As summer comes to a close, it's time for one last beach bash!
If you think Colorado doesn't have beaches, you'd be mistaken — and ours come with a mountain view!
August 30 is National Beach Day, and we have five fun ways to help you celebrate right here at home. Surf's up!
1. Start with a joke.
Don't worry, beach happy! This joke is shore to get a giggle!
Q. What do you call a snowman at the beach?
A. A puddle! (Sorry, Olaf!)
2. Hit the beach.
Of course, the most obvious way to celebrate National Beach Day is to actually go to the beach! Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and building sand castles.
If you don't have the time, money, or desire to plan a vacation, visit one of our local swim beaches, such as:
- Aurora Reservoir: This multi-use aquatic recreational facility with an interactive nature center has a swim beach with great beach-y sand, volleyball nets, covered picnic tables, a large playground, and watercraft and bike rentals.
- Bear Creek Lake Park: Bear Creek Lake in Lakewood has 2,600 acres of parkland, 15 miles of dirt trails for biking and hiking, yurts that can be rented for overnight camping, and a swim beach at Big Soda Lake.
- Boulder Reservoir: Enjoy boating, fishing, paddle boarding, a 5.3-mile loop trail for multi-use, and a designated swim area and swim beach.
- Cherry Creek State Park: Cherry Creek offers campsites, trails for hiking and biking, fishing, and a swim beach with good sand-castle-building sand.
Pro Tip: To get the sand off everyone before getting back into the car, generously sprinkle baby powder anywhere you have sand and then brush it right off!
3. Beach-themed cupcakes are bear-y cute!
Sometimes you have to make sunshine inside, and these sweet treats are sure to brighten up any room.
They are almost too cute to eat... almost!
Get our step-by-step instructions here.
4. Host a luau.
Invite some friends and family to join you for some beach-y fun at home!
First, get the "Good Vibrations" going with some music (try this Beach Day! playlist on Spotify).
Then fill your house with a tropical scent with a simmering potpourri. Fill a stockpot with water, then add pineapple, orange, and lemon slices along with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and set the pot to simmer. Please exercise caution if leaving the stove unattended and ensure that there is always enough water in the pot to prevent it from boiling dry.
Keep the menu simple with grab-and-go items: chicken kabobs, chips, fruit skewers, and lemonade are popular options.
5. Have a family movie night.
Snuggling up on the couch with the family is the perfect end to any day! Here are a few ocean- and beach-themed options for you (click the linked titles to borrow the movie from Englewood Library):
- Finding Nemo (G)
- The Little Mermaid (animated is G; live-action is PG)
- Rio (G)
- Lilo & Stitch (PG)
- Moana (PG)
- Surf's Up & Surf's Up 2 (PG)
- Soul Surfer (PG)
- The SpongeBob Movie (PG)
