Sunshine, Sandcastles & Safety: A Family Guide to Summer Fun (Without the Sunburn)

Ah, summer—the season of BBQ smoke signals, slightly overpacked beach bags, hilltop picnics with stunning views (and questionable sandwiches), and kids who seem to run entirely on ice cream and chaos. Whether you're holidaying abroad or just chasing the sunshine in your own back garden, it's all about making memories.

But before we all charge into the great outdoors like sunscreen is optional—let's have a quick chat about keeping the whole family sun-safe and smiling. Trust us, the only thing that should be bright red this summer is the ketchup on your burger.

It’s Not Just About Heat: The Sun’s Sneaky Side

Here’s the thing—you don’t need tropical temps to get sunburned. You can catch a burn on the beach in Spain and climbing a hill in the North East of Scotland (yes, even under a sky that looks like it forgot how to be blue). Sunburn isn’t about heat—it’s all about UV rays, which are sneaky little things that get through even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen: More Than a Suggestion

If summer had a superhero, it would be sunscreen. Just make sure you’re picking the right one:

● SPF 30+ (or higher!)

● Broad spectrum to block UVA and UVB rays (both are bad news)

● Water-resistant if you’re beach-bound, paddling pool hopping, or just raising a kid who thinks they’re a dolphin

And remember:

● Apply 15 minutes before heading out.

● Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or towel-drying.

● Cover the easy-to-miss bits: ears, neck, tops of feet, and the sacred parting of the hair.

Hats, Shade & Timing: Fashion Meets Function

We’re not saying dress the kids like mini Victorian explorers, but sun hats and UV-protective clothing go a long way.

● Go for wide brims or caps with neck flaps.

● Stay in the shade when you can—under trees, umbrellas, or a beach tent.

● Try to avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when it’s at its strongest.

Midday is perfect for lunch under a tree, a board game in the shade, or a cheeky nap while the kids dig a trench to Australia.

Hydration Station: More Than Just Water

Staying hydrated in the heat is essential, with regular water intake being key.

● Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks as these can dehydrate you

● Avoid sugary drinks

● Sports or isotonic drinks help during and after exercise as they can replace electrolytes lost through sweating

● Coconut water can be an alternative way to replace fluids as well as electrolytes

● Keep bottles chilled in a cooler or wrap them in a wet tea towel

● Children tend to need reminding to drink so encourage frequent sips

Fun tips for kids: Let them decorate their own water bottle or mark it with time targets—anything that turns hydration into a game. Make frozen lollies from diluted fruit juice

Remember: Water-rich foods like watermelon, berries, grapes, citrus fruits and cucumber also help.

BBQs, Beaches, and Brilliant Memories

Summer is made for family fun. Whether you're:

● Flipping burgers in the garden

● Chasing seagulls off your chips at the beach

● Hiking up a hill for a panoramic picnic

● Playing rounders in the park until the sun sets

● Or exploring sunny spots abroad with suitcases full of sunhats and excitement...

...the goal is always the same: making memories that stick (preferably more than the sunscreen did last year).

Let your kids remember lazy afternoons, sticky fingers, sun-warmed smiles, and the magical feeling of staying up late because “it’s still light outside!”

The Golden Rule: Have Fun, Stay Safe

You don’t need to bubble-wrap your family to be sun smart. Just be prepared:

• Sunscreen, applied generously

• Hats and UV-blocking suncream

• Shade breaks and proper timing

• Staying Hydrated is key

• Keep an eye on each other—especially little ones who forget the world exists when they’re mid-sandcastle

  
  

Summer’s not about restrictions—it’s about freedom, laughter, and sunshine-filled moments. So go out there, climb those hills, swim in that sea, and eat slightly-too-warm strawberries on a picnic blanket. Just do it safely, with a bottle of SPF and a water bottle in tow.

Enjoy your holidays. Make memories. And don’t forget—no one ever looked cool with sunburn.