Summer is here and you’re chomping at the bit to get out and play, hmmm?
With the onset of long, warm summer days, your thoughts turn to visions of picnics, camping, romping in the surf at the beach, sandcastles, back yard barbeques, swimming pool frolic, family road trips and tropical excursions.

Whoa there cowboy! Family fun and frolic takes a bit of planning to stay on budget. Even if your summer plans only extend as far as the local beach, summer fun requires a few basics. If you’re like our family many of our little get away’s, bbq’s, beach days and hiking trips happen at the last minute. So try these tips to plan ahead.

Basic #1
Create a “get away” bag for each member of your family. Buy a tote bag or mesh bag and fill it with the necessary sunscreen and bug repellant. Don’t forget sun hats, a bathing suit, UV sunglasses, Chap Stick with sunscreen, wet wipes, energy bars and an extra pair of water shoes. Keep your getaway bag ready for a quick trip to the beach or neighbors pool.

Basic #2
Have the appropriate play clothes… cool casual clothes including tees, shorts, sandals, beach cover-ups, hats and if you can, more than one swim suit for every member of you family.

Basic #3
Load up on summer basics. Sunscreen, bug repellant, and wet wipes are mandatory staples. Put one of each in your “get away” tote bags, one for your car and one for the house. Don’t forget your thirst this summer. Lemonade mix, ice tea ($1.99) and summer fruit drinks will cool ya down when the mercury is rising.

Basic #4
Get some play gear. Outside of the always necessary beach towels, beach chairs, beach umbrella first aid kit and hiking or walking shoes, consider items just for fun. A body board inflatable mats and rafts peak the fun meter for everyone from 6-60. A bucket and shovel sets are perfect beach toys for the younger kids. Inflatable beach balls are cheap and easy to pack. Many of these items are available at discount stores like Big Lots, 99 Cent only, Buck-a Roos etc.

Like to build sand castles? For those of you into recycling, kitchen utensils like a spatula, dull knife, melon ball spoon are great for the small sand castle details. Old coffee and soup cans are great for turret details. If you’re traveling, instead of packing them, see if a local restaurant has them. Stash your fun items in a storage box in the back of your car for a quick getaway to the beach, river or nearby lake.

Have a great summer!

Suzanne O'Connor