This is part of a sponsored collaboration with HBO and DiMe Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Essentials You Need for a Beach Trip with Kids 

With Memorial Day behind us, it’s time to start planning those summer beach trips! We only have lakes here in Georgia, which are very beautiful, but we don’t have any natural beaches. If we want the real thing, my family has to pack up and head to the ocean that’s a couple of hours drive away. Since I have three kids it’s always easy for me to forget something because I tend to wait until the last minute to pack. I like to make a checklist of the things we need to take with us, including all of the items we need for a day at the beach. 

On vacation all I really need is to be near the ocean. My children love playing in the sand and jumping waves. I pack up my beach bag and we just head down to the shore and spend the entire day soaking up the sun. 

Here’s What You Need: 

• Beach Toys – Shovels, a sand bucket, and a beach ball are all must have items! Beach toys can keep your little ones occupied for hours. Building a sand castle is always fun for the whole family.  

• Towels – For some reason kids can’t help but run between the ocean and right back into mommies arms. You’ll need beach towels for everyone to dry off in between being in the water up until the moment you’re done playing for the day. 
• Beach Chairs: If you don’t want to sit your bottom in hot sand, be sure to bring easy folding beach chairs. Some beach chairs even have a built in canopy or umbrella for added shade. That way you can read your favorite book while your children play. 
• Protective Swimwear – To protect your kiddos from sunburn, everyone needs protective swimwear, even on a cloudy day. 
• Sunglasses – Sometimes the sun feels 10x brighter at the beach. Everyone needs a pair of shades to protect eyes from UV rays that could be harmful. 
• Snacks – Spending an entire day at the beach, you definitely don’t want to forget something to munch on. Make sure to pack everyone’s favorite fruits and lots of water to stay hydrated for a day outdoors. 

When my family isn’t at the beach this summer, we’ll be catching our favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Abby Cadabby on the all new season of Sesame Street on HBO! I loved Sesame Street as a child and I enjoy watching the show with my children now. New episodes of Sesame Street air on HBO Saturday mornings at 9am ET/ 8am CT and also in Spanish on HBO Latino at the same time. This season will feature celeb guest stars including Gwen Stefani, Ne-Yo, Pharrell Williams, Gina Rodriguez, and Lupita Nyong’o. If you want to catch current episodes as well as ones from the past five seasons, Sesame Street also airs daily on HBO Family at 8am. You can also take Sesame Street on the road with you to the beach! Your little ones can watch episodes from the past five seasons from a tablet on HBO Now, HBO Go and HBO on Demand. 

My family can’t wait to head back to the beach! Who are your families favorite characters to watch on Sesame Street on HBO? What are your must have essentials for a day at the beach? 

Ashley