beach trip checklist with toddler

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The Organized Mom Life

An organized approach to pregnancy, baby, and beyond

Beach packing list- Baby and toddler

Going to the beach with a baby or toddler is a lot of work. There are so many things to pack, carry, and keep track of. I certainly don’t take naps or read whole books on the beach the way I used to before I had kids.

But it is 100% worth it to see my little girls experiencing something so new and exciting for the first time! I love it all- the giggles, the splashes, and the sandy little toes.

And guess what? There  is  a way to make all the packing and organizing a little more manageable.

If you’re planning a trip to the beach with your baby or toddler, save yourself a little time and sanity by using my  Beach Packing List- Baby and toddler version,  below. This list is tried and true- we used it to pack for our last beach trip- and includes all the major essentials that you’ll need.

Click here to download the printable beach packing list for babies and toddlers now.

Also, make sure you check out my general travel packing lists for mom, baby and toddler. (These lists include everything you’ll need for any vacation- add on the beach essentials checklist and you’ll be all set!)

What’s on the beach packing list: Baby/toddler version:

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Beach towels

Of course! I usually include one per person because no one wants to share someone else’s wet towel.

2. Swimsuits / Cover ups

If you’re packing for a whole week at the beach, I would pack at least 2 swimsuits per person. That way you will always have a dry one to change into.

I love cute cover ups for me and rash guards for my baby and toddler. (These are basically swimsuits that are short or long-sleeved.) They cover up more of your baby which means more protection from the sun.

3. Sun hats

Sun hats are great for keeping little faces and ears shaded. Just look for one with an under-chin strap, because if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll constantly be trying to pull off their hats and throw them in the ocean.

4. Floaties

There are three different types of these that we love to use at the beach or pool. With all three of these,  you definitely still have to watch/hold your kids while they’re in the water.  But we like them because they give our daughters a little bit more confidence and independence. And it’s kind of fun to float!

• Swim vests (like this one)  are great for toddlers, especially when they’re running around in or near the waves.
• Puddle Jumpers are great for toddlers, too, as long as you get one that fits really well.
• Inflatables like this one are my favorite for babies. They can float around with their feet in the water, and they’re shaded from the sun. We used this more in the pool than the ocean because our babies were always afraid of the waves, but on a calm day, this would work well in the ocean, too.

5. A change of clothes for baby

Babies tend to get rashes if you leave them in wet bathing suits for too long. If you’re planning on letting your baby nap in a shady spot on the beach, it’s a good idea to change them into dry clothes first.

6. Beach shoes

Every year I seem to forget that it is torture to walk on hot sand with bare feet. So if you expect your toddler to do any walking, make sure you’ve got some shoes for him or her, too. Water shoes are great because they can leave them on the whole time.

7. Swim diapers and wipes (with a plastic bag, for diaper changes)

Unless you have a house right on the water, you will probably need to do a diaper change in the sand. Have an extra swim diaper and some wipes ready, as well as a wet bag or plastic shopping bag for dirty diapers or wet clothes.

8. Sunscreen

Leave one bottle in your room and apply before you leave in the morning. Take another along to the beach and reapply as needed.

9. Insect repellant

This depends on where you like to vacation. I’ve never needed it, but I know that some beaches do have mosquitos or biting flies- so bring this along if you know you’re traveling to an area where you’ll need it.

You’ll want to bring something along that will create some shade and give your little ones a break from all that sunshine. Here’s the lowdown on our favorite options:

• Beach umbrellas: Easy to carry, easy to set up. They create a relatively small amount of shade. (Unless you get a humungous umbrella. Which you can.) Usually not a great option on a very windy day. However, I love umbrellas because the small ones are easy to pick up and take to wherever your toddler wants to play- even if it’s right by the water.
• Beach tents: These take up about the same amount of space as an umbrella when they’re all packed up, but usually give you a larger area of shade. They’ll take you some time to set up, and they’re not mobile, but they are pretty resistant to wind if you set them up well. (This usually involves filling bags with sand and burying them.) You can even get a beach tent with a little pool for your baby to splash in.

• We also have a huge canopy , which is pretty easy to set up (although you will need more than one person to do it), and gives you a huge, shady area to hang out. The downside is that, even folded up, it’s pretty big and very heavy to carry. Ours has wheels so you can pull it along, but you still have to carry it through the sand. Not that I know from experience, because my husband always ends of carrying it… but he says it’s very heavy! 🙂

11. Something to sit on

Just in case your baby/toddler gives you a little break and you get a chance to sit down. 😉 Here are the best beach-sitting options:

• A big blanket- Easy to pack, and your whole family can sit on it.
• Beach chairs-  Chairs are really nice if you want to sit partially in the water with your baby on your lap. (My favorite way to enjoy the ocean!)
• They also make adorable toddler-sized beach chairs . Which are maybe a little unessential. But sooo cute!

12. Pacifier

If your baby uses a pacifier, make sure you bring it along to the beach. This was a lifesaver for us when Kate kept trying to eat the sand, the rocks, the bugs, the dead crabs…

I’m not a fan of tons of toys because I always lose them in the waves, and they take up way too much real estate in my beach bag. I’ve found that you really don’t need too much to build an awesome sand castle. Here’s what I usually bring:

• 2 other toys (sand mold, boat, sieve, kite, ball, etc.)

14. A way to carry all your stuff

A beach bag is a good idea. A beach wagon is a great idea! I just can’t fit everything into one beach bag. I’ve tried. The beach wagon is a game changer.

There are also beach carts , which I’ve never used, but they seem to achieve the same goal- transport all of your gear across the sand without killing yourself.

Pack a little cooler with some snacks and drinks. My favorite beach snacks are:

• Goldfish crackers
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Apples or peaches
• Dried fruit

I make sure to bring along a cup or water bottle for each person. I’m a big fan of the Miracle 360 sippy cups. My toddler uses this one , and my baby uses this one.

Juice boxes aren’t a bad idea, either. Your goal on a hot, sunny day is to keep your kids hydrated, and some yummy juice (especially if your kids don’t usually get juice!) will definitely help you accomplish that goal.

Of course, if your baby is still nursing or drinking from a bottle, you’ll either need to bring a bottle, plan to nurse on the beach, or head back to your house or hotel every few hours or so.

If you’re nursing on the beach, I recommend using one of these as a nursing cover because it’s so lightweight your baby won’t get hot. It also dries really quickly and can be used as a changing pad in a pinch.

17. A small bag of your own essentials

Make sure you have a small bag with any of your own essentials in it. I always bring along:

• A hairbrush and hair ties
• Hand sanitizer
• A little first aid kit (Bandaids, Auro Dri ear drops , any essential medications)

18. Lotion with aloe vera

No need to bring this one to the beach. Just make sure it’s in your suitcase  just in case  you’re so busy chasing your kids around that you forget to reapply sunscreen, and find yourself a little more pink than intended the next day. 😉

So those are my suggestions. Did I forget anything? Be sure to let me know. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to:

• Click here to download and print your Beach packing list for babies and toddlers .
• Click here to download and print your Travel packing lists for mom, baby and toddler.

Thanks for reading!

Pin Beach Packing List for Babies & Toddlers:

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Reader Interactions

Savannah says

August 15, 2023 at 11:56 pm

I enjoyed your article & I myself love making lists before a trip! I noticed you mentioned the munchkin 360 cups, we tried these for a short time, then I did some research.. pediatricians and oral specialists recommend against them for the unnatural movement that it causes in babies when they’re trying to drink from them.. which can affect jaw/facial development, speech, etc. Just wanted to share what I learned when researching 🫶🏼🙏🏼

August 16, 2023 at 8:12 pm

Oh wow, I’ve never heard that! Good to look into.

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The Ultimate Packing List for a Toddler Beach Vacation

• Date: August 28, 2022
• Time to read: 6 min.

Family beach vacations are a great choice for family vacation, and packing the right things can make the trip smooth with your toddler. 

We take a lot of road trips with our family of 6, and we often take spontaneous trips. The way to pack for these trips quickly is to pack in categories!

Packing Categories

Entertainment 

Use this packing template to keep a list of things that you need every time you leave and keep it handy. 

I am admittedly an overpacker. I like to have everything I might need, but if you are more of a minimalist this list will give you ideas, but choose what you know your family uses and will appreciate. 

If you are traveling using public transit or flying to your beach vacation your list will be shorter. I have a short and sweet list for families flying or traveling by train or bus. 

Toddler Beach Vacation Must Haves:

Start with the essentials:

• 2 Bathing Suits
• Swim Diapers
• Puddle Jumper/Life Vest 
• Water Bottle 
• Beach Umbrella with Anchor
• Cooler Lunch Box

This is the bare basics to get out the door . We all know that there are a lot of other things that you will need for a vacation. 

You will need more outfits than you would at home.

I recommend 2 outfits a day for kids under 12 months, and 3 extra outfits per week for kids 1-3. If you will be spending every day on the beach, consider 2 outfits a day for everyone.

Be sure to include:

A Light Jacket

A Long Sleeve Option

One Restaurant Outfit  

Extra Shoes

• Water Shoes

I was not sure where to include water shoes, but they can be a great idea to keep little feet safe. They are an essential for some families and totally optional for others. 

These things will make life easier and keep everyone more comfortable. 

Be sure to pack the soaps and detergents that you use at home to avoid an unexpected allergic reaction to new products. 

Pack enough diapers for the trip and the first few days, most places will have a few stores where you can buy your normal brand, but international travel may require you to pack all the diapers with you. 

Be sure to include wipes. Pack twice as much as you usually use because baby wipes come in handy for lots of things when you are traveling. 

Baby Shampoo

Baby Lotion

Diaper Rash Cream

Bath Towels (if you use the soft baby towels at home)

First Aid Kit

Always carry a simple first aid kit! 

I like to have bandaids, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, anti itch, children’s pain relief and aspirin. 

The aspirin is not for the kids , if an adult is having a cardiac event an aspirin can save their lives. I always carry an aspirin in case we can use it to save a life. 

The bandaids get the most use and the itch cream helps with some uncomfortable moments on vacation. 

This kit on Amazon is a great little kit for the car, and it has what you need. We have this one and we keep it in the van door. 

This mini kit is a good one for the baby bag, or just grab what you need from the big kit and put it in a ziploc in the bag. 

Entertainment

I like to have some toys from home and some new beach toys packed. 

You know your kids best, so pack what you think will entertain them and keep them engaged during down time. 

Toys From Home

Your toddler will be comforted by toys and activities from home. 

Get a few small bags and pack 2-3 small bags of toys and books. If you find yourself needing a few moments get out a new bag. 

I like to rotate the toys each day to keep it fresh. 

Some favorites in my house:

Board Books

Fisher Price Little People 

Interlocking Blocks

Notebooks and Pencils

Magnet Tiles

Electronic Drawing Board

Choose a few toys that your little one loves and pack them away. 

The excitement of new beach toys is great for some kids and uninteresting for others. 

I have a 3 year old who could play in sand for hours uninterrupted, a sifter and cup are all she wants. Pure bliss. 

The best time to get sand toys is when you are at home before you depart, you can shop around and get the best deal, but there will be toys available at any beach you visit. 

My kids love:

Trucks and Tractors

Sand Castle Forms

These toys are really great and they can be used at a home sandbox too. 

Recommended Toddler Beach Gear

I am a gear girl and I love a good gadget to make adventuring with kids easier. Here are my favorites that we use all the time. 

