Planning a beach vacation with your tweens or teens? Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have items that’ll make your trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Food, Food, and More Food
Prepare for some serious snacking! Your kids will likely develop an insatiable appetite in the sun and surf, so pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. Seriously, it’s like they’ve never eaten before! - Donuts
While technically food, donuts deserve their own mention. They are the ultimate vacation treat that keeps kids from pestering you for breakfast at the crack of dawn. Trust me, the sugar rush is worth it for a few extra minutes of sleep! - Friends for Each Child
This is arguably the most important item on your packing list. Having a friend along for each child can reduce sibling squabbles and gives you some much-needed downtime with your partner. Plus, if their friend’s mom sends along snacks, even better! - Wine and Beer
Don’t forget a refreshing drink for yourself after a long day. Consider packing some frozen fruity mixes to create fun virgin cocktails for the kids during family game nights. - A Corkscrew
Avoid the hassle of trying to open your wine with a knife or shoes. A corkscrew will save you from a potentially frustrating situation. - Minimal Clothing for Boys
For tween and teen boys, packing a single t-shirt, swimsuit, and shorts (along with flip-flops) is more than sufficient. Everything else you bring will probably remain untouched! - Playing Cards or a Board Game
Encourage some family bonding time by bringing along card games or board games. It’s a great way to keep them off their phones during the evening. Plus, you can teach them classic card games like poker! - A Good Book
Bring a book you’ve meant to read for ages. Beach vacations often provide the perfect opportunity to dive into a long novel while your kids are busy with their own activities. - Towels
You can never have enough towels. Plan to pack more than you think you’ll need, as they frequently go missing or get sandy. - Secret Towels for Yourself
Stash away a few clean towels just for you, far from the kids’ reach. There’s nothing worse than drying off with a towel full of sand after a shower. - Hidden Snack Stash
Tuck away a few snacks under your towels. When you need a little treat after a long day, it’ll be your secret lifesaver, especially when the kids have devoured everything else. - A Stylish Big Straw Hat
Not only does a big hat provide sun protection, but it also adds a touch of embarrassment for your teens. Double win! - A Boogie Board for Yourself
Don’t shy away from trying out a boogie board! It’s a thrilling way to relive your youth, and your teens may just enjoy teaching you. - Extra Cash
Prepare for the inevitable requests for mini-golf, go-karts, and arcades around every corner. You can either bring extra cash or practice saying no. - Spare Chargers
Bring along some extra phone chargers. The last thing you want is a teenager with a dead device during vacation. - Did I Mention Wine?
Especially if you forget those extra chargers, a little wine can go a long way in easing vacation stress. - Neutral Colored Kitchenware
Instead of bringing neon kiddie buckets, pack a neutral-colored household bucket and some kitchen bowls. You’d be surprised how quickly kids will join in on building sandcastles when they see you doing it!
In summary, packing for a beach vacation with tweens or teens requires a thoughtful approach. From ensuring plenty of food and snacks to including entertainment options and sun protection, these essentials will enhance your family getaway. For more tips on family planning and fertility journeys, check out this guide on couples fertility journey for intracervical insemination. Also, for expert advice on pregnancy awareness, visit Pregnancy Awareness. Finally, if you’re considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers excellent resources.