This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Gulf County. All opinions are 100% mine.
We were blessed last weekend to go away to a nearby beach for the first time as a family of 6. I’ve said it before in my travel book Can The Kids Come Too? and I’ll say it again…
Beach trips are great for kids!
We went to Gulf County, Florida which is in the Florida Panhandle. Most of you have probably heard of Panama City, Destin, and Seaside. Well this county is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and has the same beautiful sand and water. While a lot of the appeal of those destinations is shopping, Gulf County has a major outdoor adventures for the whole family.
We ate great seafood, rode bikes on trails, took a sunset cruise, played in the sand, and just relaxed. We’d have done more if the kids were old enough to ride horses alone, snorkel, or kayak. Ha! One day ;).
Here’s a few reasons why I think beach trips are great vacations for families with small children. We’ve gone to multiple beach destinations on two continents (once even to the Great Barrier Reef) and our kids love them.
1. They can run free.
Unlike at a museum or a double decker bus tour, beach trips allow kids to run free, get exercise, and explore. Of course culture and museums are great, but for smaller kids who are unable to appreciate the more grown up activities, this allows everyone in the family something to do.
2. They are away from technology.
Of course technology isn’t bad in itself, but too much is too much. Kids these days, even super young ones, can get so easily “addicted” to screen time that it’s hard for them to begin to use their imagination when it’s time to play. Taking time away and going to the beach can be like a detox or, as Becky says, a no technology week.
3. They can do things they don’t do everyday.
While it’s nice to shop and eat out (I had some good crawfish gumbo), it’s even nicer to have the opportunity to do things out of the ordinary. As I said before my kids were too small for some of these, but Gulf County (and I’m sure other coastal locations across the country) have horseback riding along the beach, kayaking, going scalloping, riding boats, seeing dolphins, and collecting shells. We actually did a sunset cruise with Seahorse and the kids LOVED it. They wore their life jackets and even spotted a dolphin!
4. Vitamin D is good for you.
I’m sure this is because I grew up in Florida and am a self-confessed sun addict, but I think the ole outdoors under a blue sky and sunshine is good for you. Away from technology, away from pressures of home, and just being outside. As long as you have sunscreen, hats, and an umbrella then the kids will be fine. They’ll have an awesome time and will go down hard and fast at night.
If you are planning a summer vacation and Florida was on your list, you’ve gotta look at the options here and visit the Gulf County Adventure Guide. We stayed in a big huge house the kids thought we bought (ha!), biked to get ice cream, and loved the views along the water. If your family is into outdoor adventures together then consider it. Plus, you can honk on your way by my house ;)!
Leave a Reply