Another alternative for ice cubes: frozen water bottles. They’ll keep your food cool and you’ll be able to sip on cold water for hours.

The summer sun will warm up your car, along with the towels in it. They’ll feel like a warm embrace after a dip in the ocean.

Pop your phone in a ziplock bag. It’ll keep it dry, and your touchpad will still work through the plastic.

Protect your cooler from the extreme heat by burying it in the sand. It will keep your food and drinks cool way longer.

Here’s another beach hack for shade: Bring a pop-up tent! It’s perfect for picnics and for little kids who might want to take a nap. The lightweight tent can be packed easily and is a great way to take a break from the sunlight.

Still feeling nervous about storing your IDs and cash in discreet objects, as we suggested above? In that case, invest in a waterproof fanny pack. These will keep your valuables safe even when you splash in the waves.

Some more helpful beach tips and tricks: Pack an emergency medical kit. You never know when someone might get injured. This will make your beach day less stressful.

When you’re having so much fun, it’s easy to forget that you and your family need to reapply sunscreen to stay safe. Keep a small diary to note the time when you apply sunscreen. Or set a reminder on your phone.

Don’t have a sand toy kit for your kids? With a little creativity, anything can be used as a sand toy. Pack in measuring cups, paintbrushes, and paint spatulas for an impromptu beach trip.

Packing wet, sandy bathing suits back into your bag can be messy. Simply carry a plastic grocery bag or a clean trash bag from your hotel for your wet clothes.

Some more cool beach hacks for families: Carry the kids’ beach toys in a mesh bag. Just shake off the sand before leaving. No more sand on car seats!

This is one of the most popular hacks for the beach. Roll up some extra dollars in an empty chapstick tube for emergencies. Works for traveling too.

Create a sand-free picnic space with a fitted sheet. Simply place heavy items in the corners and pull them up.

It’s the same when going on a trip. Beach days can be crazy with so many last-minute things to do, especially if you have small kids. So start packing a day before. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to check if you have everything ready.

Rubber flip-flops can dry easily.

This will give you the option to take a shower at the beach, change into dry clothes, and head off for dinner or shopping.

Some beach hacks for families can be lifesavers. Keeping track of your valuables can be stressful while you’re busy playing with the kids. Keep your valuables safe in an empty sunscreen bottle, the least obvious place.

A beach umbrella can be difficult to fit in the car. We have some beach hacks for shade that’ll keep you cool in the scorching sun. You can make your own DIY sunshade with shower curtains! All materials will cost you less than $100 and it’ll be easy to fold up and carry.

If you have small kids, then this beach hack is for you. Carry an inflatable pool. The kids will be able to play safely while you relax.

Cut up small sponge pieces and thread them into a necklace. Soak it in water and then freeze it. You can carry it to the beach in a sealed container. The frozen sponge necklace will keep your kids cool.

Cupcake liners will keep the sand and bugs away from your drinks.

This way, you’ll be able to lie down comfortably and read a book or just get some shut-eye.

Get the snacks ready a day before. That’ll be one less thing to do in the morning when getting the kids ready for the beach.

Tired of sand getting everywhere in the car? Dust yourself down with talcum powder. It will dry off the grains and make it much easier to wipe the sand away.

Make your day even more fun with beach games. A few tennis balls can turn into a beach bowling game. You can also reuse your plastic cups to build a castle.

Leaving behind your wallet or bag while you go for a dip can be unsafe. So try to stash your valuables in discreet objects. Anything can turn into a storage space—an insulated coffee cup to hold your keys, a pill bottle to stash your cash, and a sandwich box to store your IDs.

Planning an evening bonfire at the beach? Use dryer lint as a fire starter. Stack it in an empty toilet paper roll and light it up. You’ll have a bonfire going in no time!

The beach becomes crowded around sunset time. Plan to go a little early so you can set up at a good spot.

Upcycle your old towels and sew them together. Voila, you have a beach blanket! Enjoy your own sand-free zone.

Even with sunscreen, you may end up getting a sunburn. Especially if you forget to reapply or aren’t using the right SPF. Freeze aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray and pack it in your cooler. The cooling, healing touch of aloe will soothe your sunburns.

On windy days, beachgoers usually subconsciously turn away from the wind when looking for a spot to set up their umbrellas. Try doing the opposite. Walk upwind and you’ll be able to find a spot quickly.

Take an oversized beach towel and sew pockets into the bottom. You’ll be able to store your sunglasses, sunscreen, books, and more. With this beach hack, you won’t have to rummage through your bag with sandy fingers.

Buy small plastic pouches to make your own lemonade for the beach. You can even make your own delicious cocktails to stay hydrated.

Make a cozy space for your little one with a “baby hole.” Simply dig sand to make a hole, cover it with a towel and pop an umbrella over it. Now your baby will have their own tiny spot to enjoy the beach safely.

Here’s another interesting thing you can do at the beach: Turn your sandy handprints into plaster of Paris souvenirs. Carry some plaster with you to the beach. Mix it with water and add it to your hand impression in the sand. Wait for it to harden. And now you’ve got a unique beach treasure!

Add a pop of color to the beach with your very own waterproof bag. For this beach hack, you’ll need 5–6 rolls of colored duct tape. Lay the pieces out in the shape of a bag and stick them together. Trim the edges. Now you have your own stylish beach bag.

We really love this simple DIY drink holder posted by Megan on Positively Splendid. You’ll need some soup cans, colorful fabric, hot glue, nuts, screws, and a rod. These are great for beach parties as well as picnics.

Use the old-school method to lighten your hair. Spray some fresh lemon juice in your hair and let the sun do the trick. You’ll have natural-looking highlights for weeks.

They’ll keep your drinks cool and when they thaw, you can use them for a water balloon fight