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Living approximately 40 minutes from the beach, means that we never have an excuse not to go on a trip every year. Even if it’s just for a day here and there, we can always have a beach day even at the last moment. It’s made for some truly memorable experiences while Andrew and I have been together, both before, and after having kids. After the kids came though, we had to be a little more practical about our beach trips. Even though it’s close, costs at the beach can quickly add up. Since we are on a strict budget this year, I needed to make sure that we could still afford a beach trip without sacrificing the fun.
First, I headed over to a local Walmart. I was due for an oil change and I love that I can shop at Walmart for all our beach (and home) needs while I wait for our car to be done. I will always remember my sister heading out for a trip and their car breaking down because they had waited so long for an oil change. Because of that, it’s one of the first things on my list when we plan a trip away. Skibbles loves being able to walk up and down each toy aisle looking at all the things without being rushed through. Due to the wait this time, we also had a chance to grab lunch there too.
Since I have a bajillion miles on my car, I use the Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® for cars over 75,000 miles. It helps to clean out the sludge lesser oils leave behind, but also reduces leaks and oil consumption that higher mileage cars are prone too. By getting our oil changed with Pennzoil® at Walmart, it saves me time and money, so I’m ready to get on the road as soon as the mechanics are finished. Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® is on Rollback ($39.88 on Rollback to $35.88) from June 15 – September 28, 2016.
After getting our oil change, we are ready to head to the beach a few times this summer. Here’s 10 Budget Friendly things to do with kids at the beach other than building a sand castle.
- Bury them in the sand.
- with little kids just do legs. Kids think this is hilarious. Better yet, let them bury YOU.
- Dig for a treasure
- see what cool things you can find- sea shells, something lost on the beach, tiny crabs, etc
- Build a moat
- Okay, it’s likely you’re going to build a sandcastle any way, so make a moat around the castle. This keeps kids busy trying to fill it up. **Bonus parent points if you are a little further away from the water and have a small bucket. It will keep them busier longer
- Teach about high and low tides
- if you plan to be at the beach all day, set a marker in the sand (a stick works well). As the day goes on explain to them why the water is getting closer or further away depending on where and what time you’re at the beach
- Create a scavenger hunt
- On your way to the beach, write out 10 things for your kids to find – like seashell, seagull, crab, etc. Once they find everything, treat them to ice cream or other fav boardwalk snack
- Beach ball games
- Toss the ball back and forth, have a contest on who can walk with the ball between their knees the fastest, how many times can you hit the ball in the air before it drops, etc
- Fly a kite
- Grab a kite from Walmart before leaving and then teach them once there. Kids are amazed at this easy and cheap activity.
- Write names and year in the sand
- After writing, take a photo of your kids in the picture. If you go to the beach every year, this is a great memory to create
- Play frisbee
- Chances are you already have a frisbee at your house! Throw it in the bag and play once you get there
- Collect things to make an art project at home
- Kids love art. Kids love collecting. Allow them to fill up a bucket full of whatever they can and then once home, use it with some paper and glue to create a sand creation
What’s your favorite thing to do at the beach with kids that’s budget friendly? Comment below and let me know!
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We grew up near a beach, too, and I also loved building sand castles with moats. Thanks so much for the ideas for more beach fun! #client