The backpacks are finally put away. The lunch boxes are empty. And the alarm clocks? Off until further notice. School’s out, and summer is officially in session.
It’s that sweet, fleeting time of year when our schedules loosen, the sun stays up longer, and—if we let it—life slows down just a little. It’s also the season when I’m reminded of something simple yet powerful: I’ve never once regretted a spontaneous trip to the beach with my kids.
There’s just something about the beach in Southwest Florida. Maybe it’s the warm Gulf breeze, or the way the salty air seems to melt away stress. Maybe it’s the fact that a simple beach day—some towels, sunscreen, snacks, and flip-flops—can turn into the best memory of the whole summer.
Some of our most meaningful moments as a family haven’t required a passport or packed itinerary. Often, it’s the unexpected simplicity of a local beach day that becomes the most memorable. Watching my kids—now 11 and 14—unplug, unwind, and truly enjoy the present moment is something I treasure deeply. These days, that often includes a car full of friends, beach games, and laughter echoing down the shoreline.
Whether it’s the energy of a beach day with friends or the calm of a sunset stroll with just the two of them, these are the experiences that leave a lasting imprint.
They don’t require elaborate plans—just our presence, and a willingness to say “Yes, let’s go!”
Family Fun, Just a Drive Away
One of the best things about living in Southwest Florida is how many beautiful beaches are right in our backyard. Whether you’re near Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, or Venice—there’s a stretch of sand waiting for you.
Lovers Key State Park offers easy parking, shaded picnic areas, and gentle waves that are ideal for families. Bonita Beach has that classic Florida feel with soft sand and convenient access. Sanibel and Captiva are renowned for shelling and sunsets, while Bowman’s Beach offers a more low-key, peaceful atmosphere with scenic walking trails.Farther north, Englewood Beach near Port Charlotte is a local favorite with clean facilities, playground areas, and calm surf perfect for younger swimmers. Caspersen Beach in Venice is known for its natural beauty and is a hotspot for finding prehistoric shark teeth—always a hit with curious kids. And Venice Beach, just minutes away, offers shaded picnic areas, volleyball courts, and even a café with oceanfront views, making it ideal for full-day outings
Every beach has something special—and every beach day has the potential to become a core memory.
What They’ll Remember
As parents, we often feel pressure to curate the perfect summer—lining up camps, booking trips, filling every day with structure. But kids don’t need perfection. They need presence.
Mine are at the age where the days of sandcastles and floaties are giving way to music playlists, beach volleyball, and group selfies. But the essence of what they crave hasn’t changed: time together, a change of pace, and the freedom to just be. I’ve found that as my kids grow older, our beach days have grown, too—often including a crew of their friends, beach blankets spread wide, and snacks disappearing faster than I can replenish them.
They’ll remember that we chased waves together. That we made space for their friendships. That I said yes to just one more hour on the beach—even when it was already getting late.
Say Yes More Often
This summer, I’m choosing to say yes more often—to the spontaneous, the simple, the unscheduled joy. Even when the laundry pile is high or I have a dozen things to do, I try to pause and ask myself: Will this matter more tomorrow than the time I could spend with my kids today?
This summer, I’m choosing to say yes more often—to the spontaneous, the simple, the unscheduled joy. Even when the laundry pile is high or I have a dozen things to do, I try to pause and ask myself: Will this matter more tomorrow than the time I could spend with my kids today?
Because the truth is, they’re growing up right before my eyes. These slow days in the sun, these car rides filled with music and laughter—this is the good stuff. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about being there for what counts.
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