Surviving a Beach Holiday with Kids

The idea of a beach holiday with children can be daunting: scorching sand, sand in everything, sun cream battles and a constant watch on the waves. Yet with a bit of planning, beach days can be some of the happiest of the whole trip. The secret is working with the children's energy levels and the weather, not against them.

Time it right

Head to the beach in the morning, before the sun is at its strongest, then retreat for lunch and a rest during the hottest part of the day. Late afternoon and early evening are often the best time of all: softer light, cooler sand and fewer people. As a bonus, eating lunch somewhere shady rather than on the beach means fewer sandy sandwiches.

Keep visits short

Two or three hours at a time is usually plenty for younger children. Leave while everyone is still having fun, before overheating, tiredness and sun cream refusals set in. A short, happy visit makes children keen to go back the next day, and lets you explore several different beaches during your stay.

Snacks that survive the sand

Anything that has to be handled, unwrapped or balanced on a knee will end up in the sand. The best beach snacks are ones children can eat without touching the food itself:

• squeezable fruit or yoghurt pouches;
• bananas and satsumas, peeled as they go;
• breadsticks, crackers or rice cakes in a lidded tub;
• plenty of water, kept cool in an insulated bag.

Manage your expectations

If you picture yourself reading a novel while the children build sandcastles quietly beside you, be prepared for something different. Most young children want to be in the sea, and that means an adult needs to be in, or right next to, the water with them. Take turns so each adult gets a break. Lying down with a book becomes more realistic as the children get older and stronger in the water.

Sun protection that works on the beach

• UV swimsuits and rash vests protect shoulders and backs in the sea and don't need reapplying.
• Sand-resistant sun cream sprays or lotions make application less gritty on a sandy child. Reapply as directed, particularly after swimming.
• Hats and sunglasses with UV protection; a hat with a neck flap is ideal for toddlers.
• Shade. A pop-up beach tent or a parasol gives babies and toddlers somewhere cool to nap and play, and keeps your bags and drinks out of the sun. A brightly coloured one also makes it easy to find your spot from the water.

Water safety

• Choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, and swim between the flags.
• Learn the local flag system and stay out of the water when it is unsafe.
• Keep inflatables for calm, sheltered water and away from offshore winds, which can carry them out quickly. Floats and armbands are not a substitute for supervision.
• Check tide times so you don't get cut off on a rocky beach or sandbank.
• Agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.

Choose beaches with facilities

Toilets, a café or snack bar and somewhere to rinse off nearby make life much easier with children. A short walk from the car or accommodation helps too, as does shade. If the sand gets very hot, beach shoes or water shoes save a lot of tears on the walk to and from the water.

Take the right kit

A little equipment makes a big difference: buckets and spades, a cool bag, a couple of folding beach chairs, a sand-free mat or large towel and a mesh bag for toys. Many villas and apartments in beach destinations provide some of these, so ask before you go. If not, buying basic kit locally can work out cheaper than hiring loungers and parasols every day. Our beach holiday kit guide covers the essentials.

Don't write off cloudy days

A grey or blustery day can be a good beach day: cooler sand, empty beaches, great waves to watch and, after a storm, often plenty of shells and interesting finds washed up on the shoreline. Walks along the water's edge between showers are a perfect way to burn off energy.

Short visits, good shade, sand-proof snacks and constant supervision near the water are the foundations of a happy beach holiday. For more on staying well in the sun, read family travel health: while you're there, and for a relaxed island break try our guide to Menorca.