What do I need for 2 littles at the beach?

[AngB]

DS1 will be almost 22 months, DS2 will be almost 4 months. We live in Missouri so don't have much/any beach gear...I may be on my own during the day with them (hopefully not, but want to plan for it.) We will be going to Pensacola or maybe Fort Walton, staying in a beachfront hotel, for a week in mid-Feb. I know it won't be super warm, DS was afraid of swimming last summer anyway, but he does love to be outside even when it's really cold.

I am wondering if I should get:
-water/sand shoes for DS1 or barefoot ok, or use older pair of regular shoes? (Would rather waitfor water shoes b/c he has outgrown his from last summer and will be a new size by this summer.)

-pop up infant tent/cabana to keep the baby from getting too much sun? Are those worth it?

-wagon? rent a stroller? try to use my b-ready on the beach? I think I'm going to need something to help with hauling 2 kids and stuff.

-lots of sand toys

Suggestions/input greatly appreciated!

[jjordan]

Don't bring your nice stroller on the beach. Sand will get in it and gum it up. I'd probably go with a wagon or a beach cart.

Bring baby powder to get sand off. It's super fabulous!

The beaches might well have lots of broken shells on them due to it being the off-season, so I'd have something for the kids' feet (crocs maybe). I wouldn't plan on anyone going in the water unless you happen to hit a heat wave. I wouldn't worry much about sun; most likely you'll be wearing long sleeves. Bring hats and sunglasses (and extras of each). If your kids are early risers anyway, I'd probably just avoid the beach during peak sun hours - leave by 11 and you shouldn't have to worry about a tent for the baby, just sunscreen should do the job plenty well enough.

I would bring a big blanket/tablecloth rather than beach towels. And I'd limit the number of sand toys. A 22 month and 4 month old will not care about having a big variety, and the more you bring, the more you are lugging around, also the more that you can lose or have blow away.

If you have one, bring a small cooler for snacks/juice boxes/water bottles/etc.

I would not plan on spending a ton of time at the beach. It will likely be cold, and it will feel colder at the beach than elsewhere because it's windier next to the water. Look online for playgrounds, parks, etc near your hotel for other outdoor options. Also see what you can find as far as zoos (I know there is one, or at least used to be one, in Gulf Breeze), aquariums, children's museums, etc in case you want to have indoor options.

ETA: Haven't checked these out in detail, but they might be fun: Gulf Breeze Zoo (http://www.gulfbreezezoo.org/), Gulfarium (http://www.gulfarium.com/)
and here is a link to Pensacola area things for kids (http://www.visitpensacola.com/content/pensacola-kids)