to hydrate and feed a small army.
    • A camera to take photos of any and everything.

    exploring tide pools with kidskids exploring tide pools Los Angeles Californiacalifornia tide pools for kids

    Where to find the best tide pools in the U.S.

    exploring tide pools with kids in californiawhere to find the best tide pools in the US

    Tread lightly

    The last thing to note, and I feel it is the most important, always remember that tide pools are habitats and they are extremely sensitive. Damage or even destruction to the environment can easily happen, particularly with little kids. Teach your children to cautiously make their way around the tide pools and be cognizant of where they’re stepping and what they’re touching. And make sure that when you head home, you leave any marine life that you’ve found at the tide pools. Each animal, plant, and shell serves an important purpose in the fragile habitat.

    what to pack when exploring tide pools with kidshermit crab found exploring tide pools with kids

    The magic of the tidepools

    There is an inexplicable and contagious excitement that everyone has when they are at the tide pools. Be it because a particular sea animal has been found, or a seal or dolphin has been spotted further out at sea. There is a freedom that comes from within those little pools.

    When it’s time to leave the pools the sun has kissed our skin. Our lips taste of sea salt. Our fingers and toes have shriveled like raisins from hours in the water. And, stories of our adventures just tumble out of our mouths. We slowly trudge to the car, wishing that we had just one more rock to turn over, one more seashell to find, one more hermit crab to discover.

    We know that we’ll be back, because we can never stay away from those magical pools for too long.

    exploring tide pools with kids California

    Have you ever taken your kids tide pool exploring?
    Favorite tide pool creature to find?
    Any particular tide pool that you want to visit or love to visit regularly?

     

    About the author

    Desirée is a Midwestern girl transplanted to Los Angeles. She is a domestic engineer (also known as a SAHM), mom to Marcus (5), and Julia (almost 2). When the trio isn’t hunting down street art and wall murals in the city they’re off on adventures to their local beaches and hiking trials. In her downtime (ha! what’s that?!) she loves Disney days, running half marathons, reading all the trendy books, and occasionally blogging.

    For a better peek into her life check out her personal blog Macke Monologues as well as her Instagram account @desireemacke.