What To Pack For A Fun Stress-Free Beach Day With The Kids

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.

mom putting sunscreen on her daughter she packed for the beach

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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…

father and son holding hands on the beach

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.

baby on a beach towel with a hat holding sunscreen

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.

Nursing in public: to do or not to do

toddler playing with shovel wearing sunglasses on a beach trip

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)