Reflecting on my childhood beach outings in the ’80s brings back vivid memories of carefree summer days spent with my mom and siblings. Those were simpler times. Today, as I watch fellow mothers striving to recreate the enchanting beach experiences of our youth, it’s clear that many aspects have evolved since I used to bask in the sun with baby oil slathered on my skin. Here’s how beach days from the ’80s compare to those of today:
1. The Food
Back in the ’80s, a typical beach outing meant my mother packing a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of Doritos, and a thermos filled with Kool-Aid. If we were fortunate, there might also be cookies like Pecan Sandies or Double Stuf Oreos. Once the food was consumed, that was it.
Nowadays, we prepare organic fruits and vegetables, gluten-free energy bars, and packs of organic squeezable snacks for the kids, all stored in BPA-free containers. We also ensure to bring enough filtered water and juice—free from artificial dyes—to last the day. Fried chicken is a distant memory.
2. The Sunscreen
During my youth, I recall applying sunscreen only twice, while primarily using baby oil, a tanning magnifier, and Sun-In for my hair. Foil was sometimes involved for an extra shine.
In contrast, today’s beachgoers come equipped with sun hats, SPF 554 sunscreen (reapplying every hour!), and swim shirts designed for sun protection.
3. The Equipment
In the ’80s, we only needed our towels, while my mother handled the food and a blanket. That was the extent of our gear.
Now, beaches are filled with umbrellas, tents, coolers, a variety of plastic toys, and lounge chairs for everyone—even toddlers. Recently, I even spotted an inflatable sofa at the beach!
4. The Toys
As a child, we didn’t have many beach toys. I think we owned a single beach ball that quickly blew away. We entertained ourselves by digging in the sand, collecting shells, and crafting sandcastles until our knees were sore and our skin was sunburned.
Today, children arrive with sand molds, shovels, watering cans, and dump trucks. I’ve found myself lugging two bags of toys for my kids, only to discover they still favor the natural shells and sticks.
5. The Music
In the ’80s, our beach soundtrack consisted of a boom box playing our favorite mixtapes—think Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. If we wanted to replay a song, we needed to hit rewind.
In contrast, today’s beachgoers often bring their own iPods or iPhones with earbuds.
This summer, I plan to give my kids a taste of the ’80s beach experience. If you happen to see a woman with a drumstick in her mouth, carrying a boom box on her shoulder, that will likely be me. I’m sure it will mortify my children, but I’ll be having a blast—and they might secretly enjoy it too.
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In summary, while beach days have undoubtedly changed over the years—from the food we pack to the gear we bring—they still hold a special place in our hearts. Embracing a mix of old and new can create lasting memories for our children.