Car Vacuum 

Sand is a constant battle whenever you visit the beach. I love, love, love my portable car vacuum. I actually have 2, but the Baseus Handheld Vacuum gets the most use in our car and on trips. 

The vacuum is the size of a water bottle and charges with a normal phone charger. It is so perfect for vacuuming our car seats or cleaning up small messes to keep everything nice and neat. 

I love to keep it in my baby bag. 

This is such a good investment for families who travel because there are just a million times when I want to be able to clean up.  

Portable Oven/ Food Warmer 

We also love our Hot Logic and Sabot Heat . 

This is just a small soft sided lunch box with a hot plate in the bottom. It can be plugged into the car outlet to cook or warm homemade food. 

They fit the rectangle Pyrex containers and it is just super convenient to be able to warm up food on the go. 

I have a bunch of ideas for meals in the Hot Logic in the linked post. 

Inflatable Pool

A small inflatable poo l is a great investment for a beach trip.

I have not used one, but my sister has loved hers on her multiple beach trips with her kids.

A pool gives the baby a safer place to splash around. Monitor the temperature of the water in the pool as it might heat up quickly.

I also love a small inflatable pool to make a bath in the bottom of a shower. This is an great trick families use when there is no tub for the baby. It packs so small and it is just a really versatile thing to throw in the bag.

Packing List for Flying to the Beach With a Toddler

If you have to pack light for your beach vacation here is your list:

I recommend that you pack these things in a brightly colored zipper bag or mesh backpack so that you can easily grab your beach stuff and head to the water. 

A mesh bag is a great way to carry your stuff on the beach as it allows the sand to leave the bag and is a good way to carry wet items too! 

I like this mesh beach bag on Amazon, it is affordable and available in many colors. You could also go with a mesh backpack that can be a great beach baby bag. 

When flying to the beach, plan to rent an umbrella and beach chairs.

You can purchase some toys at a discount store or skip the plastic and spend time enjoying beach treasures, you can use your mesh bag to collect stones, shells or other nature finds. 

We just spent a day at the lake and the new environment was really 

 Beach Trip With A Toddler

Ok mama, the trip is going to be great.

Maybe it is just me, but having small kids around the water is very stressful. I feel a lot better when there are 2 adults watching the babies with me. 

Check in with your partner about water safety, what are they thinking and what are they expecting?

Keep pool doors and gates locked, always wear water safety gear, always supervise your child when they are close to the water. 

Be sure to communicate clearly when sharing supervision duties so that someone is always in charge. 

Pack all the things that make you safe and comfortable around the water.

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August 1, 2023.

Table of Contents

Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been on more than a dozen beach trips with toddlers in tow. That’s what happens when you start a Caribbean travel company with a baby…

A day with a toddler at the beach means the chance to watch them take their first gleeful splashes in the ocean, feel the sand beneath their toes, and marvel at the ocean. 

But even for adults, the sun, salt, and sand can be an acquired taste.  To relax on a beach vacation with a toddler, it helps to come properly prepared. And it helps to have a specific beach vacation with a toddler packing list! 

The right gear and mindset can go a long way. 

Over the years, and through the trips, we’ve fine-tuned our beach packing list and beach tips for toddlers. This article shares out best hacks for tackling a trip to the beach with a toddler.  

Read on for our best toddler at the beach tips. But first — don’t forget to  grab your free toddler beach vacation packing list to keep you organized !   

This post contains affiliate links from our trusted partners, including the Amazon affiliate program. ​

Top toddler at the beach tips  .

Without further ado, here are our top toddler beach hacks and packing tips for a day with a toddler at the beach. 

1. Organization is your friend

Navigating a beach trip with a toddler can be a challenge, but one made easier with a little planning. 

If you’re worried you might forget something, start early with a toddler beach vacation packing list.  Add to the beach trip packing list as they occur to you, and tick them off as you pack them.  

Think about what you really need for your beach vacation with toddler, and resist the urge to throw in more. 

It might sound obvious, but really using your packing list to avoid overpacking is one of our best beach tips for toddler. Less can often be more, and minimal clutter makes it easier to find the things you really need.  

It also pays to invest in a beach tote to carry your toddler beach essentials!  We are huge fans of the Aloha collection . Specifically designed for moms, these beach totes take a weight off our minds as well as our shoulders. They are wipable with lots of pockets. Plus, the patterns are gorgeous, and will appeal to any mom’s sense of style. 

2. Start out at calm, nearby beaches 

When staying in a hotel with a toddler , it’s a perk to have a beach close by that’s suitable for younger kids. The chance to play in the sand and paddle in gentle, shallow waters, particularly near some food or shade, is top priority.

One of the reasons we love small beach hotels with kids is because you’re less likely to have a long hike to the beach.  That makes it easier to keep the gear on your packing list close by. 

If the hotel has its own beach, you know that it’ll be right on your doorstep. This is particularly attractive when nap time suddenly hits, or at the end of the day when you need a reset. The best Caribbean islands for families all have calm sloping beaches at your fingertips. 

If your hotel doesn’t have a calm beach that works for toddlers, that’s OK. Take the time to find the right conditions for your toddler beach day, as it means the kids will last longer at the beach. 

If you know you’ll be driving to and from beaches on your beach trip with a toddler, add a beach tent to your  toddler beach trip packing list , as it may be harder to find guaranteed shade. 

3.  Prioritize and reapply sunscreen

Yes it is a pain. Yes it is absolutely on the top of all toddler beach trip packing lists.  Young kids have especially sensitive skin and a bad sunburn can ruin more than just a day. 

The timing of the sunscreen application matters. Slather on a base layer before leaving the room. It’s much easier to do it before the kids have laid their eyes on the ocean or pool and are itching to get in. Reapply at every snack break so the little ones are distracted. 

It can prove tricky to find preferred sunscreen brands while traveling, so consider stocking up beforehand. This is especially important if your kids have sensitive skin and you need a specific product. Besides, prices are often inflated in vacation towns.

This Neutrogena Wet Skin kids sunscreen stick is our absolute favorite for toddler faces, and always finds a place on our toddler beach trip packing list. 

It’s easy to apply with no white residue, and makes it onto our toddler beach vacation packing list every year. For the body, we stick with Coppertone Kids . 

Our printable toddler beach trip packing list also includes a mini kit of frequently needed first aid items: antihistamines, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, band-aids, kid-safe pain relief, and bite cream.

Another beach tips for toddlers: Keep a bottle of after sun with aloe vera in the hotel refrigerator. If anyone does come back with sore skin, that’ll ease the discomfort and rehydrate the skin.

4.  Cover up with a rashguard

Sunscreen isn’t always going to cut it. For added protection – and peace of mind – add a rash guard to your beach vacation with toddler packing list. They don’t hinder mobility and can be worn for sand play and swimming. 

The right rashguard for a toddler not only makes your beach trip more convenient, but can be cute or stylish too. 

Pair one with a fantastic new swimsuit for mom , and the whole family will feel good headed to the beach. Getting into the right mindset before a toddler beach trip cannot be underrated. 

Plus, if your toddler hates putting on sunscreen, a rashguard means less surface area to cover. Win-win. With a full sleeve rash guard on your toddler beach vacation packing list, you’ll only have to sunscreen hands, feet, and faces. 

There’s no magic to picking the right rash guard, but we like this simple UPF 50 rash guard for a pop of color.  Size up to make the rash guard easier to put on, and to ideally get more than one season out of it.

5. Pack reusable swim diapers

Assuming your toddler is still in diapers, swim diapers go on the list of must have beach items for toddlers . Consider using reusable swim diapers rather than disposable ones, which are easier to manage and take up less space in your suitcase. 

Bear in mind that these types of diapers work differently from regular ones. They’re engineered to contain solids but not to absorb liquids, so you’ll still need regular diapers for the flight and getting out and about. 

These i play by green sprouts reusable swim diapers are the best we’ve found for efficiency and comfort. The snap closure means they fit better than other makes while the wicking liner reduces the risk of diaper rash. They’re machine washable too!  You’ll find them on our  printable toddler beach vacation packing list  for sure. 

When choosing swim diapers, you’ll find that brands run a little on the smaller size. Check the reviews to help choose the closest fit for your toddler.

6. Be selective with toddler beach toys

Toddlers at the beach have an infinite playground of sand and sea to explore. It’s almost instinctual to cram a bag with playthings, but, in reality, they may not need a ton of entertainment. 

Rather than fill your toddler beach vacation packing list with toys, limit yourself to a few.  Trust the natural seaside toys and take collapsible versions of tools and buckets for building sand castles that won’t take up much space. 

The last thing you need for your own mental sanity is to head off on your beach trip with toddler toys causing your suitcase to bust at the seams. 

This set of collapsible travel beach toys for kids includes a pop-up sand castle bucket with an assortment of sand molds. You can reuse it for years to come, and on domestic beach getaways too.

Beach trip with toddler tip: Always throw a book in the bag! Lure your toddler under the parasol for a siesta from time to time.  

Avoid the risk of losing or soaking favorite stuffies by leaving those safely at the hotel. If you’re on the hunt for travel toys that will also keep your toddler entertained on the plane ride to the beach, check out this list of  great toddler travel toys  from Twins and Travel. 

7.  Keep your toddler hydrated 

While on a family vacation with a toddler at the beach, you’ll need to keep everyone  well-hydrated. We suggest investing in a reusable bottle with a built-in straw or a sippy cup. Basically, anything that’ll help you avoid sand getting inside.

Cute and practical, these kids’ water bottles by Snug have a push-button lid to minimize the risk of sand getting in. They’re BPA-free and made from insulated stainless steel to keep contents cool.

Remember to carry small change in the local currency so that you can top up with extra drinks and ice cream while at the beach. 

8.  Find a sun hat that stays put

There are a ton of hats available to protect toddlers at the beach from getting a sunburned face. Choose one with a wide brim, neck flap, and UV to provide the most substantial protection. Meanwhile, chin straps keep the hat in place on a windy day. 

This SimpliKids wide brim sun hat blocks out UV rays with UPF 50+ and keeps heads cool with a breathable fabric. The body of the hat is adjustable so you’ll get a few years out of it, wind permitting!

A side note for parents, some toddlers (ours included) simply won’t keep their hats on at the beach. In that case, give yourself total permission not to worry about it. Try it out, but just let it go if it doesn’t work, and take extra shade breaks.

9. Protect sensitive feet with toddler beach shoes 

Another place where toddlers can really feel the burn is the soles of their feet. Water shoes can provide a barrier from hot sand in addition to pebbles or coral. These are also typically more comfortable than sandals, which can trap and run sand against the feet. 

Feet can breathe easy with these stretchy kids’ water shoes by FEETCITY. They roll down nice and small while the non-slip base makes them suitable for pool use.  If those aren’t available in the size you need, there are  myriad water shoe choices available on Amazon .  

10. Bring shade for your toddler at the beach

Some beaches have loungers with parasols for rent, others don’t. If you take your own supply of shade, it means you have the liberty to visit quieter, secluded beaches with fewer crowds. 

This fuss-free Pop N Go PlayPen requires next to no assembly. It’s windproof with UPF 50+ and folds neatly into an easily-portable carrying bag. As it accommodates up to two adults, you can sit with your toddler and relax for a sand break. 

As another tip, if you have a long walk to the beach, note that Caribbean hotels often provide large umbrellas in case of a tropical downpour. These come in handy for creating shade while walking to and from the beach.

