I have fond memories of beach outings as a child in the ’80s, enjoying endless summer days with my mom and siblings. Those were simpler times. Nowadays, as fellow moms and I strive to recreate the enchanting experiences of our childhood beach trips, it’s clear that a lot has changed since I used to slather myself in baby oil and soak up the sun. Here are some key differences I’ve noticed:
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The Snacks
Back in the ’80s, my mom would pack a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of Doritos, and a thermos of Kool-Aid for our beach day. If we were lucky, there might even be a bag of cookies—think Pecan Sandies or Double Stuf Oreos. Once the food was gone, that was it. These days, it’s all about organic fruits and veggies, gluten-free energy bars, and eco-friendly snacks that come in BPA-free packaging. We also make sure we have enough filtered water and juice—no fried chicken to be found. I really miss fried chicken. -
Sunscreen
Throughout my childhood, I remember lathering on sunscreen maybe twice, mostly opting for baby oil and tanning products. Now, it’s a whole different ballgame. We come prepared with sun hats, SPF 554 sunscreen (that we reapply every hour!), and swim shirts designed for maximum sun protection. -
Beach Gear
In the ’80s, all we needed were towels, a blanket, and my mom to carry the snacks. Today’s beaches are filled with umbrellas, large tents, coolers, an array of plastic toys, and lounge chairs for everyone—even the toddlers. Just the other day, I swear I saw an inflatable sofa on the sand! -
Beach Playthings
When I was growing up, we didn’t have an arsenal of beach toys. I think we had one beach ball that quickly blew away. We found joy in sand, shells, and sticks, spending hours building sandcastles until our knees were sore and sunburned. Now, it seems every family brings along sand molds, shovels, and dump trucks. I’ve packed two bags full of toys for my kids, yet they still gravitate toward the shells and sticks. -
Music
Back then, we brought a boom box along with our favorite mixtapes, featuring artists like Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. Replaying a song meant hitting the rewind button and waiting a moment. Today, everyone has their own iPod or smartphone with earbuds, making it a much quieter beach experience.
This summer, I’m determined to give my kids a taste of those ’80s beach days. So, if you see a woman with a drumstick hanging out of her mouth, lugging a boom box down to the sand, that’ll be me! My kids might be embarrassed, but I know we’ll all have a blast—whether they admit it or not.
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In summary, beach days have transformed significantly since the ’80s, from snacks and sunscreen to the gear we bring along. While I cherish the simplicity of my childhood beach experiences, I’m excited to blend the past with the present for my family’s beach adventures.