GRAMMY ON THE GO
Summer Beach Days
Keeping the Grandkids Cool
By Karen Shadrach
The hot summertime days are upon us and it’s time to escape with the grandchildren to the beach.
The beach, especially, has a way of turning an ordinary day into something golden. Cleveland has also been referred to as the North Coast, and it is true that there are quite a lot of different beaches and water sports offered along the shores of Lake Erie. The counties in Northeast Ohio with great beaches include Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula.
Sun, Sand & Snacks
Taking the grandkids to the beach isn’t just an outing. It’s a gift — one you give them, and one they unknowingly give back. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as a bucket, a wave, and a warm day spent together under a wide, blue sky.
What to pack for a trip to the beach? Unique needs for different age groups, of course, but always remember sand toys such as buckets, shovels, sand molds and a beach ball or Frisbee.
Pack towels, sunscreen and a sun hat. Remember to reapply the sunscreen every 90 minutes. Floaties or life vests can also be taken if your grandchildren are young or not strong swimmers. Bring a blanket to lie on, one specifically made for the beach. Waterproof and lightweight, they feature nylon webbing that lets the sand fall through. Water shoes are great for lake beaches, since small stones may be present. Also pack lots of water, or other beverages and snacks. Hand wipes are needed to remove sand. A large beach tote helps you carry things across the sand. Also include a beach umbrella if you are sensitive to the sun and a few chairs if you don’t want to sit on the ground.
There’s nothing quite like that first moment when the beach comes into view. The shimmer of water, the smell of the lake breeze, the soundtrack of gulls and laughter. The grandkids take off running, shoes forgotten and buckets swinging at their sides. You follow at your own pace, feeling the warm sand shift beneath your feet. It’s a small reminder that you’re not as quick as you once were, but also that you don’t need to be. Grandparenthood is a slower rhythm, and the beach is the perfect place to settle into it.
After you find your spot on the sand, the grandkids will have no problem amusing themselves. If they need any suggestions, tell them to dig a large hole or a sandcastle with a moat. They love to do this and then fill it with water. The kids can play sand games, such as tic-tac-toe, hopscotch, or handwriting in the more compact sand next to the water. Have them go on a scavenger hunt to find special shells, stones, driftwood or sea glass.
Try These
Erie County includes Sandusky’s Cedar Point shoreline. It’s the largest with a mile-long beach stretching out along the lake. Without paying to get into the park, you can enter the beach by driving to the Breakers Hotel and then walking from their parking lot. Pay only the parking fee to gain access to restrooms and restaurants nearby plus snack shacks along the shore. Our grandkids love this beach, especially on windy days when the waves are higher.
Lakeview Beach, part of the Lorain County Metro Parks, is situated on 20 acres along the North side of West Erie Avenue in Lorain. It is known for its Historical Rose Garden, which is a short walk from the beach area. The Sunset Café (formerly Rose Café) is open for lunch during the summer. It’s in the bathhouse right on the shore, offering the perfect spot for lunch with a view, especially for watching the sunset. The one-third-mile beach is protected by three breakwaters and lifeguards who are on duty from 12 to 6 p.m. There’s even a small playground and library at this beach! The Little Library provides free Wi-Fi access to a range of 100-150 yards and items are available for loan.
Edgewater Beach in Cuyahoga County is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, accessible from both the upper and lower sections of Edgewater Park. The beachfront includes 1,000 feet of swimming access and a dog-friendly westernmost portion. There are lots of shady picnic tables and a paved walkway along the breakwater rocks. The Edgewater Beach House includes clean restrooms and a concession stand. The second-floor balcony is great for viewing both downtown Cleveland and the entire beach area.
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor in Lake County is the longest natural beach in Ohio. There are 35 acres of beach for swimming, along with picnic facilities and concessions. It is located between the Mentor Marsh and the Grand River.
Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County includes four beaches, the largest being Breakwater Beach. This beach has 600 feet of natural sand and clear water. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (GOTL) is a great spot to cool off and grab a nice lunch. There is also a beach house for changing, showers and restrooms. GOTL is a village adjacent to the lake, also known as Ohio’s first summer resort. The Strip is a mile-long thoroughfare with a frozen-in-time feeling. It has mini-golf, ice cream, shops, food stands, restaurants, amusement rides and arcades.
Choose a beach near you this summer or go for a day trip to experience one you’ve never visited. It feels like a mini-vacation, especially if you also take the time to check around the towns in the beach area and eat at a different restaurant or ice cream spot before heading back home.
A day at the beach with a grandchild is one of those deceptively simple moments that lives on in your memory far longer than the sand in your shoes.
