[Jennmarie]

We are heading out on vacation soon, for 6 days. It's a 6hr or so car trip, to the beach. Since this is the first time we are taking a family vacation, especially that far away, I can use all the ideas I can get!

I already know I am taking a playpen for Logan to sleep in, and the place we are staying has a sofa bed, so Toby will either sleep there or in our room. The place has a full kitchen, so I will be going grocery shopping when we get down there. What do I not know about taking a almost 3yo and a 1yo to the beach????

[::er!ca::]

I've never taken the kids to the beach, so I don't have any experience to base my suggestions on. But I'd be sure to take beach toys (shovels, buckets, etc), maybe a big blanket for them to sit on (instead of towels, it will give them more room), shoes that have a good sole and won't easily come off so they aren't stepping on anything sharp, lots and lots of sunscreen, life jackets, lots of fluids so they don't get dehydrated. Little one might eat sand

[~kimberly~]

Make sure you bring or buy there LOTS of sunblock!!!!!!

Where are you going for vacation?? What beach?

[mothra]

a beach tent comes in handy too, so there's a little spot to get out of the direct sunlight, have a snack, chill for a minute before exploring some more. expect the LO to want to put EVERYTHING in his mouth too!

[Jennmarie]

haha, my little sister llloovveed to eat sand. We are heading to Panama City

[~Allison~]

No suggestions, but wanted to say have fun!

[~kimberly~]

Ooooh...beautiful beaches there!!!! If you go a little further to the east go visit port st. joe! They have an awesome state park on the beach with camping. If you like that sort of thing!

[Sour Amaretto]

we have DVD players that strap to the headrest for Brooke and to the backseat for Sumere since shes rear facing and they are lifesavers on trips we just packa few baby einsteins and thumbelina..LOL. Pack a few sippy cups and snacks to have handy for the ride. We also buy Brooke those color wonder books to color with in the car to pass time. Mine travel really well so I dont really have any special tips, just be prepared to stop if you need to, i did learn with Sumere that when i was annoyed and not wanting to stop it made the rides worse and all the traveling we have done since shes been born Ive learned to stop when she gets really fussy and get her straight and it makes the ride so much easier.
Make sure if the boys are used to sleeping with anything specific you take that, like a fan etc.(my neice will NOT sleep without a fan running so my sister had to take hers when they traveled) I would buy your beach toys and stuff at walmart before you go, they are normally more expensive right on the beach, get the boys light weight sandals to wear on the sand so they can walk and it doesnt burn their little feet

Hope you have fun

[Jill0924]

Take a little cheap pool (one that blows up or the kind that just unrolls) - then just fill it with some ocean water and drag it up a little way to your "spot" - that way the kids can play in the water and you can sit in your chair and watch them without worrying about big waves. Also, some empty milk jugs (cleaned well) - fill them with water and stash them in the car. They have a couple of uses 1 you can clean a little potty (handy for roadside emergencies with the three year old assuming he is training), 2 it will be warm when you come off the beach from being in the car and you can rinse the sand off the kiddos (and the toys) so it wont get into the car.