11. Bring hooded beach towels 

  fter a lovely day with your toddler at the beach, getting back to the resort can be a different story. Rather than wrestling them into regular clothes when you peel them out of wet bathing suits, make your job easier with a nifty wearable beach towel. 

These might be one of our favorite items that has kept a prime spot on our packing list for beach vacation with our toddler. This saves you from having to pack a towel and a change of clothes. And they are so cute, we get tons of compliments. 

Thick and luxurious, this quick-dry oversized poncho toddler towel by Willow + Sim is ideal for the journey back to the resort. 

12. Take something off your plate

That pretty much wraps up our toddler at the beach tips and packing guide. 

If you’re feeling apprehensive at the thought of booking a toddler beach vacation or have unanswered questions, consider enlisting a travel advisor to help you plan the ultimate family beach vacation! 

Our Mango Tree Travel planning service is designed with families in mind to streamline the process, leaving you free to focus your energy on designing your dream vacation. For less than the price of a fancy dinner out, we’ll guide your way to the right beach destination for your family. Less stress, more fun! 

Toddler Beach Essentials Packing List

Sometimes, all you really need is a 2-pager to keep yourself organized. Having a printable beach vacation with toddler packing list may be the only way to ensure you don’t forget what you need.  

That’s why we made you one! Don’t worry, it’s a novel, and not designed to overwhelm. 

This simple, easy-to-follow  toddler beach vacation essentials packing list   to make sure you remember all the necessary gear, and nothing more. Y ou’ll get not only a full toddler packing list for beach vacation checklist, but also links to our favorite toddler travel gear. 

Grab it now before you start packing!  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Absolutely! To be sure, we want to offer our toddlers at the beach sufficient shade, sun protection, and water so they stay hydrated and cool. But toddlers love the sand and sea, and with your help will thrive on a beach day.

Check in with your toddler throughout your beach trip and pay attention to their energy levels and mood. Younger kids might tire after an hour or two and need to return to the room for a cooldown. Bear in mind that even on a cloudier day, sun exposure impacts toddlers more than teens and adults and that having access to shade and water is important.  

It helps to plan your days with a toddler at the beach to avoid the hottest part of the day – usually between 12:00 and 15:00.  Good thing that’s when toddlers typically take a nap! It makes it easy to avoid overheating. 

Strollers have their benefits as a place to nap while under shade at the beach. On the other hand, strollers and sand don’t mix so you will need to prepare to carry it. This really depends on what you – and your toddler – feel most comfortable with. 

Final Beach Trip with Toddler Thoughts  

Just remember, less can be more! Having an organized packing list for a beach vacation with toddlers is a must. But it’s not the end of the world if you forget something, or throw in something extra. You can do it!  

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Beach Packing List: 75 Essentials For Everyone & Every Trip

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Take the stress out of packing with my ultimate beach packing list for your next beach day or tropical vacation.

Looking for a free beach packing list? I’ve got you covered. 

You’re probably looking forward to your upcoming beach time and relaxation.

But your level of zen may waver based on the type of beach you’re heading to, the length of your beach trip, how many people are joining you…and so forth. 

One way to guarantee relaxation is to make a sufficient beach packing list. 

I’ve gone on my fair share of beach trips and beach vacations, and I’ve always felt that I prepared well. 

So, I put together the ultimate beach packing list that will have you covered for what to bring to the beach in any circumstance. 

My packing list for beach vacations serves as a to-do list ahead of your trip. 

Gathering all the beach necessities before your next beach vacation will make your beach days that much more leisurely.  

Whether these items are a given or something you haven’t considered before, check off each one that’s applicable to you and your needs!

Here’s my printable beach packing list based on my experience at beaches from North Carolina to Italy.

Table of Contents

Beach Clothes and Accessories

Read our guides to the best sustainable swimwear brands and best surf bikinis .

Read our guides to the best Yeti alternatives , the best ice packs for coolers , and the best coolers for camping .

Beach Shoes & Footwear

Read our guide to the best waterproof walking shoes and the best water shoes for kayaking (that also work well for the beach!)

Other Things For the Beach

What Should I Bring on a Beach Day Trip?

Of course, my beach day packing list is shorter than my entire beach vacation checklist. 

That being said, there are certain things to bring to the beach no matter how long you plan to stay. Let’s talk about the components of any essential beach packing list.

Sun Protection

First and foremost: don’t forget sun protection. Wear sunscreen , sunglasses , and a cute sun hat .

Wearing sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from sun exposure and sunburns.

Some form of sunblock should be the first thing in your beach bag.

I burn easily, so I always opt for a rub-in lotion over a spray or mist. Coral Isles is my go-to reef-safe sunscreen– I want to do all that I can to protect our coral reefs from bleaching.

Reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain coral-damaging chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. 

Along with sunscreen, I throw in small items like SPF lip balm and hand sanitizer.

Note: Remember to account for the travel size requirements if you’re traveling via airplane (less than or equal to 100 ml/3.4 oz in volume). Otherwise, you’ll need to make a pit stop once you’ve arrived at your special beach destination.

Drinking Water

If there’s anything I want you to take away from what you should bring to the beach, it’s sunscreen and a water bottle. 

We talked about protecting your skin with sunscreen. Now it’s time for water.

Having water on hand combats a variety of potential problems, like dehydration and heat exhaustion. 

Staying hydrated also helps you recover from long hours in the sun and keeps your skin hydrated.

The hot sun does make it hard to keep your water cold, but it’s important to drink from your water bottle, no matter the temperature. 

Luckily, you can keep water cold with an insulated reusable water bottle like a Hydroflask or Cirkul Bottle . 

Remember to bring an extra bottle of water and a dish if your dog is coming along for the adventure!

My Secret Tips

I try to learn from my previous vacations. Here are a few of my secret items that I carry: 

If you wear contacts like me, bring an extra pair. You never know if one will get messed up while swimming (been there, dealt with that). 

Hair Protection

I also color my hair, so a heat protection spray that protects hair from sun damage is a great idea. It also helps keep the color in good condition. 

Speaking of spray–I always bring bug spray . Sometimes bugs or gnats surprise you on the beach and come out of nowhere…I’m personally not a fan.

On that note, research what wildlife might be at the beach you’re going to. 

Sting Swabs

I recently found out you can purchase insect sting swabs . 

This would have been helpful when my friend got stung by a jellyfish during one of our beach trips in North Carolina…or when I was stung by a bee in New Hampshire.

I’m sensitive to the sun, and sunscreen wears off. I always bring a rash guard to prevent burning when I’m in and out of the water. 

Water Shoes

I also bring water shoes if I’m going to a rocky beach. Bruises from pointy stones are painful, and I get unbalanced trying to tiptoe across the rocks.

Portable Speaker

Everyone loves the person who remembers their portable speaker .

Reusable Bags

Pack snacks using reusable bags –after all, we’re trying to keep this beach clean!

Choosing Your Perfect Beach Bag

Okay, we’ve talked about a handful of helpful beach items–but as you probably realize, there are plenty more. Consider how you want to transport them all…

Help yourself out by choosing a big beach bag with lots of space. 

I like carry-all totes that I can drop everything into. This tote , in particular, is perfect. It has a classic striped pattern and outer pockets to keep your sandals.

I recommend backpacks if you’re bringing a beach chair or larger beach items because of the hands-free carrying.

When it comes to keeping your items dry inside that bag, you have a variety of options. 

Sometimes, I use a waterproof phone case that I can take straight into the water for underwater videos. 

But other times, I put my cell phone and important belongings into a dry bag . Then, I take pictures with a waterproof camera like a GoPro .

You know yourself best–maybe you need all of the precautions: a waterproof phone case and a dry bag!

Curious about dry bags? Read our guide to the best dry bags for kayaking and the best waterproof duffel bags .

How Do You Pack for 7 Days at the Beach?

A seven-day beach vacation packing list requires more planning and thought, but it doesn’t have to be daunting.

My beach packing list for a week of fun is more comprehensive than my normal beach packing list. 

Instead of daytime necessities, now we’re talking about changes of clothes and outfits suitable for sunrise beach walks and seaside dinners. 

Planning ahead instead of tossing stuff into a bag on Friday night makes each day that much better. 

Consider what you want your setup to look like–do you prefer beach chairs, or are you okay with sitting on a beach blanket for multiple days? 

When I head somewhere for an extended stay, I take all the beach gear, from items I’ll need on the beach to after-sun products. 

I take everything that is normally in my beach bag, plus larger items like chairs , a snack table , an umbrella , and a cooler .

After all, there’s nothing like napping in comfortable beach chairs under the shade of a beach umbrella. 

If you’re going on an extended beach vacation, it’s a good idea to bring at least one swimsuit cover-up . 

A bathing suit and flip-flops are suitable for the beach itself, but cover-ups and a change of clothes are more appropriate if you’re heading to any other activity or a restaurant for dinner.

I know– clothes take up extra space in your beach bag or carry-on…but wet clothes feel heavy and cold when you’re not on the beach. 

Plus, bringing a cover-up or change of clothes with you means you don’t need to rely on going back to the hotel room to change.

Pre-Trip Double-Check

Before leaving home, I do one last check of the beach essentials. A beach weekend away or seven-day stay is the perfect time to restock. 

If the sunscreen is empty, buy a new one. Same with sting swabs, lip balm, and anything else that runs out. 

Right before a big trip is also the best time to upgrade things like ice chests, beach chairs, and towels . 

Maybe you can even spring for a cute new swimsuit or snorkel for the kids.

How Do I Not Overpack on a Beach Vacation?

As an over-preparer who always wants to have everything on hand, I know how much of a challenge it can be to pack light. 

Ultimately, you will have to weigh what matters most to you. 

Items like sunscreen and water are necessary. Bathing suits, towels, and lightweight clothing are a given as well. 

I try to help myself save space by bringing travel-size creams, shower products, and medicine. 

Items like a beach chair are a bonus, but many of us beach lovers are content with beach blankets.

While I prefer a plush beach towel, sometimes I’ll take a thin microfiber sand-resistant beach towel to save room.

Also, factor in what type of beach you’re going to. 

Sure, a rocky beach is usually sand-free, but you’ll probably need water shoes slim enough to fit in your beach bag or (carry-on if you’re flying there). 

These little things are easy to overlook, so help yourself out by planning ahead of time.

Is There Anything You Should Add to the Packing List for Your Beach Vacation with Family?

My beach packing list for family trips includes the essentials of any day at the beach but supersized. 

After all, you’ll have more hands to help carry things like a beach umbrella or beach cooler.

All-inclusive resorts or a fully stocked vacation rental will provide beach towels.

If it’s easy and you have the space, throw an extra cheap pair of flip-flops or sunglasses in your beach bag. 

I found that on a family beach vacation, someone always loses a shoe or steals their sibling’s pair…

I’d also plan on either one communal wet swimsuit bag or having each person bring their own. No one wants to get stuck carrying a wet swimsuit without a waterproof bag, let alone multiple.

Always keep additional sun protection in mind. 

If you’re heading for the beach with multiple family members, a bottle of sunscreen is going to run out much faster than you may expect (speaking from experience). 

Aaaaand aloe vera. I know from my own family beach trips that some of my family members were convinced they wouldn’t get sunburnt. 

Then, I was always the one handing over the tube of aloe vera when they showed up red later that day…

Depending on the ages of your family members, consider bringing beach toys or an underwater camera. 

