Trying to get a child to sit still on a beach towel while we sunbathe is a pipe dream, let’s be honest. And that’s only natural, because they learn through play and, precisely for that reason, play is a fundamental part of their development that we should never restrict. That’s why we’re bringing you three fabulous ideas for playing at the beach, in the countryside, or wherever you go to enjoy a little summer.
We’ve chosen ideas that are useful in two ways. In other words, besides being fun to play with at the beach (which is what they like), they also have another function to keep them dry and/or protected from the sun (which is what we like).
Let’s play!
Double-duty ideas for playing at the beach
1. Hooded towel with ears
Turn the ultimate beach basic—the good old beach towel—into a cape your little one can play with at the beach. When they get tired of sitting on it, they can put it over their shoulders and head to transform into a little animal, a superhero, or whatever their imagination comes up with.
Besides sewing ears onto the hood, you could also sew on other elements depending on what kind of magical cape you want it to be: claws, a tail, a superhero emblem, a mask… Ask its future owner—they’re sure to have lots of ideas!
It’s very easy to make, but if you need help, check out our tutorial for making a hooded towel in the Lulu Ferris.
2. Toy mat bag
Besides being a surface where your little one can lie down or sit, the toy mat bag is also a game board in its own right. If you’re going to use it at the beach and it risks getting wet constantly, the solution isn’t to stop your little one from playing until they’re dry, but to line the fabric you’re going to use with Lamifix interfacing. This way, you’ll waterproof the fabric, preventing moisture from reaching the inside and soaking the batting.
In the worst-case scenario, it doesn’t matter if it gets wet either: it’s 100% washable. For the one in the photo, we used a panel that was already printed and ready to play on at the beach, although you can create one yourself. Make a tic-tac-toe board, create different games with Velcro, numbers, letters, shapes… Use your imagination to inspire theirs!
You can also find the tutorial for making the toy mat bag in the Lulu Ferris.
3. Teepee
Who wants to sit under a beach umbrella when they could be inside a teepee? If you think about it, a teepee for kids doesn’t need any more space than a towel takes up on the sand. And of course, it’s much more fun. Since the structure is supported by wooden poles, you can also set it up at the beach and it will stand without any problem. Inside, your little one will be protected from the sun and have a peaceful place to read, play, or do whatever they feel like.
As with the other options, you can find the tutorial for making a teepee for kids in the Lulu Ferris.
These three items are completely compatible and, in fact, work even better when used together. So now you know: playing at the beach doesn’t necessarily mean a ball or ping-pong paddles.
Enjoy the summer with these ideas, and if you need more, don’t forget that you can find a new one every week in the Lulu Ferris. Let’s all play!