The End Of Summer Beach Escape

There’s nothing like a
final trip to the beach to say goodbye to the summer season! If you’re hoping
to get out of the city and head to the beach in the next few weekends, take a
second to check out our end-of-summer beach guide! From where to go to what to pack to how to keep the kids safe from the sun, we think there’s much to glean to ensure your final splash this summer is memorable, stress-free and most of all, fun! —

First, check out our editor’s favorite local beach destinations, all of which are accessible by train or car and are within a two hour trip from the city. With destinations like Sandy Hook, Manhattan Beach, and Water Taxi Beach, we’re sure you’ll find a yet-to-be-discovered locale for beachy fun.

If you’re looking to buy a last-minute bathing suit for your kids, take a look at our style director’s picks for the best swimwear for kids (think Ralph Lauren, Shoshanna, Papa D’Anjo and more!)

Before you hit the shore, make sure you have the right sunscreen in your beach bag! To help you make the best choices for your family’s needs, take a second to look over our recent sunscreen and skincare tutorial; with expert advice from NYC dermatologists, it includes everything from how to protect dad’s head to the most neglected spots on kids.

While it’s hard to
imagine them getting tired of the surf, sand and endless sun, sometimes
you need a bit of extra inspiration to turn a day of lounging in the
sun into an awesome adventure. Here are a few new ideas for seaside play;
if you have a master sandcastle creator on your hands, check out our expert advice (from a World Record holding sand castle team) on making awesome castles.

Of course, all that play is going to leave kids (and you!) in need of a delicious and nutritious meal! To help give you some culinary inspiration, our bloggers over at our family food blog Yummy Delicious put together a few ideas for a delicious (and easy summertime) feast.