No matter what age you are, in-person entertainment is better than scrolling on your cell phone, which could overheat.

And remember, everyone has different interests! 

I’m personally not a huge fan of water sports or searching for marine life, so you probably won’t find me with snorkel gear on. 

You’ll find me on the beach blanket with a book . 

However, I have family members who love playing beach tennis and skidding into the surf with boogie boards–so I make sure to think through everyone’s interests when making a family beach vacation packing list. 

What Should You Put on the Beach Packing List for a Couple?

The key to packing for a couple’s beach trip is turning up the romance and showing your partner that you know what they like.

That being said, if you are going on a couple’s beach vacation, consider bringing specific items related to your relationship. 

Maybe you and your partner enjoy the same type of beverage or share a favorite beach pastime (e.g. volleyball , bocce, reading, portable board game).

Find little ways to feel connected to one another! Share one large beach blanket instead of two individual beach towels. 

Talk through the packing list with your partner ahead of your trip so you can focus on each other once at your romantic beach destinations.

Double-check that you’re both packing appropriate clothes for your activities.

This is especially important if you’re going on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary with a nice dinner. 

Some restaurants may have a dress code where sandy flip-flops won’t fly.

You can also surprise them with a new accessory to use on your beach trip, like a hat or cover-up. Or go the homemade route by coordinating a beach picnic. 

If nothing else, set aside time for a long walk up and down the shore. 

What Do You Need on the Beach Packing List for a Toddler?

Your beach trip packing list with a baby or toddler is going to look similar to your family beach vacation packing list 

Here are additional beach essentials for toddlers:

Keep toddlers occupied for hours with a sand castle set . Just make sure there are enough mini shovels for everyone.

No one enjoys hot sand that burns your feet, especially toddlers. To avoid the fuss, ensure they have shoes or water shoes on (if you can get them to keep the shoes on, that is).

Kid’s Sunscreen

The last thing you’ll want is for your toddler to get a sunburn, so make sure to wear sunscreen that’s 50 SPF or higher. 

I suggest sunblock sticks (shaped like lip balm) for easy application if your toddler is fussy.

Get them a kids’ sun hat . Once again, it may or may not be hard to get them to keep it on, but you’ll be grateful to have it.

Rash Guards

Rash guards are an extra level of protection. They also help if you’re heading somewhere with slightly cold water.

First Aid Kit

Because we all know how clumsy toddlers can be, bringing a first aid kit will be a good idea. 

Waterproof Bandaids

Maybe bring waterproof bandaids as well because the standard kits will likely have regular ones inside.  

Spill-Proof Cup

On that clumsy note–make sure to bring a spill-proof cup for your toddler. Fresh water is valuable when far from the nearest beach stand or your accommodation. 

The commotion of a beach day with kids will make it all too easy for an open cup to be knocked over. 

Bring floaties for safety if you plan on playing in the water. Toss them in the bag even if you don’t plan on taking them into the waves. 

Water wing floaties are flat to pack, quick to inflate, and add peace of mind.

Make sure to have snacks for toddlers or kids. You can never go wrong with granola bars and juice boxes. 

Just make sure to have some form of trash container with you for all the snack wrappers.

There you go–all the beach essentials you’ll need for your next beach vacation. Grab your flip-flops and beach towel. It’s time for some sun!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She was quickly drawn to the Southeastern coast of the United States after she discovered a world outside of Midwest winters. During her time attending Elon University, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. A switch was flipped, and she quickly fell in love with the European culture and lifestyle.

She has now traveled to more than 20 countries and hopes to continue the tally while testing out new and unique travel gear along the way. You can often find her accompanied by a good book and her calico cat.

Looking for more beach gear? Check out these related articles below! 

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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The Ultimate Beach Packing List for Toddlers

• Post author: Rachel Pedranti
• Post published: January 14, 2023
• Post category: Travel
• Post comments: 0 Comments

When packing for beach trips with toddlers, it can be tricky to make sure you have all the essentials. From beach toys and sunscreen to beach-appropriate snacks, the list of must-haves can seem endless! To help ease the stress of packing for a beach vacation with young kids in tow, we’ve put together an ultimate beach packing list for toddlers that covers all your bases. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be ready for a fun and enjoyable vacation at the beach with your toddler – no matter what comes your way!

 If you have any questions on why something is included on the list then I highly recommend you read the post on toddler beach essentials , it has all my best tips and tricks for beach days with toddlers and my must-haves for every time we go. If your kiddo is under about a year old then I would actually recommend these baby beach essentials instead!

This is the packing list version of our beach essentials that you can print out and check off as you get ready to go on your next family trip!

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here .

Beach Vacation Packing List Printable

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Headed on your beach vacation a little later? Save this post to use the beach checklist when you’re ready.

More Beach Posts for a Smooth Vacation

• Ultimate Guide to Swim Diapers for Babies and Toddlers
• 11 Beach Essentials for Toddlers to Bring on Your Next Trip

Beach Vacation Packing List for Toddlers

You can make your beach trip as smooth as possible for the whole family by bringing a number of items for sun protection, fun, and maybe even a little relaxation. This is the ultimate packing list for toddlers heading on a beach outing with the family. It may feel like you’re bringing everything but the kitchen sink but it really will make your family beach vacation smoother if you come prepared.

Toddler Beach Essentials

• Beach Umbrella
• Life Jacket
• Large Beach Bag
• Wet/Dry Bag (or Ziplock Bags)
• Sun Glasses
• Swim Diapers
• Beach Towel
• Beach Blanket
• Full Water Bottle
• Baby Carrier
• Cornstarch or Baby Powder
• Collapsible Wagon

Extra Beach Must Haves For Mom + Dad

There are the essentials you will want on the beach with you, it is a very similar list to a pool packing list with just a few additions.

• Beach Chair(s)
• SPF Lip Balm
• Portable Speaker
• Beach Games
• Water Bottle
• Snacks + Water

Clothing to Pack for the Beach – Per Toddler

• 3-5 Bottoms
• 5-7 Tops or Dresses
• 1-2 Nice Outfits
• 2-3 Swimsuits
• Swimsuit Cover
• 10 Underwear or Diapers
• Hair Accessories
• Nail Clippers

Electronics

• Tablet Charger
• Portable Charger
• Sound Machine
• Baby Monitor

Miscellaneous

• Hand Sanitizer
• Small First Aid Kit
• Garbage Bag
• Travel Stroller
• Pack N’Play
• Changing Pad
• Silicone Bib

Traveling With Young Kids:

• Baby Packing List For Your Next Family Vacation
• How to Travel with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
• 11 Best Baby Carriers for Traveling and Sightseeing
• 17+ Baby Travel Essentials to Simplify Family Travel
• 35+ Best Travel Snacks for Toddlers

Shop Toddler Beach Essentials

Toddler beach packing list.

This beach packing list for a toddler has worked for our family countless times. I know it will help you remember all the beach gear you need to bring for a good time on your family vacation. Although beach trips with toddlers and babies look different than before you had kids, they are still wonderful vacations. The quality time you get to spend together making memories is priceless.

Don’t forget to use this beach packing list for all the adults and older kids in your group as well so that nobody has to go without essentials they wish they’d brought. You may be able to cut back on how much stuff you have to bring by checking with your hotel or beach house first to see what they provide.

If I forgot anything you think should be included or if you have any questions, let me know!

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Packing List For A Beach Vacation With Toddlers

Table of Contents

Planning a beach vacation with your toddler is an adventure filled with excitement and joy, a chance to make those sunny, sandy memories that last a lifetime. As parents, we know firsthand the difference that being well-prepared can make to the overall experience. It’s not just about packing; it’s about ensuring those little moments are spent making sandcastles rather than worrying about forgotten essentials.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive packing list . Drawing from personal experiences and the collective wisdom of seasoned parent travellers, our aim is to arm you with a guide that leaves no stone unturned. Whether it’s your first time hitting the beach with a little one in tow or you’re looking to refine your packing strategy, we’re here to help you navigate this with ease and confidence.

Let’s dive into making your beach vacation with your toddler as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation with Toddlers

When it comes to packing for a beach vacation with your toddler, striking the right balance between essentials and convenience items is key. We’ve all been there – overpacking to the point where you can barely close your suitcase, only to realize you didn’t use half of the items. On the flip side, forgetting something crucial can turn a day at the beach into a bit of a scramble.

The goal is to pack smart, ensuring you have everything your toddler needs for safety, comfort, and, of course, fun.

Essentials for Your Toddler’s Beach Day

Heading to the beach with your toddler is a mix of fun and responsibility. Ensure you’re well-prepared with this list of must-haves for a seamless day by the sea.

• High-SPF Sunscreen : A toddler-specific, high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen offers crucial protection against UV rays, keeping your little one’s skin safe during playtime.
• Wide-Brimmed Hat : Shields your toddler’s face and neck from the sun, reducing the risk of sunburn and providing essential sun protection.
• UV-Protective Swimwear : Covers more skin than traditional swimwear, offering an additional layer of defense against harmful sunlight.
• Swim Diapers : Essential for containing any accidents in the water, swim diapers are a must-have for any toddler’s beach day.
• Toddler Swimsuit : Not only adorable but also functional, ensuring your toddler is comfortable and protected while enjoying the water.
• Flotation Devices : Approved arm bands or life jackets provide an extra safety measure, ensuring your toddler stays afloat under your supervision.
• Water Bottle : Staying hydrated is key, especially on hot days. A durable, toddler-friendly water bottle encourages regular sips.
• Juice Boxes : Offer a variety of fluids to keep your toddler hydrated and happy throughout the day.
• Snacks : Choose non-perishable, easy-to-eat snacks like whole grain crackers, pre-sliced fruit, or small boxes of raisins to maintain energy levels without the mess.
• First Aid Kit : Pack a kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, toddler-specific medications, aloe vera for sunburn, insect repellent, and a thermometer to handle minor accidents and discomforts.

By packing these essentials, you’re ensuring a beach day that’s as stress-free as possible, letting you focus on the fun and the precious memories you’re creating with your toddler.

Comfort and Convenience Items for a Hassle-Free Beach Day

Adding comfort and convenience items to your beach day essentials ensures a more enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here’s what to pack for a seamless day at the beach with your toddler:

• Beach Tent or Umbrella : Provides essential shade, creating a cool, protected area for your toddler to play or nap. This shaded oasis is vital for a successful beach day, ensuring your family has a comfortable retreat from the sun.
• Beach Chairs and Blankets : Lightweight, foldable chairs offer a sand-free seating option for adults, while beach blankets create a soft, clean space for toddlers to sit and play. Opt for blankets with a waterproof bottom to prevent moisture from seeping through.
• Toys and Entertainment : A selection of beach-appropriate toys, such as buckets, shovels, and molds, encourages sandcastle building and imaginative play. Waterproof toys and floating balls enhance water play, keeping your toddler entertained and engaged.
• Extra Clothing and Towels : Wet clothes and sandy messes are part of the beach experience. Pack extra outfits for your toddler to ensure they have a dry, comfortable change for the journey home. Extra towels are essential for drying off and protecting car seats from wet swimsuits and sandy feet.

Incorporating these items into your beach packing list elevates your beach day from good to great, focusing on comfort and convenience to make your outing with your toddler as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Tips for Packing Light and Efficiently

Maximize the fun and minimize the fuss on your beach day with these smart packing tips. Keep your bag light, organized, and filled with just what you and your toddler need.

