Planning a Family Day at the Seaside in Cooler Weather: 5 Useful Tips

Even when the weather is a bit cooler, the seaside can still make for a fun and memorable family day out. With some preparation and planning, you can enjoy the best of what the coast has to offer while keeping comfortable. Here are 5 useful tips for planning a successful family seaside trip during cooler weather.

Wrap Up Warm

If you are fostering in Hampshire and planning a day trip to Milford on Sea, the key is wearing layers that will keep you dry and block the wind. Pack warm jumpers, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. Having the right rain gear like waterproof ponchos is also essential in case the heavens open. Bring changes of socks in case your feet get wet. Most important is footwear - wellies or hiking boots work well for coastal terrain and warmer socks will ensure dry, toasty feet all day long.

Pick Sheltered Spots

Select destinations that have shelters like promenade shops, cafes and amusement arcades. That way if there are rain showers or bitter winds, you have places to warm up in. Piers, boardwalks and harbour walls also often act as good windbreaks where you can picnic in peace. Getting out of the wind is key to feeling comfortable on blustery coastal days.

Eat Hearty Picnic Food

Make sure you pack warming items like flasks of hot soup or chocolate for drinking and heartier foods like pies, pasties, sandwiches, stews and potato salads to keep you fuelled against the seaside elements. Having a good picnic in a sheltered spot on a blustery day also helps create a cosy, sheltered feeling. Thermal flasks will keep drinks and foods lovely and hot for hours.

Have Indoor Experiences Ready

It is sensible to have some back-up plans just in case it does get too blustery or wet. Many English seaside resorts boast fantastic indoor attractions like arcades, escape rooms, swimming pools and soft plays that provide hours of entertainment. Having a list of rainy day activities gives you flexibility to adjust plans if the weather is really nasty. That way, you avoid disappointment if an outdoor activity or picnic gets rained off.

Pack Activities for Entertaining Kids

Having things for kids to do makes for a more enjoyable family day for all, even if the weather forces you indoors or the kids need entertaining while picnicking or sheltering from rain. Pack family games like travel-sized chess sets, playing cards, frisbees, kites, or footballs/rugby balls. These portables don’t take up much room but help keep kids happy and amused for hours. With handy items like these in your kit, you’re ready to handle whatever the temperamental British weather dishes up!

With the right preparation and gear, cooler weather doesn't have to spoil a lovely day by the sea. By planning activities for all scenarios - rain or shine - you can delight in everything the wonderful British seaside has to offer, whatever the meteorologist orders up! The key is flexibility, sheltering from elements when needed, and focusing on enjoying family time together.