Sensory Friendly Beach Day
For most Minnesotans, summer is something we look forward to all winter long. We dream about the warm summer days, the trips to the beach in the hot sun, eating cold ice cream, and watching fireworks explode in the sky on the Fourth of July. These summer pleasures can be overwhelming for those with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Knowing and understanding your child(ren)’s sensory preferences is essential to managing summertime fun for your whole family.
Planning is key to having fun with everyone. Some individuals with SPD perceive incoming sensory input as abnormal, overwhelming, and disorganized. Something that might not bother one person may be unbearable to another including summertime activities. For some children with SPD, the sensory systems may be heightened. This may look like; the heightened tactile (touch) sensations of noticing each and every grain of sand and how it feels like needles on the body. Or the endless reapplying of sticky sunscreen can be very frustrating and overstimulating. At the beach, there is also a wide array of visual stimulation (what we see) ranging from the bright sun, the colors of the beach towels, and umbrellas, and buckets of sand toys scattered around. The auditory (hearing) stimuli are everywhere as well- between the bugs buzzing in their ears, birds' cries, and other families chatting, it can be overwhelming to tune out. The olfactory (smell) intensity of sunscreen and bug spray in addition to the array of foods brought in the coolers can also result in increased dysregulation for those with SPD. The gustatory (taste) of a cold slushie or ice cream, the vestibular unease that can come from walking on an uneven surface/ground from the sand, and attempting to stay upright in the water (proprioception) with waves crashing into you are all examples of how your senses may be influencing you while at the beach. To top it off, the interoception system is also kicked into high gear with feeling thirsty, hot, and sticky, regulating temperature between the hot sun and cold water, and combating feeling nauseated due to all of the above-mentioned senses can lead to a child feeling overwhelmed in which they may shut down, tantrums ensue, etc. Being able to anticipate your child’s sensory preferences and aversions with the above information is an important aspect to consider when trying to make sure the whole family is having fun. Planning ahead with the details below can ensure a smooth sailing experience!
How do You Choose the Best Location?
Doing your research beforehand to scope out a few beaches you want to visit is a great start!
Make sure that the beaches have a good reputation for being clean and easily accessible for your loved ones.
Lake Nokomis main beach and Lake Harriet's southeast beach are two well-known beaches in the Minneapolis area with easily accessible parking options!
What is the Best Time of Day to Go?
It may be advantageous to go earlier in the day to help with the noise reduction from other beach visitors.
It will most likely not be as hot, with less glare off the water. Temperature and brightness are just a few things to keep in mind and the advantage of morning trips to the beach.
Both the Minneapolis and St. Paul Parks and Recreation departments post hours for all parks and beaches. Developed beaches are usually open daily from 6 AM to Midnight.
What are My Options for Sun Protection?
Whether it is a combination of sunscreen, hats, protective swimwear, and sunglasses, bring it! Try using mineral-based sunblock to reduce the number of times you need to reapply, and many are now scent-free to help those with olfactory (smell) sensitivity.
Using a makeup brush or a beauty blender makes for an easy application.
Another alternative is wearing SPF beachwear and a protective hat for those who cannot handle the sensation of sunscreen on their skin.
Using a beach tent or umbrella will help reduce the amount of sun exposure and reduce the sensitivity to the eyes.
Encouraging sunglasses also will help limit the sun's intensity and reflections off the water to the visual system.
How do I Reduce or Replace Overwhelming Sounds?
While in the shade, cooling off, it will also be easier to wear noise-canceling headphones if needed to block out overwhelming and unpredictable sounds.
Using preferred music with headphones is a way to control the auditory environment.
Also important to note the use of protective cases with all electronics if you decide to bring them!
What About Playtime?
For those whose vestibular and proprioceptive systems can’t handle being in the water, they may need the support of another to navigate the moving sand under their feet or to support the push of the waves on their legs.
When in the water, encourage play with stable objects, not ones that move, because they can add another level of frustration and unpredictability to your child’s situation.
Alternatively, play on the beach with a firm base of support. Most beaches also have playgrounds and tot areas such as Bde Maka Ska 32nd street beach and Wirth Lake Beach!
Other Tips & Tricks?
Parents know that we can’t go too far without snacks! For the beach, make sure to bring resealable containers and a cooler if necessary for foods and treats that may melt!
Fruit is always good beach food, along with juice boxes, crackers, pretzels, and sandwiches.
Popsicles and ice cream are also good options but eat them early since they will melt in the cooler, and maybe make it a dessert before lunch day!
Another tip is to bring PLENTY of water! Drinking water for hydration is super crucial.
Bringing a spray bottle filled with water can help when wiping sandy or sticky hands! It might be a good idea to also keep a gallon of water in the back of the car to rinse feet off before the car trip home.
Another tip, a sock, and baby powder works wonders to remove sand!
How Else Can I Be Prepared?
You may need to switch to more comfy clothes at the end of the beach day, or maybe your child can’t tolerate a wet swimsuit or trunks any longer... Sweats and a loose T-shirt or pajamas can feel great after a long day at the beach in tight swimwear!
You will also want to make sure that you have many towels on hand. Having an extra towel may be handy for wiping off the sand and drying off, cleaning up around snacktime, and keeping your car clean on the ride home!
By the end of the day, the cumulative sensory experiences or even one single sensory stimulus!) may have become overwhelming to your child’s system. Having a calming preferred activity or on-the-go sensory toolbox for the car ride home may be helpful!
Outings with your child(ren) with SPD just need a bit of preparation, understanding, and discussion in advance! We know that summer is short in Minnesota so use the tips above to find all the fun ways to enjoy it with your family 🙂