• Packing Cubes and Multi-Purpose Items : Transform your beach bag organization with packing cubes, categorizing items like swimwear and snacks for easy access. Embrace multi-purpose items, such as a sarong that can serve as a beach blanket, towel, or cover-up, and select snacks like fruit that hydrate and nourish.
• Selecting the Ideal Beach Bag : Choose a lightweight, spacious beach bag with several compartments for organization. A waterproof lining safeguards electronics and valuables, while a dedicated wet compartment keeps damp items separate, maintaining the cleanliness and dryness of your personal items. We like this extra-large mesh beach bag from Amazon .
• Prioritize Packing Essentials : Begin with indispensable items—broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats for sun protection, swim diapers for toddler beach essentials, and a basic first aid kit. Then, strategically fill the remaining space with comfort items, ensuring the essentials aren’t buried beneath toys and snacks.
• Streamline Your Inventory : Evaluate each potential pack item for its necessity and multipurpose potential. This reflective approach helps eliminate non-essentials, lightening your load and simplifying your beach day preparations.

Implementing these strategies leads to an efficiently packed beach bag, ensuring you have everything necessary for a delightful beach outing with your toddler, without the burden of unnecessary extras.

Safety for Toddlers at the Beach

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach outing involves prioritizing your toddler’s well-being. Here are key safety measures to implement:

• Water Safety : Constant supervision is critical near water. Stay close enough to touch your toddler at all times and use approved flotation devices like arm bands or life jackets designed for small children. These measures are crucial for preventing accidents and enhancing your toddler’s safety in the water.
• Sun Safety : Apply a toddler-friendly, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against UV rays, reapplying as necessary throughout the day. Utilize beach tents or umbrellas for shade, especially during peak sunlight hours, and dress your toddler in UV-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection.
• Crowd Safety : Maintain a vigilant eye on your toddler to prevent them from wandering off in crowded beach settings. Use safety wristbands with your contact information for quick reunification in case of separation. Teach your toddler to identify and approach lifeguards or uniformed personnel if they lose sight of you.

Adhering to these safety tips ensures a fun-filled beach day with minimal risks, allowing you and your toddler to focus on making lasting memories in a secure environment.

How To Keep Your Toddler Entertained At The Beach

Keeping your toddler entertained at the beach can turn a good beach day into a great one, with a little creativity and preparation. Here are some fun and engaging activities to ensure your toddler has a blast by the seaside.

Sandcastle Building : This classic beach activity never gets old. Bring along some sand toys like buckets, shovels, and molds to help your toddler create their architectural masterpiece. It’s not only fun but also great for their fine motor skills and creativity.

Beach Scavenger Hunt : Create a simple scavenger hunt list with items your toddler can safely find at the beach, such as shells, smooth stones, seaweed, or a feather. This activity can keep them engaged and excited about exploring their surroundings. Just make sure to supervise closely to ensure they don’t pick up anything potentially harmful.

Water Play : With your close supervision, let your toddler enjoy the shallow water. Splashing around and feeling the waves gently lap against their feet can be a thrilling experience. Consider bringing along some waterproof toys for added fun.

Nature Art : Use the beach as your canvas and create art with natural materials. Help your toddler arrange shells, rocks, and seaweed into patterns or pictures on the sand. It’s a wonderful way to foster their creativity and appreciation for nature.

Bubble Blowing : Bubbles and beaches go hand in hand. Pack a small bottle of bubble solution and a wand, and watch your toddler’s delight as they chase and pop bubbles against the beautiful backdrop of the sea.

Picnic Time : Snack time can also be a fun activity. Set up a little picnic area on your beach blanket and enjoy some healthy snacks together. It’s a great way to recharge before diving back into the fun.

Remember, the key to keeping your toddler entertained at the beach is to engage with them, explore together, and see the beach through their eyes. With these activities, you’re not just keeping them entertained; you’re creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Sunscreen To Bring For Your Toddler

Choosing the right sunscreen for your toddler is crucial for their skin protection during those sunny beach days. Toddlers have delicate skin that requires gentle yet effective sunscreens to ward off harmful UV rays. Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re selecting the best sunscreen for your little one.

Broad-Spectrum Protection : Look for sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. This ensures your toddler’s skin is shielded from sunburn and longer-term skin damage.

SPF 30 or Higher : Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 for adequate protection. This level reduces the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Water-Resistant : Beach days often involve water play, so choosing a water-resistant sunscreen is a must. Look for products that claim to be water-resistant for 40 to 80 minutes, and remember to reapply after your toddler has been in the water or has sweated.

Mineral Formulas : Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended for toddlers because they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. These ingredients sit on top of the skin, forming a barrier against the sun’s rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin.

Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic : To minimize the risk of skin irritation, opt for sunscreens that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. These formulations are gentler on your toddler’s sensitive skin and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Application Form : Creams are typically recommended for the face as they are less likely to drip into the eyes, which can be irritating. However, sticks and sprays can be convenient for quick reapplications, especially on the go. If you use a spray, apply it to your hands first, then rub it onto your toddler’s skin to avoid inhalation.

A few popular and highly rated sunscreens that meet these criteria include:

• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen
• Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen
• Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen

It’s always a good idea to perform a patch test with a new sunscreen on a small area of your toddler’s skin before using it widely, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies. And remember, sunscreen is just one part of sun protection; combining it with shade, clothing, and hats will give your toddler the best defense against the sun.

How To Keep Your Toddler Hydrated At The Beach

Ensuring your toddler stays hydrated, especially during those warm beach days, is crucial for their health and well-being. Toddlers are more prone to dehydration than adults, so keeping them well-hydrated requires a bit of planning and creativity. Here are some effective strategies to make sure your little one gets enough fluids throughout the day.

Offer Fluids Regularly : Don’t wait for your toddler to tell you they’re thirsty. By then, they might already be dehydrated. Offer water regularly, aiming for small amounts frequently throughout the day. A fun, colourful water bottle just for them can make this more appealing.

Make Hydration Fun : Sometimes, toddlers might be too distracted or uninterested in drinking water. You can make hydration fun by using straws, adding slices of fruit for flavour, or even giving them ice pops made from diluted fruit juice. These methods can make drinking fluids a more exciting activity.

Incorporate Hydrating Foods : Incorporate water-rich foods into your toddler’s diet. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges, and vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, can contribute to their overall fluid intake. Offering these as snacks can be a tasty and effective way to keep them hydrated.

Model Drinking Water : Children love to imitate their parents. Make a point of drinking water regularly yourself and comment on how refreshing and good it makes you feel. Seeing you prioritize hydration encourages them to do the same.

Understand Their Needs : The amount of water a toddler needs can vary based on their age, weight, and activity level. A general guideline is at least 4-6 cups of fluid for toddlers aged 1-3 years. However, they’ll need more if they’re active, it’s hot, or they’re sweating.

Use a Hydration Schedule : While it’s important to offer fluids regularly, having a loose “hydration schedule” can help ensure they’re getting enough fluids throughout the day. Offer water or other hydrating beverages at meals, snack times, and after any physical activity.

Educate on the Importance of Drinking Water : Even at a young age, toddlers can begin to understand basic concepts about why water is important. Explain how water is good for their body, helps them play and have fun without feeling tired or unwell.

Remember, every child is different, so pay attention to signs that your toddler might need more fluids, such as less frequent bathroom breaks, dark-coloured urine, or saying they’re thirsty. By keeping hydration fun and consistent, you can help ensure your toddler stays well-hydrated and healthy, especially on those active, sunny days at the beach.

After the Beach: Clean-Up Tips

Wrapping up a fun day at the beach requires a bit of organization and know-how, especially when it comes to dealing with wet sand, soggy beach towels, and the inevitable pile of beach toys. Here are some essential clean-up tips to make the transition from beach to home as smooth as possible.

• Baby Powder Magic : One of the best things you can discover as a beach-going parent is the power of baby powder for removing wet sand from skin. Gently dusting baby powder on sandy feet, legs, and hands can help the sand fall right off, making it a breeze to keep your car and home sand-free.
• Separate Bag for Wet Items : After a day of splashing in the shallow waters and building castles in the wet sand, you’ll end up with more than a few wet swimsuits and towels. Packing a separate bag, specifically for wet gear, can help keep the rest of your belongings dry and organized. This is a great idea not just for convenience but also for preventing mildew and odors on the ride home.
• Dry Bag for Electronics and Valuables : The beach is no friend to electronic devices or personal items that need to stay dry. Using a dry bag is a good option to safeguard your phone, camera, and other valuables from water and sand damage. These bags are designed to be completely waterproof, offering peace of mind while you enjoy the beach destination with your family.

These after-beach clean-up tips not only make life easier but also ensure that your beach gear lasts longer and your car stays cleaner. With a little bit of preparation, like bringing along baby powder and the right kind of bags, you can end your beach day on a high note, ready for the next time you hit the sands.

Finals Thoughts On Your Packing List For Beach Vacation With Toddler

Wrapping up your beach day with a well-packed beach bag, mindful of both essentials and comfort items, ensures a hassle-free experience that’s enjoyable for the whole family. From sun protection gear like high-SPF sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats to safety measures including flotation devices and water safety vigilance, every detail contributes to a memorable family vacation .

Remember, a beach tent or umbrella for shade, lightweight beach chairs, and a spacious beach bag can make all the difference. Keeping toddlers entertained with sand toys and ensuring they stay hydrated with water bottles or juice boxes are key aspects of a successful beach trip.

By prioritizing safety with sun safety practices, crowd safety measures, and a first aid kit, you’re setting the stage for a fantastic beach day. And, at the end of the day, packing extra clothes and towels means everyone can head home comfortable and sand-free.

Let this family beach vacation packing list guide your next trip, ensuring it’s filled with laughter, fun, and cherished memories for the whole family.

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Toddler Beach Packing List: 16 Beach Must Haves

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If you’re heading to the beach with toddlers (or toddler twins!) you need to have a toddler beach packing list. Knowing what the best beach essentials for toddlers are! It will make the day way easier and a lot more fun if you are prepared.

Growing up in Rhode Island, the majority of my childhood summers were spent at the beach. I have amazing memories of spending the entire day at the beach.

We would get there super early in the morning and bring a picnic lunch. Sometimes we would run down the road to get pizza or clam cakes and chowder for dinner, go for an evening swim, and return home after dark.

Those were the best days!

As a teenager, I spent many days at the beach, and they were very lowkey. I’d bring a beach chair, beach towel, sunscreen, and book, and that’s it.

When my husband and first got married, we lived in Florida and had many lowkey day trips to the beach as well. We didn’t really prep for them and didn’t bring much at all.

We moved to Ohio during our second year of marriage and were there for the first four years of parenting. This past year we moved to Rhode Island and I was SO EXCITED for summer beach days. As the weather got warmer and I started thinking about going to the beach with my children.

As a stay-at-home-mom, I planned on taking them during the week on my own, and it hit me… with three small children, I needed to be prepared and I had no idea what were essential items for a beach trip with three toddlers.

*Post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Luckily, my mom had plenty of experience doing just that, and she was a wealth of information, but quite a bit had changed in the past 20+ years!

I started asking some of my friends for help and set about researching the best toddler beach essentials.

Beach Packing List For Toddlers

Now, if you are traveling for a beach vacation, it’s not possible to take all of these things. We have a family vacation in Florida coming up and the house we are renting provides many beach essentials.

