Ultimate Family Beach Day Guide: Tips for Cruising Cameron Parish Beaches with Kids
It's Saturday morning, and I'm packing the cooler while stacking a tower of towels for our beach day south to the Gulf Coast. With kids, spills, sand, and splashes are inevitable—better grab extra towels and Wet Ones.
Lake Charles is just under an hour from the pristine, natural beaches of Cameron Parish. Our family loves outdoor adventures that kids can join, and a beach trip is both fun and educational, even if a bit messy. 
On the way, we stop at Brown's in Hackberry for watermelon, chips, soft drinks, water, and Cajun favorites like sausage or boudin—perfect road trip snacks. 
Pack sand pails for hunting seashells and sea glass—great for school show-and-tell. As kids, my brother and I competed to catch hermit crabs; once, we found a Gafftopsail catfish skull resembling a crucifix, a real phenomenon known as the 'crucifix catfish.'
Kids love flying kites and racing through the sand. We set up the BBQ pit and lawn chairs, toes in the sand, while the guys fish. 
Mosquitoes can be unpredictable, so pack bug spray with sunscreen. Unwind and catch the sunset over the horizon. 
Essential Beach Packing List for Families:
Sand toys and buckets for shells
Kites
Fishing poles with heavy line/weight, net, and license
Cast net for bait
Ole Smokey BBQ pit
Charcoal, lighter fluid, lighter
Hot dogs, sausage, buns, condiments
Veggies for grilling
Great Louisiana playlist
Watermelon, knife, cutting board
Lawn chairs
Ice chest with cold drinks
Blankets/towels for sunset viewing
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Hand sanitizer and Wet Ones
