Planning a family beach day can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing. With kids in tow, it's important to make sure you have everything you need in your beach checklist to keep them entertained, safe, and comfortable. But what are the essential things to bring to the beach exactly?
Look no further than our family beach vacation packing list for a stress-free beach day with kids. From beach toys and accessories to sun protection and personal care items, we've covered the must-haves for a fun-filled day in the sun with your little ones.
Tips: Check out our Beach Day Edit to get everything for more summer fun!
Beach Toys & Games for Kids
- Beach Balls: A classic beach toy that's always a hit with kids. Perfect for playing catch, volleyball or just bouncing around.
- Buckets & Spades: Essential tools for building sandcastles and digging in the sand.
- Sandcastle Building Kits: Take your sandcastle building to the next level with a kit that includes molds, tools, and accessories.
- Beach Bats: A fun game for kids of all ages. Whether you're playing paddle ball or trying to keep the ball in the air, beach bats are a great way to pass the time.
- Water Guns: Stay cool on a hot day with water guns. Kids can have fun squirting each other or creating their own games.
- Frisbees: A beach-friendly version of this classic game. Frisbees are great for playing catch or even frisbee golf on the beach.
PB's Picks
Kids can enjoy making sandcastles and searching for shells on a beach holiday. Quut offers many compact sand toys with multiple purposes. For example, the Quut Cuppi 3-in-1 is perfect for a game of catch or digging in the sand. You can also find retractable sand castle makers, ring toss sand sifters, and many other unique sand toys.
Beach volleyball is a fun activity for kids and adults. Since they pack flat, they are easy to tuck into any beach bag. Konges Sløjd beach balls come in fanciful unicorn, dinosaur, and polka dot designs and inflate to 40 cm (15 inches) in diameter.
Swimming Gear for Kids
- Swim Goggles: Goggles protect your child's eyes from salt and sand while swimming and are a must-have for any beach day.
- Swimming Caps: A swimming cap can help keep your child's hair out of their face and also protect their scalp from the sun.
- Arm Floaties: Arm floaties are a great way to help younger children stay afloat in the water while they learn to swim.
- Swim Vests: Swim vests provide extra flotation support and are ideal for children who are not yet confident swimmers.
- Inflatables: Inflatables such as tubes, pool noodles, and floating toys are always a hit with kids and can add extra fun to your beach day.
- Snorkel Gear: If your child is interested in exploring the underwater world, snorkel gear is a great way to make that happen.
- Underwater Cameras: Capture all the amazing underwater moments with an underwater camera. They are available in disposable or digital formats.
- Inflatable Pools: Kiddie inflatable pools are a great option for toddlers and younger children who are not yet ready to venture into the open water.
- Swim Rings: If you have younger children who are still learning to swim, swim rings can provide them with extra support and help build their confidence in the water. They are also enjoyable for confident swimmers to relax in the water.
PB's Picks
If you love to spend summer days near the water, SUNNYLiFE has the right swimming gear to get your kids pool-ready. You can outfit your kids from head to toe with UV-protected goggles, adorable swim caps, inflatable vests, funky arm floats, and diving buddies. Children can even take photos with their underwater camera.
The swim rings from Petites Pommes are handpainted in bright colors kids will love. They also come in adult sizes, so you can enjoy floating in the water beside your kids. These swim rings are easy to carry to your favorite water spot in their reusable organic cotton bags.
Beach Essentials
- Beach Bags: A waterproof, spacious, and durable beach bag is essential for carrying all your gear.
- Beach Towels: Pack enough towels for everyone, and consider bringing extra for drying off after a swim or laying on the sand.
- Beach Umbrellas: Providing shade is crucial, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Beach Chairs / Lounge Chairs: Sitting comfortably while enjoying the beach is a must. Consider bringing a lightweight and easy-to-carry option for each person in your group.
- Portable Speakers: Music can help set the mood and add to the fun.
- Beach Blankets: A large blanket can provide a comfortable spot for the family to sit or even have a picnic.
PB's Picks
SUNNYLiFE umbrellas and beach chairs provide the ultimate relaxation on your beach vacation. Choose a low beach chair to lounge on the shore as you watch your kids search for shells. Or, you can find an inflatable chair to recline on the cool water.
Their colorful beach umbrellas offer shade and UPF sun protection, allowing your family to enjoy the fresh air of the beach without getting sunburnt.
Mealtime at Beach
- Water Bottles: It's important to stay hydrated while spending time in the sun and water.
- Reusable Snack Bags: Ditch single-use plastic bags and opt for reusable snack bags to pack your little ones' favorite treats for the day.
- Lunch Boxes: If you're planning on staying at the beach for a full day, consider packing lunch boxes with sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks to keep everyone satisfied.
- Lunch Bags & Cooler Bags: Keep your food and drinks cool and fresh with insulated lunch bags or cooler bags.
PB’s Picks
An OmieBox lunch box is perfect for packing a well-rounded lunch to eat at the beach. The divided sections allow you to pack a variety of foods for your child to enjoy. Add a drink to a thermos, and you are ready for a day in the sand and sun.
Citron soft-sided lunch bags are lightweight and have backpack straps making them easy to carry to the beach. A layer of insulation keeps your foods at the appropriate temperature for longer.
Sun Protection
- Sunscreens & After-Sun Lotion: Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it every two hours to protect your family's skin from the sun's harmful rays. After-sun lotion is also essential to soothe sunburned skin.
- Sunglasses: Invest in a good quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection to protect your family's eyes from the sun.
- Sun Hats: Sun hats are a great way to protect your family's face and neck from the sun. Choose hats with wide brims to provide maximum coverage.
PB's Picks
Kids can have fun in the sun as long as they stay protected from the sun’s rays. BabyMocs sunhats come in a variety of sizes to fit kids from all different age groups. Each hat offers protection from the sun and is perfect for playing in the water or on the shore.
Kids can look stylish in these retro shades from My Little Sunnies. These sunglasses can protect little ones’ eyes from ultra-violet rays while they play near the pool or at the beach. The glasses are highly durable and shatterproof so play hard while they protect their eyes.
Personal Care
- Insect Repellents: Keep the bugs at bay with insect repellent spray or lotion.
- First Aid Kits: Accidents can happen, so it's always good to have a first aid kit on hand for any cuts or scrapes.
- Baby Powder: Removing sand from your skin can be a challenge, but baby powder makes it much easier.
- Shampoo & Conditioners: After a long day at the beach, you'll want to rinse off the saltwater and sand from your hair.
- Soap: Keep your hands and body clean with soap or hand sanitizer.
- Diapers, Wipes, and Changing Pad: If you have little ones in diapers, make sure to pack extra diapers, wipes, and a changing pad.
- Brushes/Combs: Tangles and knots are no match for a good brush or comb. Keep one on hand to tame unruly hair.
PB’s Picks
Changing a baby’s diaper while traveling is no easy task. However, Nobodinoz offers changing pads that allow you to set up a changing station on the go. These versatile pads can act as a play mat on one side, while offering a waterproof changing surface on the other. These pads come in all shapes and sizes to use at home or on the go.
Mushie Shampoo & Body Wash is fragrance-free and gentle on the sensitive skin of babies and children. It gently moisturizes skin and hair and is perfect for washing up after a fun day at the beach.
