A Kids' Birthday Beach Party at Lifeguard Tower 28

Kids' birthday parties on the sand call for a different plan than a grown-up picnic, and this March 2022 celebration at Lifeguard Tower 28 in Ocean Park was a good example. The family planned for a mixed group of kids and adults and asked us to skip the usual cheeseboards, plates and tableware so they could handle the food their own way.

What they did need was shade, hydration and things to do. We brought extra umbrellas to cover the group, a large cooler with a double supply of ice, and 40 bottled waters split evenly between still and sparkling. For the kids (and plenty of the adults), we set out ladder toss and cornhole, two lawn games that are easy to pick up at any age and keep a mixed crowd moving.

Tower 28 is a quieter stretch of Santa Monica beach south of the pier, with a parking lot close to the sand, which helps when families are carrying in gifts, strollers and party supplies.