Fun Sand Toys for a Great Day at the Beach

Taking kids to the beach is a great summer activity. Splashing around in the ocean waves or swimming in a lake is, of course, a lot of fun. But that isn't the only reason kid love the beach-playing in the sand can be quite exciting as well.

If you want your kids to really enjoy their day at the beach, you need to plan ahead. Of course, you have to bring along all the basic necessities-but go a little further and bring along some sand toys as well. Sure, you can just grab a pail and a shovel, but why stop at that when there are so many more options?

Before you head out to the store or start searching online, search around your house-you probably have quite a few items that would make great sand toys already! Here are some suggestions:

Plastic cups of various sizes
Plastic spoons, forks, and knives
Plastic bowls and storage containers
Empty water bottles

All of those items could be helpful for constructing sand castles or building sand creatures. The plastic cups and containers would make uniquely shaped turrets on a building or features on a sand animal, and the water bottles would come in handy for transporting water from the lake or ocean up to your kids' play area. Spoons, forks, and knives can add intricate details to any construction. I'm sure you can find even more items laying around your house that could be used for sand play-be sure to look in the kids' toy boxes for some ideas!

Maybe, though, you want to surprise your kids with unique sand toy. Perhaps the kids have earned an extra-special treat, and you would like them to have a really enjoyable day at the beach. Here are a few excellent (and inexpensive) choices:

Sand Water Wheel $15.99
http://www.mastermindtoys.com/store/product.asp?product_code=57896&subcat=624&agecat=0&cat=15&brand=0&page=1

This is a fun toy for kids ages 2 and up. At the top of the toy is a funnel that has a closure mechanism so that kids can fill the funnel with either sand or water. After filling the funnel, a child can pull on the release and watch the sand or water flow through down through the wheels, which causes them to turn.