As we enter into February there are two things that are absolutely evident:

January went by too fast, and the weather is having some personal issues at the moment.

If you’re anything like me, curling up on the couch with a big blanket, snuggled up close to the ones I love is sometimes all I want to do. Winter Break is around the corner and I definitely encourage doing just that, but a little fresh air and adventure is just as good for the soul.

So, here’s an idea… A Day Trip to Sea Rim State Park Beach to soak up that Vitamin-Sea! A beach trip in the winter may not be your first choice in how to spend a chilly day, but (here’s where that adventurous, out of the box part comes in) it sure makes for the perfect, playful conditions to fly a kite! When’s the last time you did that?! 

Here are a few tips on how to make a winter beach trip exciting and fun even when you tell your kids, “we are NOT getting in the water”.

*Kites can be purchased through Amazon or Dollar Tree (depending on their stock rotation).

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Any day can be an opportunity to play, explore, discover and make new memories outdoors when we plan to dress for the weather. Download and check your weather app the week of Winter Break to see what day would be best.

-wear layers

-rain boots

-beanie to cover ears if it gets windy

-gloves to keep hands warm while holding the kite string

-extra socks (cause you know, kids)

PACK FOOD AND WATER (enough to last the day)

Think: granola bars, fruits/veggies that can just be thrown in a bag, lunchables, etc. EASY is the key here.

*Please remember to clean up any trash you may have and dispose of it properly.

SAND TOOLS and CHAIRS

Playing in the sand, finding seashells and relaxing seaside are still very much a part of this trip.

There is something about the sound of waves that seem to carry your cares out to sea, if just for a moment.

EXTRAS

-Supplies to Build a Fire: Temperatures decrease quickly as the sun goes down. Check with park HQ for any changes.

-Bikes: The sand on the beach is packed and makes for an easy ride alongside the water.

-Mosquito Repellent: The park is in a marshland area.

-Art Supplies/Camera: watercolors, paper, crayons, etc. The views that can be seen down the beach are breathtaking. You’re bound to be inspired to create! Not to mention, if you haven’t flown a kite in some time, it makes for some great pics!

Sea Rim State Park is a 4,141-acre state park in southeast Texas. The park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Jefferson County, south of Port Arthur and just west of Sabine Pass. It’s divided into two sections: 

• The Beach Unit includes 5.2 miles of Gulf beaches and dunes.

• The Marsh Unit has lagoons and wetlands, salt meadows and tidal drainages, and two lakes (Fence and Salt lakes). This area abuts the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area.

Admission to the park is:

Adult- 13 and over $3 daily

Child- 12 and under FREE and is Pet Friendly

There are restrooms on site.

I encourage you to visit their website for more information on how to enjoy all the park has to offer. Also, add them to your SM to keep up to date with the year round activities they provide our community.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The beach is easy to drive on, usually pretty empty, clean and the perfect place to unplug and play!

Balancing our downtime with being outdoors helps to boost morale and makes for great memories, especially when it’s a bit out of the box. With a little bit of planning, a Winter beach trip can be just as fun and refreshing as those summer ones we all love.