A Guide to the Ultimate Pool or Beach Day
Whether you're planning a relaxing day at the pool or an adventurous outing to the beach, organizing your trip can make all the difference. With the right preparation, you can ensure a fun, stress-free experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you organize the ultimate pool and beach day.
1. Planning Your Day
Choose the Location: Decide whether you'll be heading to a pool or the beach. Consider factors like the distance, facilities available, and the kind of experience you’re looking for (kids vs. kid free). Our family favorites near Kirkland are Waverly Beach Park and Juanita Beach Park on Lake Washington. Or for an all day adventure we like Lake Sammamish State Park (Discovery Pass required) in Issaquah or Marina Beach Park in Edmonds. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you could even hop on a ferry!
Check the Weather: A few days before your planned outing, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Make sure the day is expected to be sunny and warm. Layers are your friend in the PNW!
Set a Budget: Determine your budget for the day. Include expenses like entry fees, food (did someone say ice cream?), drinks, and any rentals or activities you might want to do. Paddleboarding, kayaking, etc.
2. Packing Essentials
For the Pool:
Swimwear: Bring comfortable swimwear.
Towels: Pack enough towels for everyone. Or at least one. Sometimes the best beach days are when you aren’t expecting to take a dip. Spontaneous swims are what summer memories are made of! I’m eying these for my attempt at packing lighter.
Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Whose favorite job is applying sunscreen on their children? I’d like to meet you! We like the Sun Bum sticks for faces and spray for busy bodies on the go.
Pool Toys: Floats, noodles, and diving toys can add to the fun.
Goggles: Great for both kids and adults.
Flip-Flops/Sandals: Easy to slip on and off.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and face from the sun.
For the Beach:
Beach Blanket/Mat: A comfortable place to sit or lie down.
Umbrella or Tent: For shade and protection from the sun.
Cooler: To keep your drinks and snacks cool. I just bought my husband this backpack cooler for Father’s Day after seeing it keep Otter pops frozen in the direct sun for 4 hours + at my kid’s field day.
Beach Toys: Buckets, shovels, and other sand toys for kids. Or if you’re like my kids, sticks and rocks are perfectly fine when mom forgets the sand toys at home. Oops.
Beach Bag: A sturdy, waterproof bag to carry your items. We love our Bogg Bag (photographed above at our annual family vacation to Crescent Bar). Mine is the Original L/XL size in the turquoise color. I’m considering adding a few accessories this summer before we live at the pool: snack box, key holder, phone holder and divider trays.
Snorkeling Gear: If you plan to explore underwater. I prefer the beach but we have friends that have their diving certification. I will live through them and admire their beautiful photos!
3. Food and Drinks
Hydration: Pack plenty of water. Consider a reusable water bottle. My favorite is this tumbler. And they even make smaller ones for the kids. Or these water bottles which my kids take to school.
Snacks: Choose non-perishable items like chips, nuts, and fruit.
Meals: Pre-make sandwiches or salads. Keep them in a cooler.
Treats: Bring along some treats like ice cream or popsicles if you have a way to keep them frozen. The cooler will come in handy!
4. Entertainment
Music: Bring a portable speaker for some background music.
Games: Pack a frisbee, beach ball, or a deck of cards.
Books/Magazines: Perfect for some quiet relaxation.
Camera/phone: Capture memories of your fun day.
5. Safety First
First Aid Kit: Pack a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. Waterproof band-aids if the kids insist on continuing to jump in and out of the pool. Can’t let bleeding toes keep you down!
Life Jackets: Essential for young children or inexperienced swimmers. Especially in lakes and rivers where the water can be extra cold even for adults!
Safety Rules: Review safety rules with everyone, especially children.
6. Organizing Your Time
Arrive Early: To secure a good spot and avoid the crowds.
Activity Schedule: Plan a rough schedule for the day, including time for swimming, eating, and playing games.
Rest Periods: Schedule breaks to reapply sunscreen, hydrate, and rest in the shade.
7. Post-Visit Tips
Clean Up: Ensure you leave the area clean. Dispose of trash properly.
Rinse Off: If possible, rinse off sand and chlorine before heading home. These are my favorites for shampoo and conditioner post-pool to remove the chlorine.
Check Belongings: Make sure you have all your items before leaving. Or check the lost and found the next time you visit the pool. Ask me how I know!
By following this guide, you can ensure a well-organized, enjoyable day at the pool or beach. Proper planning and preparation can turn a good day into a great one, filled with fun and lasting memories. Enjoy your sun-soaked adventure!
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
