Heading to the beach with kids this year? Dr Noirin Burke, Education Officer at Galway Atlantaquaria, shares her tips on introducing marine science to your children and turning a simple beach trip into a day of discovery.
I have always loved the sea. As a child growing up in Co. Tipperary, I remember the excitement of racing to be the first to spot the sea as we drove into Tramore on our summer holidays.
Some things never change. Even now, having lived in Galway for years, I still delight in looking out at the water. As a child, the sea and the seashore offered so many small wonders — and they still do for children today.
A walk along the beach while the tide is out can turn up all sorts of treasures, from beautiful empty shells to mermaid’s purses. Here are some ideas to inspire your next beach trip with your child.
How to Make a Visit to the Beach with Kids Super Fun
The seashore is a wonderful place to explore, but it can also be an unpredictable environment. Here are a few things worth thinking about before you head down.
#1. Check the Tides
It’s always worth knowing the tides and the type of seashore you’re visiting before you go. Tide tables are easy to find online or through a tide app, and will tell you when low tide is and how low the water will drop. Try to pick a day when the tide is at its lowest, and aim to arrive at the beach around an hour before low tide — this is when the most interesting seashore life is uncovered.
#2. Dress Appropriately
Dress for the conditions and wear the right footwear — wellies are ideal for rockpooling. Bring a mobile phone with you and know where the nearest toilet is before you set off. If you spot lots of shiny green seaweed on rocks, take care, as it can be very slippery underfoot.
#3. Make It Fun for Your Child
Once you’re at the beach, turn it into a fun learning experience. The best way for children to appreciate the seashore is to build a genuine love and respect for it.
- Look under rocks
- Check around clumps of seaweed
- Peek into shallow rockpools
- See what treasures you can find
#4. Try to Spot a Few Different Creatures
- Can you find an empty seashell? If so, how many different types can you spot?
- Can you find some washed-up seaweed — how many different types are there?
- Can you spot any fish, and if so, how many?
- For younger children, count the colours and shapes you see on the shore, or try drawing what you find. For older children, ask them what impact humans can have on the seashore and how they might help protect it.
#5. Always Return Things
Remember the seashore guide: if you turn over a rock, always put it back the right way up. Only bring home photos or empty shells, and always return any animals to where you found them, without keeping them out of the water too long. Never pull live seaweed off the rocks.
There is something for everyone at the seashore, and helping your children develop a love and respect for it is something they’ll carry with them for life. Living on an island, a love of the sea and a sense of responsibility for it matters for all of us.
So what do you do if the rain starts while you’re at the seashore? Heading back to the car is always a good option — and maybe a cup of hot chocolate too. If you’re in Galway, a visit to the aquarium is a great way to keep learning about Ireland’s marine life, whatever the weather is doing outside.
Happy beachcombing!
Dr Noirin Burke is Education Officer at Galway Atlantaquaria, where she coordinates children’s workshops throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit the beach for rockpooling with kids?
Aim to arrive around an hour before low tide. This is when the most seashore life — rockpools, seaweed and shells — is exposed and easiest for children to explore safely.
What should we bring on a beach trip with young children?
Sturdy footwear such as wellies, a mobile phone, and knowledge of where the nearest toilet is are all worth sorting before you leave. Weather-appropriate clothing helps too, since seashore conditions can change quickly.
Is it safe to pick up shells and seaweed at the beach?
Empty shells make lovely keepsakes, but live animals and living seaweed should always be left where they are or gently returned to the water. Avoid keeping any creature out of water for long, and put rocks back the way you found them.
What can we do if it starts raining during a beach visit?
Heading back to the car for a warm drink is always a sensible option. If you’re near an aquarium or indoor nature centre, that can be a great way to keep the learning going indoors.
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- Family-Friendly Beaches to Explore This Summer
- Simple Nature Walks Kids Will Actually Enjoy
Save This for Your Next Beach Day
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