Exploring the beach is one of life's highlights for many children. Families flock to the beach to enjoy a relaxing vacation near the water, soak up some sun rays and make memories in the sand. Choose a safe beach that includes children's activities and easy hotel or condo access. Don't forget to pack more than one swimsuit for your little one along with waterproof sunscreen and a special sunscreen stick so you can hit those hard to reach places such as behind the ears and the bridge of the nose.
Safe Beaches
Safety is most parents' No. 1 concern when it comes to going to the beach. If you have novice swimmers or toddlers you'll want to hit a beach that allows for plenty of room for wading in the water, calm waters and no sea pests.
Hit Florida's Gulf Coast for a smattering of family-friendly beach resorts. South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island is a family favorite thanks to its many beaches and kid-friendly pools. Gulf Coast beaches boast sugar white sand, clear calm waters and beach access to food and drink. The Gulf Coast is also one of the best places to spot Florida's favorite friendly creatures such as manatees and dolphins. Your little one can also start his seashell collection because Florida beaches are chock full of shells.
Other safe beach options are spots in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. These destinations offer family-friendly locations along with calm waters and plenty of shallow pools.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Find a spot that offers plenty of water and sand activities for the kids. Select from day-long camp activities to quick arts and crafts. Many beach destination resorts offer package deals. For example, Disney's resort in Vero Beach, Florida, has craft hour aimed especially for toddlers including Alice in Wonderland's "unbirthday" party complete with cupcakes and piñata or campfire sing-a-longs and smores.
How about hitting Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii? Kids can take hula lessons, learn snorkel and participate in lawn bowling. This resort also offers field trips to the local zoo, museums and the aquarium.
Kid Cuisine
Kids are typically picky eaters and may have trouble finding foods they like at fancy five-star beach resorts. Most kid-friendly beach destinations provide special menu items to please the pickiest of eaters. Consider an upscale resort such as Loews Coronado Bay Beach Resort and Spa in San Diego, California. Chefs prepare secretively healthy meals such as squash ravioli. The hotel also gives you the option to prepare and cook your own pizza and even provides a welcome gift for the children.
The kids will also love being able to eat whenever and whatever they want at Beaches Negril Resort and Spa in Jamaica. All meals, kids activities and the kids club is included in your room price so kids are free to run up to the outdoor grill and order a hot dog and fries without having to ask mom and dad.
