Dancing on the Beach

By Denise Sanger

Beach Essentials for Kids

Whether you live by the ocean or just take a yearly vacation to the beach, there are some things you should keep in mind as you plan your trip. Most beaches don’t have a store nearby-and you won’t want to leave the surf to go find an item you could have brought from home. Review this list before your next trip, and you’ll be prepared!

1. Sunblock: The sun’s rays bounce off of the surface of the water and the sand, making it more likely that you will get burned. The ocean breeze can make it seem cooler than it is-you may not realize you are getting sunburned until it is too late. Make sure every member of the family wears sunblock, and reapply after swimming or splashing in the ocean.

2. Chairs: Bring a comfortable, low slung beach chair for each adult-kids will prefer sitting on a beach towel, but most grownups prefer using a chair. Look for a chair that folds compactly, or comes with a carry strap for easy handling.

3. Backpack: Pack a single backpack or bag with your essentials-if you keep everything together, you will only have one bag to keep track of. Avoid bringing your purse or wallet to the beach-lock them in your car instead.

4. Change of clothing: Bring a dry set of clothing for each member of your party. The ride home will be much more comfortable if you change into dry clothes-a wet, sandy swimsuit can be very itchy to wear, and make even a short car trip uncomfortable. Most beaches have restrooms and changing facilities and you will appreciate the fresh clothing after a busy day in the waves.

5. Wet washcloth in a baggie: Place a soaking wet washcloth in a ziplock baggie, and add it to your backpack. Someone will inevitably get sand, saltwater, or sunblock in their eyes and you can use a damp washcloth to ease the sting. You can also use this to wash hands before eating or drinking.

6. Sand Toys: A bucket and shovel are the bare minimum here. Look for a set that comes with a variety of shapes for molding sand, and have one of the kids carry it!

7. Snack or lunch: Depending on the beach you are going to, there may not be food facilities nearby. Most beaches in the Southeast are boardwalk-free, so you will have to either bring lunch, or leave the beach to find something to eat.

8. Bottled water: It is easy to become dehydrated while you frolic in the waves-partially freeze a few bottles of water and add them to your backpack, and you will have access to fresh, cool water without leaving the beach.

9. Shoes: Make sure every member of your party is wearing shoes. Sand can get extremely hot by mid afternoon, and you may have to walk a bit to find the perfect spot to set up. Wearing shoes (flip flops or crocs are ideal) also protects your feet from broken shells and other debris.

10. Waterproof camera: Pack an inexpensive, throwaway camera for your trip, and leave the pricey photo gear at home. Small particles of sand could work their way into your camera, and damage its delicate parts. Bring along a cheap waterproof version instead, and snap your photos worry-free.

One of the best things you can do for your trip is plan ahead. If you haven’t visited this particular beach before, call ahead and check on parking, restroom facilities, and other important information before you arrive. By planning ahead, and packing the essentials, you can focus on fun, and enjoy your day at the beach!

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com which features a fantastic selection of water toys and pool toys for kids of all ages. The company is located in sunny Florida and may be reached at 877-950-7665.

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By Denise Sanger

Do you own a swimming pool? How do you entertain the kids while trying to relax away from work? Pool toys can be the answer to tons of backyard fun. There are so many pool toys to choose from. And there are pool toys that suit the size pool you have, from a toddler’s pool to an Olympic size. Items can be anything from lounges to motorized wind-up swimming toys.

One of the most important things to consider before purchasing an outdoor pool toy is safety. Does the toy float? Can a child get tangled in it? Can it be thrown safely? These and other questions should be addressed. Children can be rather rambunctious in a swimming pool, and fun is what it’s all about, but toy safety should be in the parent or pool supervisor’s mind at all times.

Floating toys are best and the most fun. There are lounges, tubes, and even trampolines for any age that can fit in any above ground pool. Small, swimming, wind-up toys are wonderful fun for babies and toddlers, even preschoolers. You can purchase bendable floating, colorful pipes that can be wrapped around the chest for those learning to swim. The traditional “inner tube” has taken on a new form, that of animal shapes, or even a picture of a favorite cartoon or child’s television program.

You can also buy games for the pool. Water volleyball is an important staple of the larger swimming pools. For more experienced swimmers, a set of goggles and diving rings, or other sinking items can lead to serious competition. You can set your own rules and safety measures…there is no limit to what kind of fun you can have with this type of game.

Babies aren’t left out of the action. Many products are out on the market today that babies and their parents can enjoy. Floating baby “swimmers”, which resemble their walkers in the house, provide water fun. For toddlers, you can get a floating “island” that the kids can hang onto or jump off safely. Most floating products today are made from much more durable plastics and rubber than of yesterday, and they can usually be repaired with a separate repair kit.

Small paddleboats for larger pools are also available. This would be a great learning experience for toddlers and preschoolers alike. With adult supervision, a child can learn the basics of boating.

There are target games that have a diving and rising action. Simply float a target ring where you want it, and with finesse, throw your diving item into the water to have it float up into the ring for a score. There are products that bounce across the surface, which can lead to a teen “dodge-ball” game. Pool golf, pool basketball, pool tag, and even toys for the family dog are available to anyone with a pool. You are only limited to the size of the pool, or whatever your imagination leads you.

Denise Sanger is the owner of USA Pool & Toy that specializes in wholesale toys and beach stuff. She also owns and operates NewCoolToysOnline.com that carries a large selection of pool toys for active and outdoor play including water toys, outdoor toys, pool toys, pedal cars, playground toys, and creative toys.

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