We live an hour north of New Orleans. No matter how it may look like to you on a map, there are no beaches here. You have to drive at least an hour east to hit one in Mississippi; however, anyone from here will tell you that you have to go “at least 3hrs” for a good beach. Today, I was looking for quality time not quality beach trip.
We have Fountainbleau State Park 30min from our house. It does not have a “real” beach… but a man-made sand strip that resembles a beach right on the lake. It’s very small. My kids are 2 and 4… they are small. Perfect match!
We packed our beach towels, folding chairs, soccer ball, buckets and shovels, food, coffee, change of clothes, sunscreen… What else would we need for this beach?
The kids were ecstatic when we arrived. They were at the beach! We spent a few hours making sand castles, playing with other families, walking up and down the man-made shore and had play time by the fountains. Total trip cost: $3 entry fee to the state park.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Saturday off from work. This afternoon we spent some quality family time and for a few hours we felt like we were on vacation. The kids were sad to leave, but we promised to come back before it’s time for long sleeve.
Don’t have a Fountainbleau near by? Here are some ideas for you to create your own beach day.
1. Back Yard Beach.
You’ll need:
- 5 bags of playground sand from home depot ($20).
- kiddie pool
- umbrella and any of the other props you may want to “take” to the beach
Inflate and fill kiddie pool in back yard. Pour playground sand about 3-5ft from pool in mounds. (Don’t worry, if you have grass you can just spread the sand when you are done). Set the stage. Open the umbrella, set the chairs, bring out a picnic and let the kids play! Make sure you take lots of pictures!
2. Hike to da Beach
Do you live in the mountains and have no beach? No lakes nearby? I will never forget my Colorado summer back in 2000. I saw a family in the middle of the mountains that were having a “hike-to-the-beach-day”. They had done a short hike and settled in the middle of a clearing and staged a beach (no sand and no pool). They had brought a volleyball net, ball, umbrella, blankets to sit on, food, drinks, radio, bathing suits and spf. They were having a blast playing cards, eating their lunch and joking around! Yes, they were in their bathing suits! Who says you can’t have a beach 6,500 ft up? It may be all make-believe… but that’s ok with me! Cost: FREE
Whether you go to the beach, go to a lake, create a beach in your back yard, or hike to da beach… Your attitude is what makes the day! Not everyone has a few grand to spare for a three day vacation to the beach on a long weekend. Get creative… and make your own! It’s the fun times that create the memories… not the money you spend to get them.
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