If you’re renting a house, make sure to ask what is included!

A Beach Wagon or Beach Cart

Once my children are older, I definitely plan on having them help carry things. However, while they are still so little, I need to be able to get it all onto the beach by myself.

When it comes to transporting your gear to the beach, you have 2 choices: a beach cart or a beach wagon. Beach carts are MUCH easier to pull in the sand than a wagon, but they can’t transport your toddlers!

Beach wagons require a bit more force to pull through the soft sand, but your kids can ride in them. So it really depends on your needs.

I have an entire post dedicated to the best beach wagons for toddlers that you can read!

However, I’ll give you the spoiler version here:

Beach carts are my preferred method because they are so much easier to pull through the sand. My kids have always been fine walking from the car to the beach because they were so excited to go play! I’d bribe them with a fun snack for the car ride home when it was time to leave and that was enough to get them to walk back to the car.

The Rio Brands Wonder Wheeler or the Tommy Bahama All Terrain Beach Cart are the two beach carts that I would highly recommend. They honestly are pretty much identical and go back and forth in price and availability!

If you really want/need a wagon to transport your KIDS then I recommend the Hauck Eco Wagon ! It doesn’t have a lot of fancy features that other beach wagons has, but it handles the absolute best on sand compared to a lot of other wagons.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have seatbelts, so if you don’t trust your toddler to stay in the wagon, then make sure to check out my toddler beach wagon post for other options!

Mesh Beach Bag for Toys

A Mesh Beach Bag is perfect for things that get wet and sandy. It will dry quickly and the sand will brush right off. We store our beach toys in ours, as well as sandy water shoes.

The one I’ve linked to is backpack-style ! You can even have your child wear it, depending on their age.

Toddler Beach Chairs

Before we went to the beach for the first time, I thought we could manage without beach chairs. One less thing to carry, right? I was so wrong, haha! My kids got sand allll over our beach blanket. They didn’t grasp the concept of don’t walk on it with your wet, sandy feet.

Then, when they ate lunch, they constantly were resting their hands between bites and their sandwiches were getting covered with sand. It was so gross!

We have these beach chairs , and they are adorable and a great size; my kids definitely won’t outgrow them anytime soon. They come with carrying bags, but since we have a beach cart, I just drop them in there.

If you have a young toddler, you might want to consider a sand-friendly high chair .

We used this high chair with our fourth baby. It was really nice to be able to contain him somewhere so we could all eat in peace.

This is another great travel high chair option ! It is a new item that wasn’t available when my youngest was a toddler, but it looks like it has tons of nice features. It fits older toddlers (the one we had was pretty small) and has a canopy for sun protection.

Speaking of chairs, my husband and I have these beach chairs for ourselves and we absolutely love them. They are comfortable, durable, and have backpack straps to easily transport them

Beach Umbrella or Sun Tent

It is a good idea to have a beach tent or umbrella to give you some shade and privacy for diaper changes or hopefully a nap!

If you are lucky, you can get your young kids to lie down and take a nap! My toddlers were never great beach nappers because they were too excited to play, but my babies loved to nap on the beach.

I have an entire post dedicated to the best beach tents for babies, toddlers, and families that I definitely recommend checking out because your needs will vary based on your family situation.

Beach Towels

I absolutely love these beach towels !

You might be thinking what makes a beach towel so special? These dry SO FAST! We can use them multiple times within the same beach trip. We simply hang them over the back of a chair when they get wet and they dry insanely fast.

They also fold up incredibly small and I can easily fit all 6 inside of my bogg bag.

Get my favorite beach towels here!

Bathing Suits with Rash Guard

I love that they make bathing suits with long-sleeved rash guards for kids. I don’t remember that being an option when I was a child and it makes it so much easier to protect our little ones’ skin from the sun.

I love the rash guards from Primary.com, Hannah Andersonn , Willit , and Swim Zip .

Water Bottle or Sippy Cup

I like to use stainless steel water bottles with double wall insulation so that the water stays nice and cold and there’s no condensation. My kids have used these water bottles for years and we love them.

If your toddler doesn’t like to use a straw, these stainless steel sippy cups are a good option.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!! I have a list of my favorite reef-safe sunscreen you can check out if you need recommendations!

I like to use mineral sunscreen on my babies (6 months+) and toddlers. Mineral sunscreen can be a bit harder to apply than regular sunscreen, so I make the switch around 2.5/3 to regular sunscreen.

You don’t need any fancy beach toys. Children are perfectly content with a bucket and shovel and will entertain themselves playing in the sand for hours on end.

If you are going on a family beach trip and don’t want to pack sand toys, you can always buy a few of them when you arrive and then donate them to your beach rental. It’s an extra cost, but packing for a family trip is a lot of work and it might be worth it to have fewer things to pack.

These collapsable beach buckets are seriously amazing. They could easily fold up to fit in a suitcase! I love that they are so compact.

My toddlers also love these beach nets for catching crabs, these construction vehicles for sand , these sand shovel scoops , this rain shovel (this is SO FUN!!), and this scooping claw toy .

Do you like how I state that children just need a shovel and bucket and then list a bunch of beach toys? Haha! Sorry! You TRULY don’t need them all.

Keep in mind that we go to the beach multiple times per week and don’t take all of these toys with us every time.

Beach Shoes

Swim Diapers

If your toddler isn’t potty trained, you will need swim diaper s. If regular diapers get wet, they will explode. Don’t ask me whether or not I know this from experience… *face palm*

Keep in mind that swim diapers are meant to pretty much only hold poop, so don’t put it on them at your house or hotel room. Change them into it right when you get to the beach!

You can use either disposable swim diapers or reusable swim diapers .

Flotation Device

I watch my kids like a hawk when we are at the beach, especially my toddlers! I like to use a toddler swim vest or a puddle jumper for my toddlers to take them out into the ocean and let them float around a bit.

These by no means are a replacement for adult supervision!

While it isn’t crucial, it is a great idea to take a wet bag to put your toddler’s wet clothes in!

Change of Clothes

This is an item that is often forgotten and let me tell you, it is crucial! There is NOTHING worse than a toddler that is overtired, wet, sandy, and cranky…. other than a toddler that is overtired, wet, sandy, cranky, and FALLS ASLEEP IN THE CAR.

Bring a change of dry clothes and change them as you are leaving the beach.

Even if you do your best to cover your child with sunscreen, their scalp can burn easily. Prevent this by putting a sunhat on them. I prefer to get sunhats with a neck flap, as the back of the neck is one of the body parts most exposed to

I love this one iPlay and this one from Hannah Andersonn !

Corn Starch

Keep some cornstarch or baby powder (talc-free!) in your car. Just brush some over sandy body parts and the sand comes right off.

Inflatable Kiddie Pool

This is something I’ve never done, but I see it done at the beach quite a bit for babies or younger toddlers. Bring along an inflatable kiddie pool for your little one to splash around in .

I personally dig a hole in the sand and fill it with water, but some people prefer to take a pool !

Toddler Beach Essentials: Ultimate Beach Packing List

Screenshot this or print it off to help you pack for your next trip or family beach day!

• Swim diapers
• Change of clothes
• Beach towels
• Beach blanket
• Beach chairs (for kids and adults)
• Water shoes
• Cooler with food, cold drinks, and ice packs
• Corn starch for brushing sand off
• Puddle jumpers or swimmees
• Beach umbrella or sun tent
• Mesh bag for toys
• Beach bag for towels/sunscreen

There you have it, the best beach essentials for toddlers! I hope this helps you to know what to bring to the beach with toddlers. I’ll update this list as we continue to go to the beach this summer. Feel free to reach out by email if you have any questions! I’d be happy to help. Happy Beach Days!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more parenting tips and Instagram to keep up with our family!

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Home > Packing List For A Beach Vacation With Your Toddler + FAQs

Packing List For A Beach Vacation With Your Toddler + FAQs

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Have you ever wondered what a beach vacation packing list with a toddler in tow would look like? Here you go; we’ve prepared one everything you’ll need in one list.

Packing for a family vacation can be daunting, and even more scary is knowing what to bring on  vacation when you have a toddler in tow – they always seem to need something you forgot to pack.

We’ve found that our best family vacations have always been when we have planned what we need to bring along with us. We live right by the beach and often go with our son,  so we’ve listed the travel essentials you need for a fun day at the beach with your little one.

And, if you’re thinking of coming to Türkiye, Greece, or Croatia, here are some family vacation ideas that include activities for kids.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Vacation Packing List

Children’s Bathing Suits

When packing for a beach day, especially if you’re taking a beach vacation with toddlers, don’t overlook the importance of a good children’s bathing suit. Look for suits with UPF protection to keep your little ones safe under the sun.

Comfort is key, so choose materials that are soft and quick-drying. Brands like Coolibar and Sunuva offer great options that mix style with sun safety without breaking the bank—expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50.

For those traveling with a toddler, remember durability for those sandcastle sessions and easy-on, easy-off designs for quick diaper changes. Add a couple of these to your beach vacation checklist to ensure your time at the beach is as fun and worry-free as possible.

Rash Guards

Adding a rash guard to your beach packing list for families is essential for sun safety, especially for babies and toddlers. These UV-protective tops prevent sunburn and skin irritation, making them perfect for any beach day – especially a long-sleeved one.

They come in fun designs that appeal to kids of all ages, ensuring your little ones are both protected and happy. As you prepare for your next beach trip, remember to include a rash guard for each family member.

This simple addition can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and comfortable, from the beach to the pool.

Kids Beach Hats

Adding a sun hat to your packing list for a beach vacation is a smart move to shield your little ones from the sun. When choosing the right hat, opt for wide-brimmed styles that offer ample shade for the face and neck. Look for hats with UPF fabric to ensure maximum sun protection.

Brands like Sunday Afternoons and Patagonia offer durable and stylish options that kids actually want to wear, with prices ranging from $15 to $30. For those beach days with a toddler, consider hats with chin straps to keep them secure during windy beach adventures or when riding to the beach.

Don’t forget to add a couple of these to your beach essentials checklist, making sure every fun beach day is also a safe one for the kiddos.

N’Ice Caps Unisex Kids Reversible And Adjustable Cotton Twill Aussie Hat

Two Kids Beach Towels Per Child

When you’re compiling your packing list for a beach vacation, especially if it includes a day at the beach with a toddler, don’t skimp on the beach towels—make sure to bring two per child. Here’s why: One towel is to lay on, creating a comfy spot to make a sand castle and eat snacks, and the other is for drying off after splashing around. Plus, if one towel gets soaked or sandy, you’ve got a backup ready to go. 

I personally adore beach towels that come with their own little bags; they’re just perfect for small hands to carry and help your toddler feel like they’re contributing to the beach day prep.

It’s a simple addition to your beach essentials checklist, but it makes everything more manageable and keeps the fun uninterrupted. This approach ensures that everything you need to pack for an enjoyable vacation by the sea is well-organized and easy to handle, even when you’re navigating the joys of traveling with a baby or toddler to another beach destination.

Kids Beach Towel Sets

Brands we use and trust, kids beach shoes.

When plotting your packing list for a beach vacation, don’t overlook the importance of kids’ beach shoes—especially if your family vacation leads you to the stunning shores of Greece or Croatia , famed for its pebble and rock beaches. 

