Beach Toys for Girls and Boys

So you're headed to the beach for a long-dreamed-of vacation and the kids already are bickering over the toys they want to bring along. You wonder why the waves and sand aren't enough for children who are city born and bred. Mentally you ponder their seemingly endless supply of plastic figures, books, games, and sports equipment to decide what will cause the least amount of trouble.

In choosing toys for the kids to take to the beach, keep in mind a few basic guidelines. The first is safety. Don't let them play with anything that can lead to danger in the water or sun. For example, save the floating basketball hoop for a swimming pool instead of the ocean. If it bobs into the distance, you don't want your ten-year-old trying to retrieve it and getting caught in the undertow. Be careful with sand building toys like shovels and pails or land-based games like marbles. Sitting under the hot sun will quickly lead to sunburn, sometimes despite the application of sunscreen.

Take a beach umbrella for the little ones' protection when they become overheated or tired. Or find a shady palm to rest under when needed. While volleyball net can be fun in the evening as the day begins to cool down, you'll need enough people to form two teams and make the game worthwhile.

Don't let the kids bring small items like play jewelry or special mementos that can get dropped in the sand or waves and lost forever. It's better to hand them an expendable item that can be replaced if need be. When playing on the beach, expediency rules. Get inexpensive, replaceable toys to enhance the kids' enjoyment of their day at the beach.

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