Here’s what to pack for a beach trip with the kids. This will help your day be fun, stress free, and help you enjoy the salt and sand.
I have grown up 40 minutes from the beach my whole life.
Went every weekend for years and now I bring my kids all the time.
On the one hand, there’s no formula for having a great day at the beach. On the other, if you forget important things – like beach snacks – then you have little ones begging for food which ruins the mood.
What's in this post...
Basics to pack for the beach
So, depending on what your accommodation is and what it provides, here are some things you need to be sure and have access to for successful beach trips.
Now, let’s talk basics.
- Bathing suits (with rash guards for little ones)
- Beach cover ups
- Hats and sunglasses
- Towels
- Beach chairs
- Umbrella (if there’s room)
- Sunscreen and aloe vera (for burns)
- Flip flops
- Beach toys, etc. listed below
- Snacks
Got A Picky Eater? These 6 Tips Will Solve It!
While we’re at it, I’ve written before on preparing to travel with a baby and how to travel organized. Somehow, I’ve managed to pack all 6 of our clothes for the long weekend in a small carry on. One small carry on.
Of course, this doesn’t include the bathing suits and towels, etc. but I made you a video just so you can see.
I hate over packing and usually use less than what I brought even when I pack minimal, so if you’re an over-packer then behold…
Beach Hacks For The Family
- Baby powder. If your kids are a bit anti sand, put baby powder right on the sand and it’ll help it wipe right off.
- Ziploc bags. You’ll notice I packed their clothes in bags and this is twofold. One it helps it pack righter and also it gives you somewhere to put wet clothes instead of getting everything else in your beach bag sopping wet.
- Jelly fish stings. Rub water and sand on the sting to get the stingers out.
- Store technology. Use those Ziploc bags you brought to store phones, cameras, keys, etc. in the beach bag so they don’t get sandy.
- Water in your ears? You can use an over the counter solution, blow out of a balloon (yes really) or even pour some rubbing alcohol into your kids’ ears after a full afternoon swimming.
Traveling tips with small children
What Beach Gear To Pack For Families With Babies
If you’re wondering what to pack for a beach trip with a baby, you’re already one step ahead.
So, you don’t need to bring everything and the kitchen sink along, but if you are going all day (and not able to walk quickly up to the house where you’re staying) then you’ll want to pack a few things.
Oh, and if you have a newborn, here are some lovely and safe newborn clothing recommendations.
Beach Stuff To Get For Toddlers & Preschoolers
Truly, toddlers and preschoolers are at the perfect age to enjoy the sand and beach festivities.
At this age, they probably only need one nap a day so you can have a lot of beach time without overtired meltdowns. The sun makes us tired (and healthy, FYI) so add in time for rest.
- Inflatable floating mat
- Sand toy set
- Sand free beach blanket
- Collapsible bucket set
- Beach tent
- Puddle jumpers
- Fishing net
- Sun hat SPF
Nursing in public: to do or not to do
Beach Gear The Whole Family Will Use & Love
So when making lists of what to pack for your beach trip, definitely include these things if you can fit them in the car. Of course, some homes will include these things, but others will not.
And also, use these packing tips for summer vacation if you need some help in that arena.
Often ,where you’re going, you’ll find stores that sell some of this stuff cheaply. You can even leave it behind at your VRBO if it’s too much to lug home.
How to keep your eye on the prize (and how a rest is not a resignation)
- Beach paddle ball set
- Water skipping ball
- Collapsible cooler
- Inflatable Floats
- Waterproof phone case
- Adjustable umbrella (that attaches to a chair, boat, etc.)
- Underwater video recorder
- Beach chair with canopy
As a beach veteran…
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to go wrong with a beach vacation.
Veggie mama says
please can I come?!!
Rachel Norman says
I wish you could ;)