A solid rubber sole is non-negotiable; it not only protects little feet from sharp edges but also guards against the discomfort of scorching hot sand. Beach shoes are an indispensable item on your beach essentials checklist, ensuring your toddler can explore safely and comfortably, whether they’re navigating a rocky coastline or playing on a sandy beach .

This small addition to your gear can make a big difference in your child’s beach experience, turning a potential day of ouches into a day of endless fun.

Children’s Sun Cream

When you’re gearing up to go to the beach, especially with a toddler in tow, selecting the right sun cream should top your packing list for a beach vacation. If you’re uncertain about which brand or SPF level to choose, don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist for a recommendation.

Through trial and error, we’ve found that the thick, gooey sun creams tend to offer the best protection. They stay on longer, even through splashing and sandcastle building, ensuring your little one stays shielded from the sun’s harmful rays.

 Make sure to add reliable high-SPF sun cream to your beach packing list, as it’s essential for safeguarding your toddler’s delicate skin during those fun-filled days under the sun. This small step can make a big difference in ensuring an enjoyable and safe vacation for everyone.

A day at the beach can work up quite an appetite, not just for the adults but especially for the little adventurers. When you’re compiling your packing list for a beach vacation, snacks are a must-have.

Opt for fresh fruit, which is hydrating and refreshing under the sun, or convenient fruit or vegetable pouches that are perfect for on-the-go nourishment.

Crackers and granola bars also make great snacks, offering the energy boost everyone needs without weighing down your beach bag.

 These snacks are not only simple to pack but also loved by toddlers and adults alike, ensuring everyone stays fueled and happy throughout your ultimate beach day. Remember, a well-thought-out snack selection is crucial for keeping everyone’s spirits high, making it a key item on your printable beach packing list.

Children’s Sunglasses

 Look for sunglasses that specifically mention 100% UVA and UVB protection. This ensures your child’s eyes are protected, letting them enjoy the beach safely. Remember, when it comes to taking a vacation where the sun’s glare is strong, like at the beach or near reflective surfaces like water, quality children’s sunglasses are a non-negotiable item on your packing list.

Girls’ sunglasses

Boys’ sunglasses, insect repellent.

The market is flooded with options, but finding the right one for your child is crucial. It’s a brilliant idea to have a chat with your pharmacist about the most suitable, kid-friendly insect repellent. They can recommend products specifically designed for young skin, offering adequate protection without harsh chemicals.

 Opting for repellents that are specially formulated for children can provide peace of mind as you enjoy your time at the beach, ensuring your little one stays bite-free and happy. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making your beach vacation enjoyable for everyone.

Plastic Bags

Adding a few plastic zip-lock bags to your family vacation checklist is a clever move, especially for those days spent at the beach. These handy bags serve as the perfect protectors for your phone, camera, and other gadgets that prefer to stay dry.

They’re not just for electronics, though. Bring along some oversized bags as well; they’re lifesavers for carting home wet swimsuits, towels, and any other damp beach gear.

This simple addition to your packing list every time you hit the beach can save you from the hassle of water damage or soggy car seats, making your beach day smooth and worry-free.

Baby Or Toddler Toys

Beach toys top the list of essentials for ensuring a day at the beach is fun and memorable, especially when it comes to keeping the little ones entertained. At the very least, a bucket and spade are non-negotiable; they’re the foundation of endless sandcastle creations and imaginative play by the shoreline.

Beyond that, consider packing a variety of sand toys, which are readily available at any store and can include everything from molds to diggers, enhancing the beach experience.

If space allows in your car, an inflatable pool can be a game-changer. It offers a safe and manageable spot for toddlers to splash and play under the shade, providing peace of mind while you relax nearby.

Here’s a tip for families traveling a considerable distance with limited luggage space: consider purchasing beach toys at your destination. Not only does this approach save valuable packing space, but it also avoids the hassle of bringing sandy toys back home.

Many beachside shops offer an array of affordable options, and you can always gift them to another family when your beach vacation comes to an end. This strategy ensures your packing list for the beach vacation remains manageable while still promising all the fun of the beach for your little ones.

Beach Umbrella Or Beach Tent

When ticking off items on your packing list for a beach vacation, don’t overlook the significance of shade – enter the beach umbrella or beach tent.

There is no need to dive deep into why; we all know the value of an excellent, shaded spot on a sunny beach day. For those of us with little patience or strength to lug around heavy gear, consider a lightweight, kid-friendly pop-up beach tent.

These marvels are not only easy to carry but set up in seconds, providing instant relief from the sun. This is especially handy when your toddler gets restless and needs a quick, comfortable spot away from the harsh rays or to change diapers on the beach discreetly.

So, while you’re planning which beach toys to pick up at your destination, make sure a pop-up beach tent is also on that list to ensure a comfortable, enjoyable day at the beach for everyone.

Baby Powder

Adding baby powder to your vacation packing list is a pro move that can make your beach day a lot more comfortable, especially when it comes to dealing with the inevitable – sand everywhere! There’s nothing quite as annoying as leaving the beach only to find you’re taking half of it with you, stubbornly clinging to your skin.

The simple solution? Baby powder. A quick dusting on sandy areas, and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly the sand falls away, leaving your skin smooth and sand-free. Opt for a talc-free option to ensure it’s safe for everyone, including the littlest members of your family.

This small addition to your packing list can significantly enhance your beach experience, letting you enjoy the sun and sea without the sandy aftermath.

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder Talc Free, 4.5-ounce

Beach Blanket

Don’t head out for your beach day without packing a beach blanket—it’s an absolute game-changer. Whether the beach you’re visiting is sandy or a bit on the rocky side, a beach blanket provides a comfortable and solid base to lay your towels on, ensuring a more enjoyable time lounging, playing, or sunbathing.

Plus, it comes in handy at the end of the day when you’re rounding up toys, sunscreen bottles, and the myriad of things that seem to spread out over your beach spot. Just toss everything onto the blanket, gather the corners, and voila—you’ve got an instant bag to carry your gear back to the car.

It’s a simple, efficient solution to keep your beach visit hassle-free and organized.

Try these beach blankets .

Swim Diapers

This design keeps your toddler comfortable and safer in the water. Moreover, in the event of a number 2 situation, swim diapers are a time-saver, making changes quick and less of a hassle.

They’re a smart investment for any beach vacation with toddlers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time in the water without worry. So, when you’re putting together your packing list, make sure to include swim diapers—they’re a small price to pay for a smooth and enjoyable beach day.

Don’t underestimate the power of packing plenty of baby wipes for your beach day. Whether it’s cleaning sandy hands before snack time, wiping away sticky sunscreen, or tackling the aftermath of an ice cream treat, baby wipes are your go-to solution for quick clean-ups. So bring lots. 

They are incredibly versatile and can save the day in a variety of beach scenarios, making them an indispensable part of your beach gear. With the inevitable mix of snacks, sand, and sun at the beach, having a generous supply of wipes on hand will keep everyone happy, clean, and ready to continue the fun.

So, when finalizing your packing list for the beach, remember that you can never have too many wipes.

Change Of Clothes

You never know what will happen on family vacations, so pack some extra clothes for the toddler .

While not strictly essential, adding a kids’ chair to your travel packing list can significantly enhance your beach experience. Besides being incredibly cute, these chairs offer a fun and comfortable spot for your little ones to enjoy their beach day.

Many models come equipped with umbrellas, providing much-needed shade and contributing to sun safety, ensuring your kids can enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from harsh UV rays.

Beach Wagon

Trust me, a beach wagon is a game-changer, especially when you’re going on a beach vacation with a toddler. Think of it as your trusty sidekick, ready to haul everything from sand toys to snacks, keeping your hands free and your back thankful. Not all wagons are created equal, particularly when you’re navigating sandy shores.

Look for models with big, sturdy wheels that can tackle sand without turning it into a workout session. Brands like Radio Flyer, Mac Sports, and BEAU JARDIN get top marks for their durable designs and ease of use on the beach.

Size matters too—opt for a wagon that’s roomy enough to fit your beach trip packing list but still compact enough to pop into your car trunk or store at the beach house. Key features? A foldable design for easy storage, durable fabric that’s easy to clean, and an adjustable handle for comfortable pulling.

Whether you’re packing for a day with your toddler or hauling baby gear, the right beach wagon makes all the difference in making your beach time enjoyable and hassle-free. So, before you hit the beach or finalize your packing list for your beach vacation, make sure to include a beach wagon—it’s essential for a perfect beach day.

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Zip Lock Bags

Bring to the beach a few zip lock bags when you’ve got a toddler might be the smartest move you’ll make. Hear me out: these nifty little bags are the unsung heroes of a hassle-free beach day. 

They’re perfect for keeping snacks sand-free, storing wet clothes, or protecting your phone and camera from water and sand mishaps. And when it comes to keeping tiny treasures like shells or rocks your little explorer collects, zip lock bags have got you covered.

Bag For The Beach

Choosing the right bag for the beach is key to a seamless and enjoyable outing. When crafting your ultimate beach packing list, consider the size of the bag first. You’ll want something large enough to fit essentials for the whole family—from sunscreen and towels to baby food and a life jacket—yet manageable to carry.

For a family beach vacation packing list, a durable, water-resistant tote or a backpack with multiple compartments is ideal, allowing you to organize items for babies, big kids, and you.

Brands like YETI and Lands’ End are praised for their quality and functionality, offering spacious options that can withstand the sand and sea. Look for features like waterproof pockets for electronics, insulated sections for snacks, and easy-to-clean materials. Remember, when heading to the beach, especially if your trip involves beach and pool time or vacationing with a baby, the right bag can simplify your experience, making packing and accessing your gear effortless.

Whether it’s your next trip or a regular visit to your favorite beach, a well-chosen beach bag is an investment in stress-free, fun-filled days by the water.

So, I think that’s about it. Have a fun (sun-safe) day at the beach with your toddler. What else should I add to this beach vacation packing list?

Pack For A Beach Vacation FAQS

What should i pack for a beach vacation with a toddler.

When planning a beach vacation with a toddler, your packing list should include toddler beach essentials like sunscreen, hats, swim diapers, a sippy cup, water shoes, and toys that your toddler will love. Don’t forget to pack extra clothes and a beach bag to keep everything organized. A beach wagon can be incredibly helpful for carrying all your beach gear and essentials in one go.

How can I ensure a smooth trip to the beach with my toddler?

To ensure a smooth trip, make sure to pack everything you need for a day with your toddler at the beach. This includes a beach tent for shade, a comfortable beach mat, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider bringing a lightweight stroller or a beach wagon for easy mobility. Water shoes are essential for protecting little feet from hot sand and sharp objects.

What are some must-have beach items for toddlers?

Must-have beach items for toddlers include water toys, beach balls, a UV-protected swimsuit, water shoes to protect their feet, and a sippy cup to stay hydrated. Additionally, pack a lightweight beach towel or a quick-dry poncho towel for after swim time. A beach umbrella or a pop-up beach tent can provide the necessary shade to keep your toddler cool.

Are there any toddler beach hacks I should know about?

Yes, a great list of toddler beach hacks can make your day with your toddler even more enjoyable. Sprinkle baby powder on sandy skin for easy clean-up, use a fitted sheet as a sand-free play area by placing bags or coolers at the corners, and always have a few ziplock bags handy for wet swimsuits or to protect your phone. Also, consider a portable fan to keep your toddler cool during peak sun hours.

How can I keep my toddler entertained on the beach?

