A Maryland Mom’s Guide to Beach Day Success with Kids

Family enjoying Ocean City beach activities with kids.

Thinking of traveling to Ocean City, MD, or one of the amazing Delaware beaches this summer? Whether you're heading to the lively shores of Ocean City or the charming sands of Rehoboth Beach, one thing's for sure: a solid game plan is essential when beaching with the kiddos. As a mom who has navigated countless beach days, I'm here to share my tried-and-true tips to make your coastal adventure smooth, fun, and (dare I say) relaxing.

Pack Smart, Not Heavy

It’s tempting to bring the whole house, but less really is more when you’re juggling kids, beach chairs, and a cooler. Here’s my go-to list of must-haves:

  • Beach bag with compartments (keep wet/dry separate)

  • Ziplock bags for snacks, phones, and sunscreen

  • Baby powder – a sprinkle on sandy feet = magic!

  • Mesh laundry bag for beach toys… shake out the sand before it gets in your car

  • Microfiber towels – lightweight, fast-drying, and easy to pack

Get Ahead of the Chaos: Travel & Parking Tips

If you’re going anywhere near Ocean City or any of the Delaware beaches this summer, you’ll thank yourself later for thinking ahead.

  • Ocean City, MD: The West Ocean City Park & Ride is a game-changer. You park, hop on the bus, and skip the nightmare of trying to parallel park a minivan near the boardwalk.

  • Rehoboth Beach, DE: Download the ParkMobile app and arrive early. Think 9:30 AM to beat the crowd. Bonus: tax-free shopping if you want to squeeze in some retail therapy!

Make Sun Safety Effortless

I’ll admit it: I used to dread the sunscreen dance. But now I treat it like a game.

  • Use stick sunscreen for faces… way less drama.

  • Apply at home, before you even get in the car.

  • Reapply every 2 hours (set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget).

  • Don’t skip rash guards… built-in SPF is your best friend.

And yes, hydration is non-negotiable. Freeze water bottles the night before and stash them in your cooler to double as ice packs.

The Bucket + Shovel: A Beach Day MVP

Don’t underestimate the humble bucket and shovel. It’s the original beach toy combo, and still one of the best, because it sparks endless creativity with zero batteries required.

For little ones, it’s all about digging holes, building moats, and filling the bucket just to dump it again (repeat x100). For bigger kids, it turns into serious architectural ambition: think multi-tower sandcastles, seaweed flags, and seashell decor. You’ll be surprised how long they’ll stay entertained with just sand and water, no screen in sight.

Beach Scavenger Hunt: The Secret to Quiet, Focused Fun

Sometimes you just need a few moments of peace while your kids are still happily engaged… and that’s where the beach scavenger hunt comes in.

It’s simple, screen-free, and works for any age. I like to give my kids a list (mental or printed, depending on how organized I’m feeling that day) with items like:

  • A shell with a hole in it

  • A piece of seaweed

  • Something smooth

  • Something rough

  • Three different shades of sand

  • A footprint , theirs or a mystery one!

Food That Won’t Melt (and Doesn’t Need a Fork)

Beach days are basically powered by snacks. Here’s what makes the cut:

  • PB&Js wrapped in parchment paper (less sogginess)

  • Apple slices + pretzels

  • Yogurt pouches (freeze them first!)

  • Trail mix or dry cereal

  • Juice boxes in a soft cooler with ice packs

Pro move: Bring a trash bag and wet wipes. Clean-up is key before the ride home.

Where to Go (Because Not All Beaches Are Created Equal)

If you're still deciding where to stake your umbrella, here are my family faves:

Bonus Mom Hacks

Just a few more to seal the deal on your best beach day yet:

  • Bring a change of clothes for each kid in gallon-size bags (wet stuff goes back in the same bag later)

  • Pack up before the meltdown – if you leave around 3 PM, you beat traffic and nap time disasters

  • Keep a small “car clean-up kit” with a towel, water jug, and wipes for quick sand rinses before the ride home

Look, no beach day with kids is totally effortless. But with a little prep and a lot of flexibility, it can be the kind of day they’ll talk about all year. Ocean City or Rehoboth, Assateague, Bethany, Dewey, no matter where you go, it’s less about the beach itself and more about the memories you make in the sand. Here’s to sunshine, Goldfish crackers, and not forgetting the sunscreen. See you out there!

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