Building a sand castle is one of the most fun activities for parents and children to do together. It’s a traditional summer past time that delights children, taps into creative recesses that aren’t always used in the normal day-to-day routine, and draws gleeful attention from fellow observers. If you’re ready to build the sand castles of your family’s dreams, we have suggestions to ensure your towers, dragons, and moats are executed to (near) perfection!
Protect yourself! Before you hit the sand, don’t forget sun protection. Summer sun is magnified by its reflection off the water. Protect your family by wearing sunscreen (and remember to reapply!), sunglasses with UV protection, and a broad hat.
Gather the equipment. Momtastic reminds us that beaches aren’t a prerequisite for building sand castles. You can also transform a sandbox, or a corner of your backyard, into a sand castle fortress. Yahoo Voices recommends the following supplies:
- Water
- Sand
- Buckets
- Shovels
- Plastic utensils
- Straws
- A squirt bottle
- A garden trowel or two
Start creating. Wet sand is a must for your castle to remain intact, says Redbook Magazine. If you’re on a beach, choose a spot close to water access but safe from destructive waves. If you’re at home, you want at least 10-inches of sand and an accessible garden hose. From there, use the pointers below to get started.
- Fill the buckets. Buckets/containers can be filled with moist sand, packed down, and then turned upside down to create the fundamental castle structures.
- Use hands and arms. Hands, arms, and shovels can be used to create motes, or move larger amounts of sand to build walls, pools, and narrower towers.
- It’s all in the details. Use spoons, straws, and smaller instruments to carve details like stairs, tiles, walkways, etc. Your spray bottle will help keep the sand moist as you work.
Have a neighborhood, or beach neighbor, competition and enjoy!
Parents, what are your family’s favorite summertime or beach activities? Please share in a comment below!
Visit the Real Kids Shades website to purchase sunglasses to block out UV rays and protect your kids eyes while at play, whether on the beach, at the playground, or in the backyard! We have a range of products designed for kids from newborns to age 12.
