Essentials for a beach day year round in Maine
We love going to the beach in the off season and have some great recommendations to make your trip a little easier! A lot of my recommendations here are similar to the summer list, so make sure you check out that list too! We go to the beach year round but it doesn’t mean we go in all weather. High winds definitely stop me from going to the beach because I know how miserable it is getting whipped in the face with wind and the kids instantly hate it. We have been on cold days where the temperature is in the teens, but that is usually for the sunrise before the wind picks up for the day. Here are some things we love and use in the off season to make our day a little easier:
A wagon
Our Veer wagon is an essential. We bring it everywhere! I can’t imagine not having the wagon! Some days when I don’t bring it because I think “Oh it’s just a quick trip” I instantly regret it when I’m carrying two kids and one is crying because the walk is too far. The Veer is a little pricey but for the amount we have used it, it was 100% worth it.
Mesh bag for sand toys
This is the same mesh bag we use in the summer. We just keep all the toys in it year round and it’s almost always in our car. Our car is also always full of sand. When my parents babysit my kids for a weekend, my dad always vacuums out the sand! It always looks so nice and clean for maybe a day before it just gets destroyed again. My house is so clean but my car is just not something I can manage, especially after beach trips!
Rain suits or fleece lined rain suits
We love our rain suits! The link to the rain suits on my summer list are great for warmer days but we also have other ones that the kids really love. They are from Jan and Jul and we just have the regular rain suit. (Use my code mymainebees2410 for 10% off!) It is a lot thicker and keeps them so warm. They are big enough at their regular size (my 4 year old is in a 4T and 6 year old in a 6T) that they can fit their winter jacket underneath them. I love that they are roomy for a winter coat! They also make a fleece lined one that is so tempting to buy, I wish they made it in adult sizes! You can also purchase the Jan and Jul rain suit on Amazon here.
rain boots or snow boots
I have always struggled with keeping the kids feet dry and warm. The rain suits keep them so clean and dry but the second the walk through the ocean and big tide pools the water goes into their rainboots. I have just some basic rain boots and winter boots but the boots for my oldest seem to be the best. They keep his feet dry for so much longer when going in water and they are high up to prevent water from spilling in. This is the link to them: Kamik winter boots
wool socks
Get a big pack of them on Amazon, they keep their feet so warm and they are reasonably priced!
cooler backpack
Our cooler backpack is an essential in the summer but also in the winter. The pockets on the sides, front and top help me stay so organized and I don’t have to walk around with a purse or another bag for water bottles, keys or snacks.
Gear for adults
While the kids are running around at a playground, you HAVE to stay warm too. These are my essentials for an off season beach day! I have left places early because I was cold and the kids were upset because they were not cold. I got a one piece snow suit because I am ALWAYS cold and I love this snow suit! It looks a little ridiculous when there’s no snow on the ground but it keeps me SO warm! This is what I always wear and love:
- Mittens with wrist straps– the amount of times I have to take off my mittens and help the kids is crazy! These wrist straps are the BEST.
- Winter boots– these aren’t too expensive on Amazon and I have loved them for the last couple years!
- Rain boots– I just got these and I am obsessed, I wish I had them sooner for beach trips!
- Fleece lined leggings– I wear these under my jeans or another pair of leggings and it keeps me so warm!
- My one piece snow suit– obsessed with this for really cold winter days
- Hand warmers– throw a pack in the car or the cooler back pack to warm up when you get back to the car if you are cold! Sometimes their feet get so cold when they get wet and they need a quick way to warm up!
