Have a stress-free family beach day with this ultimate guide for exactly what to pack for the beach with kids.
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When the warmer weather hits, it brings the opportunity for more family fun outdoors. And what better summer tradition than a day at the beach! My husband and I have been doing regular beach days for years. It’s a nice way to spend time together. And once our son was born, we continued the tradition with him.
A beach day is a perfect and inexpensive family activity. We are so lucky to live just 5 min from the beach! We visit often which is why I have the ultimate guide to packing for the beach.
I’ll admit, family beach days used to stress me out, particularly all the packing I had to do and things I had to remember. If taking your kids to the beach seems a bit daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Today I’m sharing the ultimate guide for exactly what to pack for the beach with kids so you can all relish in the joy of a beach day while creating happy memories.
Part of enjoying yourself as a mom is planning and being prepared. Here are a few things you can bring to lower your stress level and improve your day at the beach with your family.
Ultimate Guide: What to Pack for the Beach With Kids
Sunglasses: I love these sunglasses for kids. They can bend them any which way and they won’t break. They help protect their eyes from the harsh sun too.
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Wagon: Have a struggle-free trip from the car to the beach by bringing a wagon. This is the exact wagon we have and it’s been helping us lug our stuff around since my son was born. We take it to the beach, the pumpkin patch, the zoo, and on walks.
My son also likes to eat here when he needs a break from the sun.
Beach Tent: Bringing shade to the beach is a must, especially with little kids. A lightweight and simple to set up beach tent is a lot easier than lugging around a heavy and awkward beach umbrella. Plus it gives you more shade, a little privacy, and is a great place if your child needs a nap.
Beach Towels: Definitely bring a couple towels, even if you’re not swimming. And an extra for your dog if you have one.
Cooler: Bringing your own cooler to the beach will not only allow you to save money from spending at the beach, but it will also let you keep your snacks and drinks cold. Kids need snacks so bring lots of snacks to the beach. This will provide comfort and in turn, lower your stress levels. Always bring extra water bottles too. A three-in-one tip here!
Sand Toys: You don’t need many toys, but we always pack a bucket and shovel for my son. It creates endless play from sandcastles, to collecting shells, to scooping water, etc.
Beach chairs: We didn’t always bring chairs, but now we do as we find it’s more comfortable than a towel.
Wipes: Don’t forget wipes to clean little hands and any extra messes.
Sunscreen: I always apply sunscreen to my son before we leave the house, but I also bring it along for extra applications especially if he is getting wet.
Hats: My son will wear a hat occasionally but I pack it regardless. I, on the other hand, can’t be at the beach without a hat and I love this one. It’s cute and affordable.
