The 21 Best Things to Pack for a Family Beach Trip

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July 07, 2019

By: Samantha Lande

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Photo By: Hero Images

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!

Sunny skies and warmer temps mean it’s time to hit the beach. Beach days with kids can be an absolute dream…if you're prepared. Here are our must-haves for your family’s next beach outing.

Pop-Up Beach Shelter

It can be hard to find shade at the beach, so bring your own! This pop-up shelter is perfect for naps, playing cards or eating lunch under. Plus, it’s light weight and packs up easily, making it a win-win all around.

BUY IT: Target, $24

Pineapple Backpack Chair

A chair is a good thing to have on the beach, so why not get one that’s stylish? This pineapple chair is light, bright and easy to find in a sea of basic beach chairs. There is a mesh pocket on the back for added convenience. The best part? It has straps on the back so when you fold it up you can wear it like a backpack.

BUY IT: Target, $18

Beach Bag

We love a good mesh tote for the beach because it makes things much easier to find. This one comes with an extra storage area that is perfect for hiding your valuables or snacks in.

BUY IT: Target, $25

Waterproof Shoes

Little kids don’t always do the best with flip flops, so we love these waterproof shoes for running around and playing at the beach. They are easy to clean, come in bright colors and can stand up to both sand and water.

BUY IT: Nordstrom, $40

Waterproof Cards

It’s always good to have a few tricks (and games!) up your sleeve for downtime at the beach. Cards are the perfect solution. You can play a variety of games and this version is waterproof, so it doesn’t matter if the game is played with wet, sandy hands.

BUY IT: Amazon, $6

Portable Grill

If you are having a beach day and want to take it upon yourself to cook a few meals, this portable grill is the perfect companion. It’s small, light and can cook everything from veggies to meat.

BUY IT: Williams Sonoma, $200

Wireless Speaker

What’s a beach day without great tunes? Set up this waterproof Bluetooth speaker on the beach and have your own personal dance party. It weighs only 1.2 pounds, is easy to transport and the charge lasts for 24 hours.

BUY IT: Amazon, $30

Beach Toys

What’s a beach day without sandcastles? This set includes just about everything you need from shovels to pails, a sifter and a watering can. It comes in a mesh bag that is perfect for carrying and shaking sand out of.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17

Beach Mat

Families can hangout, eat lunch and sprawl out with plenty of room on this mat. It’s waterproof and sand resistant so you can enjoy those sandwiches without the extra crunch. The mat is also easy to clean and folds into a little pouch that you can throw into the car or wagon.

BUY IT: Amazon, $22

Bathing Suit

A bathing suit is a beach must, and what could be cuter than matching suits? This family set comes in a fun print and will definitely get oohs and aahs from fellow beach goers!

BUY IT: Amazon, $14

A Good Water Bottle

You’ll need to stay hydrated during your day in the sun. This water bottle is stainless steel and great at keeping water cold for hours at a time. It’s also BPA free and won’t leak when tipped over.

BUY IT: Camel Bak, $20

Hat

Protect those little heads from the sun while staying in style. These cute trucker hats come in fun colors and patterns that kids will want to wear. The band is moisture wicking and the adjustable hat fits all sizes.

BUY IT: REI, $25

Sunscreen

Fun in the sun is great until someone gets a sunburn. Prevent that from happening with sunscreen. This is a favorite of ours because it’s free of yucky chemicals and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It may be called thinkbaby but it’s great for kids and adults too.

BUY IT: Amazon, $13

Quick Dry Towel

Towels are a beach necessity so why not choose one that’s cute AND dries quickly? This lightweight towel comes in cabana stripes and its microfibers offer super quick drying.

BUY IT: Amazon, $24

Handheld Misting Fan

When the sun is really blaring down and you don’t want to jump in the lake, this misting fan does the trick to help cool you and the kiddos down. It sprays just the perfect amount of water along with a cool breeze to bring down your temp.

BUY IT: Amazon, $10

Cooler

If you are packing snacks and drinks, then a cooler is in order. This one is inexpensive and super easy (plus keeps things cold!) It can hold all of the water, juice boxes and fruit you need to keep the kids satiated for hours.

BUY IT: Amazon, $18

Wagon

Sometimes you need more than just a beach bag to cart your stuff—that's where a collapsible wagon comes in handy. Just unfold and go while sturdy polyester keeps all of your stuff from falling out as you walk.

BUY IT: Amazon, $65

A Cold Drink

Water is important but sometimes you want something with a little more flavor. We love these sparkling tea drinks for their refreshing taste and fun flavor combinations like green tea with grapefruit and mint, or white tea with peach and ginger. They come in both caffeinated and caffeine-free varieties that you can share with your kids.

BUY IT: Amazon, $30 for a sampler pack

First Aid Kit

Boo-boos and bites can happen at the beach, so be prepared! We love this repair kit that comes with colored bandages, antibiotic ointment, cortisone and hand sanitizer—all in a super cute package.

BUY IT: Target, $9

Life Jacket

Getting on a boat? Don’t forget a life jacket. They are even great to wear while swimming in a huge lake. Make sure to grab one that is U.S. Coast Guard certified.

BUY IT: Amazon, $54

Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes is super important and a great way to show off some style. We are a huge fan of these Babiators that come in different styles!

BUY IT: Babiators, $25