Get the tip that will help you take your kids to the beach (or on any outing) the easy way! My family is enjoying healthy snacks while we’re out as part of a sponsored series with GoGo squeeZ and Socialstars. #GoGosqueeZSquad
It’s our happy place, this spot where the ocean laps up upon the sand. Whether it’s a full day of fun in the sun, an afternoon to unwind or a quick stop at sunset to let the tensions from the day melt away and drift off with the tide, it always yields the same result–bodies that are more relaxed and smiles on our faces.
What doesn’t always yield those smiles though, is the getting there, or the leaving. Sometimes kids have meltdowns, sometimes we have too much to carry, sometimes it’s a long walk to that perfect spot. Especially at this stage of the pregnancy (I’m 33 weeks now!), I’m careful of how much I can lift or carry, and that means I’m not about to lug a full laundry list of items to our little oceanside nest. What I have discovered over the years though, and especially with three kids in tow and a lot more gear needed, is a simple tip that makes outings to the beach (or park, or wherever else we may be headed) almost hassle free! I say almost, because you know, we can’t predict everything… those moments someone steps on a rock or gets bumped in the head or decides to have that dreaded meltdown on the way back to the car, but most times, this trick helps to avoid most bumps in the road and even gets the kids excited for their time in the beautiful outdoors.
I’ve shared about packing the perfect beach bag before, keeping a go-bag in your car for spontaneous adventures or a survival guide for the ultimate kid-friendly family picnic, but this tip is just a little different. 😉
When we’re headed out for a quick trip to the beach, I give each child their own container. In this case, it’s usually a simple beach bucket, but if you were headed to the park or other places, you could switch it out for a small backpack or tote bag. The key here is that it’s lightweight, something little hands can hold onto or easily carry and without being too large. You want it to be a big enough size to hold the essentials, but if you get a container too oversized, your little one will just keep filling until it’s too heavy for them to carry (don’t we all!)… and well, that just defeats the purpose. For our coastal adventures, they’re in charge of grabbing a towel, a few small toys that will fit and then I usually let them choose a snack or two and a bottle of water. What does this leave for me to carry? My own small bag with a towel, small blanket and sunscreen. How simple and easy is that?!
Half of the items they bring double as something to play with while we’re out–including the bucket to hold it all and their water bottle when finished. For the snack, I make sure to grab something simple that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Grabbing a piece of fruit is an easy option, and my kids have always been a fan of squeezable applesauce pouches (and I’m always a fan of easy clean-up). Now, GoGo squeeZ is thinking differently about yogurt and has figured out a squeezable version that doesn’t have to be cold. And my kids are yogurt fanatics, so it was a no-brainer for me. Like all GoGo squeeZ products, their delicious yogurt flavor options (I think banana is our favorite) are filled with all the GoGo Goodness, without any preservatives or artificial anything. So yes, it’s real yogurt and fruit that follows the same process as regular yogurt but with an extra heating step so the pouches can remain at room temperature until opened… although you can always pop in the fridge to make them cold, or freeze them for some FroYo fun!!
When we can get out quickly and easily, it makes spending some fun-filled, quality family time together so much more doable.
Join the conversation.
I’d love to hear what tips you have for getting out the door with kiddos and with little hassle! What’s your family’s favorite go-to escape from a long day?
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