As a longtime beach enthusiast and family outing expert, nothing beats sunny days by the shore with loved ones. But sunburns can quickly spoil the fun.
Forgetting sunscreen happens to the best of us, yet you don't need an expensive beach tent to shield everyone.
Instead, craft this simple, old-school beach hut using basic materials like sticks and an old sheet—quick, affordable, and stylishly bohemian.
In just a few steps, you'll have a shaded fabric shelter that blocks sun, wind, and sand. Follow this proven, easy tutorial we've used on countless beach trips:
1. Form a tripod with three sticks.
2. Cut a long piece of string.
3. Wrap the string tightly around the tops of the tripod sticks to secure them—loop around, under, and between each for stability, as shown.
4. Build a second tripod the same way.
5. Position it parallel to the first, spaced along what will be the roof stick.
6. Lay the seventh stick across the tops as the roof beam.
7. Use a zip tie to attach one corner of the first sheet to the top of one tripod.
8. Tie the opposite corner to the center of the roof stick.
9. Anchor the bottom edges to the ground with large stones.
10. Repeat on the other side with the second sheet.
11. Connect the two sheets at the front using binder clips.
Your custom beach tent is ready! Quick to assemble, highly effective, and far more rewarding than store-bought options. Kids love foraging for sticks and helping out, turning setup into a fun activity. Relax in the shade, nap worry-free, and enjoy sunburn-free beach days.
Add bohemian flair with beach towels, pillows, a picnic basket, and books. This versatile design works anywhere—from hikes and park picnics to backyard gatherings—a timeless family hack we've relied on for years.
