Planning a beach day with kids can be a lot of fun, but as any parent knows, sunscreen and swimsuits are just the beginning of what it takes to make it enjoyable. When you’re heading out for the day, you’ll want to consider safety, food, shade, activities, bathroom access, crowds and what to pack.
Thankfully, families have plenty of great options in terms of exploring beaches in Maryland. Maryland offers different beach experiences for families with toddlers, school-age children and teenagers, whether you’re taking the family to the popular shores of Ocean City or to quieter waterfront destinations.
Why Maryland Beaches Are Great for Families
Families can enjoy the water without having to travel to another state with all the opportunities Maryland’s coastline and waterways provide.
A beach outing can be much more than swimming. Children can:
- Build sandcastles.
- Collect shells.
- Play beach games.
- Explore nature.
- Fly kites.
- Walk along the shoreline.
- Try fishing with adult supervision.
- Enjoy a family picnic.
Ocean City: A Popular Family Destination
Talking about beaches in Maryland, one of the first places that comes to mind is Ocean City.
Ocean City has a long sandy beach, a lively boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and plenty of attractions. This mix makes it especially appealing to families looking for more than a quiet day by the water.
Younger children can enjoy the attractions and games on the boardwalk, while there are lots of things for older kids and teens to keep them occupied. Ocean City can get busy during peak summer times, so parents may want to think about arriving earlier in the day, especially if they want a convenient place to park or a less-crowded section of beach.
Assateague Island: A Beach Adventure With Wildlife
For families looking for something different, Assateague Island can offer an unforgettable experience.
The area is famous for its wild horses, giving kids a chance to learn about wildlife while having fun on the beach.
But they should remember that wild animals are best seen from a safe distance. Kids might be attracted to the horses but they should never attempt to feed, touch or go near the horses.
Sandy Point State Park
For those located near the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, another family friendly destination is Sandy Point State Park.
The park has sandy beaches, picnic areas, and outdoor recreation opportunities on the Chesapeake Bay.
Before visiting, parents should review current park information, including operating information, swimming conditions and any seasonal closures.
Plan Around Your Children’s Needs
A beach day doesn’t have to be from sunrise to sunset. Especially for younger ones who may start getting tired, hungry, and hot after a few hours. Plan a beach day around your child’s schedule.
If they are early birds, get there early, if they nap after lunch, then you can take advantage of sleeping through the hottest part of the day.
A typical trip could be something like, swim and play in the sand in the morning, have lunch and find shade in the afternoon, relax and maybe another swim in the late afternoon, and pack up as the sun is starting to go down.
Knowing the time to leave, can make the difference between a great family vacation and a nightmare.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Sun protection should be among the first things parents think about when heading out to the beach. Pack:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Sun hats.
- Sunglasses.
- Lightweight protective clothing.
- A beach umbrella or shade structure where allowed.
- Water in abundance.
Apply sunscreen liberally and as directed and reapply, especially after swimming.
Water Safety Comes First
The beach can be fun but waves, currents, water conditions, and slippery surfaces can present dangers. Before letting children play in the water
- It is important to check for any posted warnings,
- Look for designated swimming areas,
- Follow directions from lifeguards,
- Keep the children close to you, especially younger children that might be too young to swim.
Children should also be taught not to swim alone but to wait for you and to understand what to do in case you and their family become separated. It is a good idea to have a meeting point in case of separation.
Pack a Smart Beach Bag
Parents should not have to carry everything in the house down to the beach but a well packed bag can make all the difference. Some things to remember to pack would be
- Towels
- Extra clothing
- Swimsuits
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Wet wipes
- Bags for wet clothes
- Sand toys
- A mini first aid kit,
- Sunglasses and hats.
Make sure to pack extra diapers and wipes for babies and toddlers, as well as anything that will be needed to keep them entertained
Keep Children Entertained Without Screens
One of the best things about a beach vacation is that they don’t require the use of electronics to have fun.
Try activities like,
- Sandcastle Building
- Shell Hunting
- Beach Olympics
- Nature Bingo
to really make your beach trip an adventure.
Final Thoughts
Now you have some ideas of what to do with your family on your next beach vacation to Maryland. Whether you want to go to the upscale fun of Ocean City or a more natural beach experience at Assateague Island or even just take it easy at a Chesapeake Bay beach like Sandy Point State Park, the most important thing is to be prepared. Pack wisely, remember to bring plenty of water and sunblock, and have fun with your kids!
