The beach is calling my name! I can’t wait for summertime to arrive (or at least some warm spring weather). And while we’re over here dreaming up vacation plans, we put together this awesome list of beach hacks for you. It covers everything from keeping little ones corralled, to ways to keep cool, to ways to deal with all that pesky sand.
Beach Hacks Moms Need to Know
Make a sponge lei for every family member. When wet, it’ll keep you cool when you’re not in the water.
Freeze your water bottles instead of bringing ice packs to keep your snacks cool. Your water will be extra cold for hours, and you’ll keep your snacks fresh, too.
via Passion for Savings
Or freeze water balloons filled with water to pack into your cooler. After they’ve thawed completely, have a water balloon fight!
via Brit & Co.
Save plastic peanut butter jars to store your phone and keys in while you’re at the beach.
via The Shabby Creek Cottage
Put together your own sandcastle building kit with items you have around the house. Paint spatulas, paint brushes and measuring cups are all great tools for little ones.
via Sandy Toes and Popsicles
Bring along spiked lemonade pouches for the adults or alcohol-free versions for the kids.
via She Knows
For the kids, bring along frozen Capri Suns. Let them thaw for a little while, and they’ll be nice and slushy… the perfect way to cool off!
via The Girl Inspired
Keep bugs out of your cup with cupcake liners. Genius!
Hack your beach towel to turn it into a towel/pillow combo that will make your summer beach trips a dream come true. It rolls up nice and tight, too!
via DIY Enthusiasts
Keep babies and tots corralled in a kiddie pool at the beach. What a smart tip!
via Baton Rouge Moms
Or make your own kiddie pool by digging a hole and lining it with a cheap shower curtain liner. You can get them for a buck at the Dollar Store, so you don’t even have to bring the liner back; just toss it in a trash can before you leave!
via In Lieu of Preschool
Keep your drinks out of the sand with this DIY outdoor drink holder.
via Positively Splendid
If you don’t have a kiddie pool, try a fitted sheet with bags, coolers, etc. at the corners to keep baby out of the sand.
via Team Johnson
Learn how to pitch a bohemian tent anywhere so you can stay in the shade when the sun is just too hot. Reading a good book in the shade at the beach sounds heavenly!
via Apartment Therapy
Stash some cash in an empty pill bottle, and put it around your neck. That will keep it safe, but it doesn’t matter if it gets wet. (See more pill bottle hacks!)
via Inspiration Realisation
Dig a “baby hole” in the sand. Place a towel over the hole, and you have a cozy little spot for your little one to lie down in.
via Kelly’s Korner
Bring along a baggie of plaster of Paris (and the instructions) to make sandy handprint and footprint mementos for the kids.
via Crafting a Green World
Pack baby powder to remove wet sand from your skin before you leave the beach. I don’t know why it works, but it does.
via I Heart Naptime
A mesh laundry bag is the perfect container for all your kids’ beach toys! It sifts the sand, leaving it at the beach instead of trailing it into your car and home.
via The Idea Room
Make your own firestarters out of dryer lint, old candles and egg cartons. Nothing’s better than a bonfire at the beach!
via One Good Thing by Jillee
A flat sheet, tent poles, shoe laces and a little bit of sewing will get you the BEST beach blanket ever. It stays in place, dries quickly and is easy to carry.
via Sawdust 2 Stitches
Freeze aloe vera cubes just in case you get sunburn. But more importantly, put on plenty of sunscreen regularly so that doesn’t happen!
via The Frugal Female
Speaking of sunscreen, take a marker along with you to write down the times you need to reapply sunscreen. You definitely don’t want to forget!
via Yesterday on Tuesday
If you like 21 Beach Hacks to Make Summer a Blast, you may also enjoy:
Pool Hacks You Have to Try This Summer
