Does your next day at the beach consist of stretching a long towel on the warm sand to get a tan?

Are you looking forward to unwinding in a pair of sunglasses and a beach chair with a good book that has been begging you to get read?

Maybe you are more than ready to cool off with your spouse and children in the local lake for an entire afternoon to get away from your digital devices?

Just like there are all of these awesome activities of leisure to take part in for enjoyment, there are still a few minor obstacles to prepare for, such as protection from getting a sunburn, bugs looking to interfere with your comfort, and the need to stay hydrated and fed without having to wipe off the wet sand and packing up the car to find the nearest restaurant.

There is no need for alarm because, with a little bit of pre-planning and this list of seven ways to make the most of a beach day, you will be able to have yourself some fun in the sun.

Pack Your Cooler for the Day

When heading over to the beach with children, be prepared to bring a hard-shell carryall for snacks, beverages, and lunch.

To get the most out of your cooler, here is how you should pack it for the day:

Freeze a bunch of easily distributed and consumed items like fruit cups, juice boxes, and grapes overnight that will not only thaw in the heat but can also pull double duty as ice to avoid having melted ice cube water filling up your cooler.

Pack heavier items like vegetables and fruits on the bottom and lighter foods like sandwiches and potato chips on top with paper towels between the frozen and unfrozen foods to absorb the moisture.

Finally, put a small refrigerator odor eliminator in your cooler to prevent it from stinking.

Snacking in the Sun

Being that sweating forces your body to lose much-needed electrolytes like sodium which can cause headaches and muscle cramps; keep the fluids in your body by drinking juice and pretzels, which provide salt back into your body, leading to muscle cramps and headaches.

Potassium is another critical electrolyte that maintains a healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure, and you can get this from eating bananas at the beach.

Eating raisins are a great way of refueling your calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes, calcium, and magnesium, along with keeping your nerve and muscle reactions.

For children to stay hydrated, kids between the ages of four and eight need two quarts a day (about five cups). If it is usually hot that day, consider 2.5 quarts of water.

Have your children take a break and drink some water every 20 minutes if they are running around and working up a sweat in the sun. 

Dress with Layers

Even though the forecast may be calling for warm temperatures, that doesn't mean that the morning by the water can't still be chilly.

Then this cool air could warm right up as your morning arrival at the beach turns into the afternoon.

Dress appropriately for hot and colder weather by wearing layers that are easy to take up, like t-shirts or hoodies, and a water-resistant outer shell.

Two piece swimsuits can be worn under button-up shirts to make them easily accessible so that you don’t have to find somewhere to remove clothes and change into your swimming apparel.

Proper Sunscreen Lotion

Protecting your skin and that of your family needs to be a priority when you take in some fun at the beach.

Be sure that your infant under six months of age doesn't get exposed to the sun at all.

Avoid sunscreen products made with phthalates and parabens for older babies and toddlers. Instead, go with sunscreen options that feature broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and are water-resistant.

To wear sunscreen properly so that it can do its job:

Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before your skin is exposed to the sun.

Use about an ounce of sunscreen lotion, which is about the amount that would fill a shot glass.

Apply the sunscreen lotion generously and evenly by moving your hands circular.

Cover all the areas of your skin that will be exposed to the sun's heat, and don't forget your ears, feet, fingers, feet, and behind your neck. But use a separate SPF lip balm on your lips.

Re-apply your sunscreen after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and as soon as you finish drying off with a towel.

Your children need a new application at least every two hours. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well while at the beach. One great way to ensure proper sun protection is by wearing swim shirts with UV protection while swimming, especially when spending extended periods in the water. Also, when choosing a sunscreen for yourself, make sure to go for one that has an SPF of at least 30 and offers broad-spectrum protection.

Repel the Bugs

When you have a day at the beach without a breeze flowing through, you should expect there to be bugs and mosquitoes.

Look for bug repellent with DEET-free formula that naturally uses essential oils like citronella and peppermint to discourage mosquitoes.

Bring Some Bed Sheets

To prepare for the chance of a sudden thunderstorm, bring along an old flat queen-size or king-size bed sheet that you can quickly

grab the four corners and create a makeshift bag to haul your beach belongings in.