First, accept that vacations with toddlers are not relaxing! Never have, never will be. Other people will give you great hints about how to make it a bit easier. But, an hour or two on the beach with toddlers building and smashing sand castles, chasing birds and running from the waves is what parenting is all about. The mess surrounding it is the price of entry.

All inclusive resort with a two bedroom or bedroom and living room to accommodate naps. Not too big a place so the beach is close. Big buffets with variety. We have done this twice with a one year old and a 18 month old (same kid two trips) and will go again this summer. Dominican Republic since that’s a direct flight and cost effective. Fun and easy. Also a plus that grandparents come and have their own room but can babysit during the day or an evening so dh and I can have time to swim together or dinner. Everyone wins.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? That’s sounds like a normal day with toddlers.

It's supposed to be a VACATION!

It's still a vacation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? That’s sounds like a normal day with toddlers.

It's supposed to be a VACATION!

If you're looking for a vacation FROM your toddlers, the only strategy that actually works is not to bring them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of the advice! Yes we definitely did it wrong...Sounds like a beachfront resort or home is key. Any recommendations on a resort that is beachfront and good for kids? Ideally a drive or direct flight?

Give us a budget.

Your answers will vary from OC to Key West to an all inclusive in the Carribean. Big range.

Looking for something nice, cost isn't really an issue.

OP, time .. for yourself, on the beach. When we do beach trips I take 2 hrs/day at an appointed time of "me" time to do whatever. I love sitting/walking on the beach.

Also, OP, if your kids are little and go to bed early, a beach house is a great place hang out with your DH after they are asleep- -relax, have a drink, watch movies, whatever. This doesn't work in hotel rooms which is another reason people like to rent houses with young kids.

You stay right on the beach and take a lot less crap with you. We usually did 9-12 at the beach, then back home for lunch/naps, then early dinner out then bedtime.

With a resort you need to have some separation between your living and sleeping space and at least a fridge/microwave. We stay in a small condo with a kitchen area big enough to handle things, but not so big that there is any expectation I cook something. But it allows for us to do breakfast and lunch in the room, which makes life a lot easier.

The bedroom has its own door so DH and I can stay up later than them in the living area at night, or in the morning, I can take our early riser DC out of the bedroom and into the living area so everyone else can keep sleeping. The routine is usually that I get up with our youngest and I drink coffee on the balcony while she eats a bowl of cereal. We watch the sunrise together and cheer when it's finally "out" of the water. It's one of my favorite parts of vacation.

We have a collapsible beach wagon which is worth every penny. Even though we aren't going very far, because the resort is on the beach, it's still a big help.

I have been known to just leave my stuff on the beach when taking everyone up for naps. Nobody ever messes with it, but I wouldn't be heart broken if someone stole my 10+ year old beach chair either.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of the advice! Yes we definitely did it wrong...Sounds like a beachfront resort or home is key. Any recommendations on a resort that is beachfront and good for kids? Ideally a drive or direct flight?

Give us a budget.

Your answers will vary from OC to Key West to an all inclusive in the Carribean. Big range.

Anonymous wrote:Our beach vacation with toddlers were enjoyable given:

- We stayed very close to the beach. We either could walk over there for small spurts with minimal stuff, or would schlep a lot of gear over in the morning, set up a group spot, but then still be able to pop back and forth to the beach house for naps, forgotten items, breaks from the son, etc.

- We stayed at a house with a pool and heated outdoor shower. Generally, we'd get our beach time in in the morning, and spend the afternoon/evening relaxing at the beach house. Obviously, well-gated pools are a priority, but we never had issues with that. Outdoor shower helped with sand issues because we'd quickly rinse off when we got home.

- Beach house not hotel or small condo gave us space to relax and ability to do our own thing with regard to food.

- Being close to the beach also meant parents could take a bit of time for themselves on the beach. I love my beach vacation morning walk/runs on the beach, and we typically go with extended family, so DH and I would often go drink a beer together by the ocean after we put the little ones down.

Where is this? Sounds great!

Anonymous wrote:Cape Cod?

Are there any set up services there?

We also use one when we go to the OBX in the summer. We rent a house right on the beach in Corolla and stay for two weeks. Super relaxing. With a set up service, you don't have to lug all that stuff yourself. It has already been put up for you.

How expensive is that?

Anonymous wrote:1. We stay in a house walking distance to the beach.

2. We use a cart to carry all of that stuff.

3. We stay down at the beach as long as possible, and either they nap at the beach or we leave all the stuff and a grown up and go back to the house for a nap and come back later.

4. I love beach vacations with small children because they can't hurt anything. They can dig and splash and run, and no one cares.

+1 million

My parents live in a resort area (not oceanfront but about 3/4 mile walk to the beach) and I agree with you OP. Unless you are staying oceanfront, it's a huge pain. We visit my parents a lot (at least 25 days each summer) and I think I can count on two hands the number of times we have spent a day on the beach since my kids were born (oldest is 7). My parents' complex has a pool and we spend most of our time there during the day, then head up to the beach around 4pm when everyone is packing up to have time to play in the sand. Now that DS is a better swimmer and can handle the waves, we did go a bit more last summer than in past years. But toddlers.....yeah, it's too much work!

We go in the off season so it's not too hot. We rent a condo within 10 minutes walk to the beach, and use the stroller to transport our toddler DD (with toys and towels under the stroller). We rent an umbrella from a vendor on the beach if needed. Although our rental has a kitchen, I do not cook dinner; takeout reigns supreme.

DD loves playing in the sand, but not the water. So DH and I just veg while she putters in the sand; DH sometimes naps.

The only thing we're missing is another kid for her to play with, but I hope to persuade DH to invite another family to join us in the future.

Is it as fun as pre-kids vacations? NO. But I find it more relaxing than being at home.