We live in the city, approximately 2.5 hours from the nearest decent beach. You know; clean(ish) water, boardwalk fun, rented cottages galore. And even then, our beaches border lakes and bays – think Lake Simcoe, Lake Erie, Georgian Bay… but never Lake Ontario (eww). Hence, a day at the beach bears a slightly different connotation than say, Lauren Conrad of The Hills jumping into the North Pacific Ocean.
Translation: Ontario beaches excel at mediocrity.
Give me a sparkling, blue ocean. Miles and miles of white sand. Gentle waves lapping at the shoreline. The intense smell of sea air. Give me a real beach.
(Dear British Columbia and The Maritimes: I am jealous. Signed, Lena.)
Last year, we introduced our boys to the beach bum life by way of our Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise with Fisher-Price. At our stop in Cozumel, Mexico, both Ryder and Reid laid eyes on a beach for the very first time. And they loved it!
Rolling in the sand, jumping in the shallow water, making castles with their sand buckets. It astounded me just how at home they felt on the beach. And then I looked around, and realized that all the children were having the time of their lives. Of course they were!! There is nothing better than outdoor play on a beautiful day.
And so I made a promise to myself that come summer, I would put my prejudices aside, and take them to a beach. Even if it was a beach in Ontario.
Well, summer is well under way, and I’m happy to report that the boys were treated to a beach day this past weekend. Of course, one of the benefits of visiting a beach close to home is toting along a copious amount of beach toys that can help keep them occupied all day long. And if you’re looking for high quality toys that can go from backyard to beach (and back again), look no further than Fisher-Price!
Here are some great Fisher-Price toys that offer hours of enjoyment, especially with the warm summer weather:
Power Wheels Dune Racer – Super Sounds Soccer – Grow to Pro Golf – Grow to Pro Junior Basketball – Barbie Tough Trike – Grow with Me 1,2,3 In-Line Skates – Triple Hit Baseball – Servin’ Surprises Ice Cream Party – Bubble Mower – Laugh and Learn Sweet Sounds Picnic – Little People Disney Ariel’s Coach – Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep Wrangler… to name a few!
We took our Super Sounds Soccer set with us… think soccer in a park is fun? Soccer on the beach is EPIC.
What are some of your favourite beach toys? Besides the ol’ shovel and bucket, do you pack other toys/ activities for your small children?
I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation.
The opinions on this blog are my own.