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Your new go-to beach trip packing list is going to prepare you for the BEST DAY EVER!
Being prepared for a day at the beach with kids is the number one way to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. It can also be extremely stressful packing for the beach if you don’t know where to start.
For the past 10 years , I’ve been taking trips to the beach with our kids more than most due to all the places we’ve lived. We’ve been to California beaches, Lake Michigan beaches and many beached in between. Now that we live near Hilton Head Island, beach trips continue to be one of our favorite weekend family activities.
Over the years, we’ve learned what items are beach trip essentials with kids, what items are beach trip must haves and what items are a complete waste of money. Use my list below to make your family beach day or family beach vacation the best experience it possibly can be!
Beach Trip Packing List
While going through your list keep one thing in mind – if kids are able to pick their specific items, they are more likely to use them. Is that a scientific fact? No. It is however my conclusion after raising 4 kids. Apply this to beach towels, sunglasses, beach hats, etc.
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- Insulated Cooler – Do not even try going to the beach without food. I like to pack Lunchables, premade sandwich and fruit. This cooler is perfect since it’s easily washable but also not bulky like a traditional cooler.
- Kids Friendly Sunscreen Spray – Apply before and every 2 hours at the beach. The kids do not want their sandy skin rubbed down with sunscreen so using a safe spray option is your best bet.
- Baby Powder – WORKS WONDERS when it comes to getting the sand off.
- Water Proof Speaker – Priced right AND durable for the beach. Love this option because it can also be used at home in the shower or packed for any trip while taking up minimal space.
- Toddler Sun Hat – Protect their face, neck and head with a cute sun hat. This is where you should let them pick their favorite as they are more likely to keep it on.
- Water Bottles – With kids you 100% need a unique water bottle for each of them so they do not forget which water is theirs for the day.
- Beach Tote with Zipper – The zipper is the park that’s essential here. Put everything in here you want to keep sand-free like spare clothes, towels, diapers and so on.
- Back Pack Beach Chairs – These are more for you because you deserve to enjoy the day as well! Purchase the back pack kind so they are easier to carry down to the beach.
- Beach Towels – Again, assign one specific towel to everyone. No one wants to share a sandy towel with their siblings.
- Hair Elastics – Okay, maybe you don’t need to bring these to the beach but PLEASE do your toddlers hair before you go. When hair gets in your kids face, sandy hands automatically are used to brush it away. This is the number one way our kids get sand in their eyes. Be pro-active to prevent this from occurring because it will 100% ruin their trip.
- Sun Glasses – Another great way to protect their eyes from sand.
- Beach Blanket – Light weight, foldable, WASHABLE. We own two of these and I 100% recommend. They are great at the beach for kids to sit on while they have lunch and great for little ones to play on that aren’t really fans of the sand.
- Go-Pod – When you need a place for the baby to go other than your arms. The best part is it’s collapsible.
- Beach Football – Probably one of the best toys we’ve ever purchased. This is a must at the beach and at home.
- Wipes – Even if your kids are out of diapers carrying around wipes is a great idea. Such an easy way to clean up a mess.
- Beach Toys – Two things to keep in mind here – everyone wants a bucket and everyone wants a shovel. If you’ve got a lot of kids, make sure the pack you purchase has enough for everyone.
- Foldable Table – Great to sit your drinks and speaker on to avoid sand contamination.
- Sport-Brella – Owned and used for 10 years! Use to keep your little one out of the sun while they rest or nap and put your cooler underneath to avoid direct sun light.
- Veer Wagon – Full disclosure – I do not own one of these yet. They are quite pricey but they are the best available 100%. The big wheels make all the difference in transporting your items to and from the beach.
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