Prepare for discovery, connection, and unforgettable hands-on learning by the sea.
Whether you’re joining us for our Coastal Learning Lab homeschool adventure or planning a family field trip to the beach, this thoughtfully curated packing guide will help you arrive ready—not just for sun and sand, but for intentional exploration, nature study, and meaningful family memories.
While you’ll want to bring your usual travel essentials (clothes, toiletries, personal items, tech gear, etc.), this list covers everything you’ll need specifically for our educational sessions, outdoor activities, and coastal learning experiences. Many of the items below will enhance your time at the beach and make it easier to fully engage in all that this trip has to offer—science, art, nature, and history.
Provided for Your Family
- Homeschool Coastal Learning Lab T-shirt
- Linen Tote Bags (one per family)
- Sling bag for children to carry lab supplies
- Tubes for collecting water and soil samples
- Multi Function Tool (includes light, thermometer, compass, magnifying glass, whistle, etc.)
- Canvas and Paints
- Unit Studies: Van Gogh and Florida
What You’ll Need to Pack
These are items we recommend you bring. Closed-toe tennis shoes and dry clothes are required for horseback riding.
- A personal backpack for your family’s daily essentials (camera, sunscreen, snacks, etc.)
- Reusable water bottles – There’s a water station at Sebastian Inlet, or feel free to pick up favorites after arrival.
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Reef-friendly bug spray
- Lip balm with SPF
- Aloe vera gel
- Hand wipes for pre-meal clean-up
- Plastic bags or wet bags for damp clothing/shoes
- Beach towels (most hotels don’t allow towels to leave the premises)
- Swimsuits and cover-ups (modest swimwear as we are a family-centered group)
- Water shoes required (for rocky shoreline areas—closed-toe recommended; flip-flops not ideal)
- Sun hat, baseball cap, or sunglasses
- Soccer chairs or foldable seating (optional if driving)
- Beach blanket
- Snacks for each family member
- A camera or a waterproof camera for capturing moments
- Mask/snorkel gear
- Your family’s favorite board/card game for Game Time
- Life Jackets if you have children under 5
- A small trash bag for beach cleanup—leave no trace!
- Closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes fine) for horseback riding
- Nature journals or notebook
- Pencils, markers, clipboard
Other Optional Items to Consider
- SPF shirts as an alternative to sunscreen
- Waterproof phone pouch – example
- Solar battery charger – example
- Backpack cooler for snacks or lunch – example
- Flashlight with red mode or headlamp – great for night walks or spider hikes!
- Florida Nature Field Guide – example
🌊 Don’t Forget…
- A sense of wonder
- Flexibility and patience
- Curiosity for learning outside the box
- Openness to new friendships—for your kids and yourself
We can’t wait to welcome you to the coast for this incredible learning adventure! This trip is more than just sand and science—it’s about growing together, discovering the beauty of creation, and building lifelong memories with other homeschool families who share your heart for faith and learning. We hope this packing guide helps you feel prepared and excited for all that’s ahead. See you at the shore—we’ll be ready to explore, discover, and learn right alongside you!