To keep your toddler entertained on the beach, bring along a variety of beach toys that they can use at the beach or pool. Sand toys, inflatable beach balls, and floaties can provide hours of fun. Also, a toddler beach day isn’t complete without building a sandcastle, so don’t forget a bucket and shovel. For a unique activity, bring washable paints and let your toddler paint rocks or seashells.

What should be on my beach packing checklist to ensure an ultimate family beach vacation?

Your beach packing checklist for the ultimate family beach vacation should include beach essentials like sunscreen, beach towels, swimwear, and a first aid kit. For toddlers, add swim diapers, a hat, UV-protection swimwear, and a floatation device to your list. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks to stay hydrated and energized. Lastly, remember your camera to capture the memorable moments of your time on the beach.

What should I pack in my beach bag for a day with a toddler?

In your beach bag for a day with a toddler, pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, a change of clothes, swim diapers, and a waterproof bag for wet items. Include a few favorite toys, water shoes, and a sippy cup or reusable water bottle . Snacks that won’t melt or spoil in the heat are also essential. Don’t forget a small first aid kit for any minor scrapes or stings.

More Packing List Help Is Here

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Comments (16)

If you are not lying about the baby powder….than it is quite possible you have JUST CHANGED MY LIFE!! how did I not know about this? how many times have I taken my son to the beach only to go back home COVERED in sand looking like a fried cutlet and dragging it in everywhere.

Seriously. BEST tip and list ever!

I swear it works!!! So, you are welcome!!

Very useful post. We have a new addition to our family: a 6 months-old grandson. I’ll give my daughter-in-law your post for future reference. I’m sure she could use the information. Very good ideas.

When our children were young and we travelled the world we always used to say as long as we don’t forget the baby everything else is not that important.

Guess I need more than the baby to have a good time. I like order and hate having to try and hunt down sunscreen at tourist prices at the beach when I can pack it my bag.

Argh, stop making me think of summer! It was -30 in Fairbanks the other day, and I do better at convincing myself I love all this winter if I’m not looking at pictures of sunny beaches.

Oh man, sorry Jess. It’s freezing here too, but not that cold. So, never fret I too am cold.

I’ve heard about the Baby Powder tip, but I’m always remembering it once I’m already at the beach with my twins. grr! Next time. Hopefully!

Wow! So many things to remember!

This is perfect for parents like me going out of town. Thanks for the list!

Great list! I will be traveling to Goa with a toddler (just turned 2) and am excited but a bit nervous as well.

Enjoy!! Just remember the essentials so you don’t have to leave the beach early :D

Awesome article to read and Great tips.I Love it….Thank you so much…

Awesome article and very good tips…..Thank you…

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Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List (+ Free Printable Checklist)

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Whether you are heading on a road trip up the coast, or a destination abroad, what you pack can often make or break your family beach vacation .

Which is why I’ve put together my list of essentials we think you’ll need (based on our years of travel experience), into a family beach vacation packing list, to help get your holiday off to a relaxing start.

Because, let’s be honest, travelling with kids requires a little more prep, and a whole lot more patience than that trip you took around Europe or Thailand in your 20’s.

Growing up on an island, and living on the coast most of my adult life, I’ve had plenty of time to perfect the whole what to pack for a family beach vacation .

We will take you through everything we pack for a family beach trip. To help you more easily prepare for your trips. From clothing, entertainment & electronics to documents and beach house essentials .

So put on your sandals and let’s get your sun, sand and surf adventure started.

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE FAMILY BEACH PACKING LIST

Beach vacations with family in the sun and surf can be fun for so many reasons. We find it’s a great opportunity to connect with our family, play games together, go for walks and build a sandcastle or two.

I use our printable beach vacation checklist and check it off before each trip. As it makes things much easier, and I’m less likely to forget those important things. While you might not need everything for every beach trip, it will help you not forget the most important items.

Feel free to adapt to your length and type of trip.

Family Beach Vacation Checklist – Clothing Essentials

While it’s easy to remember to pack shorts, beach themed t-shirts, tank tops and summery dresses for warm weather, there are a few other clothing essentials not to miss.

Make sure to pack at least 3 sets of clothing per person, plus 2 swimsuits, at least a weeks worth of undies and a nice outfit for dinners or special occasions.

That way you don’t have to do laundry everyday.

Beach clothing essentials to pack:

• 2 swimsuits each
• 1-2 Rashguards
• 1 Swim Cover up
• 1 – 2 Sun Hats
• Long sleeve shirt / Button Down
• Skirt / Sundress
• Jeans / Capris / Yoga pants / Light pants
• Underwear / Bras
• Dress-up Dinner Outfits
• Light Sweater / Light Jacket
• Sandals / Flip Flops / Water Shoes
• Exercise clothes / Gear / Shoes

Ideas for what to wear for a resort beach vacation .

BEACH TIPS: Choose light coloured cotton, linen, rayon, or light merino wool clothing that hang slightly off the body, for hot and humid destinations. Avoid clothing made with synthetic fibres, unless it’s specifically moisture wicking.

Here are a few of our favorite clothing must haves for family beach vacation that we’ve used and loved.

Hats. Could there be a more contentious item of clothing for kids then a hat?

While the struggle is real to get a hat to stay on the head of kids both young and old, sun hats with UPF protection are another must, for a family beach trip packing list.

Preferably pack at least two, in case one goes missing, or the tag itches their head, or any of the many surprising things we’ve found that can happen with hats.

PRO BEACH TIP: Bring at least two sun hats per child , one for the water and one for on land.

Before our Cuba trip I found Wallaroo Hats . So many fun styles for adults and kids with UPF protection. As a bonus, many are designed to be packable.

I loved the Scrunchie Hat and the Naomi Hat I bought for myself. Stylish, easy to pack, and reshaped nicely once unpacked. Miss Ten wore her rainbow striped Petite Nantucket hat and Mermaid Water hat non-stop.

Whether you are headed for a summer or spring vacation, the beach is a wonderful place to be.

Rashguards are an ideal choice, for when you want to reduce the amount of sunscreen you have to apply to your kids.

Choose one with a higher SPF rating for more sun protection and throw it over top of a swimsuit, or wear on it’s own. I prefer the long sleeve version, however they come in a variety of long/short sleeves, and one piece outfits for babies and toddlers.

• KIDS : For Miss S we pack her Kanu Surf Rashguards for all beach days.
• WOMEN : The looser Women’s Solid Long-Sleeve style works well for me for beach lounging, sandcastle building and swimming. It’s perfect for throwing it over a bathing suit. They have different styles of rashguards and bathing suits for the whole family.
• BABIES: If your children are still in diapers, a reusable swim diaper is a good eco-friendly option.

PRO BEACH TIP: If going for more than a day trip, bring at least two swimsuits / rashguards per adult and child to avoid having to pack and wear a cold, wet suit at the beach.

I like to think of raingear as preventative packing. If I bring rain gear, it won’t rain, right?!

Unfortunately weather isn’t always predictable, so it’s best to be prepared.

• Rain ponchos – Are a light weight versatile choice. As ponchos are roomier , they fit over top of you, keeping your clothing, backpack and electronics protected from rain. They also can be used as a tarp, or a ground cover.
• Toddlers to 5 Yr olds – The Tuffo Muddy Buddy all in one rainsuit was a favourite for our daughter from 12 months, until she outgrew the largest size (5T). The rainsuit is light, waterproof, and easy to pack.
• Rain jacket – Would be a better choice if you are expecting strong winds and heavy rains. We’ve found Columbia to be a good brand, that balances price with reliability, and quality that usually long outlasts our growing kids.

Beach Day Gear & Essentials To Pack

We’ve highlighted some important beach day essentials to bring if you have the room.

If flying, you likely won’t be bringing big heavy items, or everything on the list.

Family beach day gear to pack:

• Mesh Beach Bag
• Beach Chairs
• Beach Tent or Umbrella
• Sand Free Beach Blanket
• Beach Wagon
• Snorkel gear & swim goggles
• Beach Towels (Turkish Towels or Microfibre are amazing)
• Wet Bag (for wet swimsuits & clothes)
• Dry Bag (to keep change of clothes dry)
• Cooler & Ice packs
• Extra ziploc or bag for beach treasures
• Boogie Boards
• Life Jackets
• Frisbie, Football, beach ball or soccer ball
• Waterproof Cell Phone Protector
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Water Bottles

We like to focus on one or two age appropriate beach toys / activities we think our kids will enjoy for a day at the beach. Plus the essentials like towels, sunscreen, hats, and life vests.

Half the time our kids abandon what we’ve brought and run amok with new found friends, and use their beach stuff anyway.

Plus beach house rentals will often provide toys and other beach gear for you to use, so you don’t need to bring too much. Or you can rent equipment and buy a set of beach toys there. Just factor that into your budget.

PRO BEACH TIP : Bring a compact Travel Clothesline to hang up wet items at the end of the day. Do you really want to keep throwing your family’s wet stuff over the chairs, couches, tvs at your rental?

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES

Hot sun and beach fun lead to thirsty beach goers.

We’ve found that taking a refillable water bottle is good tip for any type of vacation. Not only does it avoid throwing away tons of plastic, the water just tastes better, and less chance of leaks.

If water quality is an issue, choose a waterbottle with a filter. Don’t forget a sippy cup if your kids are little.

Find out tips for bringing a water bottle on a plane .

PRO BEACH TIP : Freeze water in your waterbottle overnight. This keeps your water colder, longer for a day at the beach with your family.

Extra Beach Supplies To Pack For Babies & Toddlers

I like to be pretty minimalist when I pack for the beach. As I like to encourage my daughter to play with whatever natural objects she can find.

Although now that she is older, and sees the other kids with beach toys, floaties, snorkels & other kids beach activities our packing list has grown.

Thes are some of the items we’ve found helpful to have on hand at the beach to make things easier, when heading out with our kids as babies and toddlers. Some of these may only be suitable if you are renting a car, or driving your own.

Extra baby & toddler beach supplies for your family beach packing list:

• Extra diapers, bottles, snacks
• Baby Wipes (great for sandy & sticky hands too)
• Baby / Toddler Beach Shoes
• Beach Tent or Umbrella for shade – or try a pop-up baby shade tent
• Beach Wagon – for carrying all your stuff.
• Life Jacket
• Baby Carrier
• Fitted Sheet – For babe to lie on. Anchor each corner with beach bags for a sand barrier
• Wet Bag or Disposable Bags – for soiled diapers
• Mesh Bags & Baby Beach Toys
• Sand Toys, Shovel & Bucket

Fewer items, also means less for the adults to carry.

Let’s face it, it’s not usually the kids who have to carry the bulk of the supplies. A win-win in my books. Now only if there was a fool proof way to avoid bringing home sand.

Toiletries To Pack

I tend to bring my own natural soaps and laundry products, as I can’t use anything with chemical / perfume smells. If anyone in your family has sensitivities, it’s best to bring your favorite products from home.

• Medicines / Prescriptions
• Birth Control
• Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Floss
• Hand & Face Lotion
• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Hair Products
• Hair Brushes
• Hair Elastics
• Make up / Make up Remover / Make up Case
• Menstrual Products
• Shaving cream / After Shave
• Nail Clippers
• Contacts / Contact Solution
• Small Mirror
• Toiletry Bag

🏖️ Grab more Family Beach Trip Tips for a successful & fun family vacation

Beach House Essentials To Pack

Many Beach houses and rentals will have most of the beach & kitchen essentials you’ll need. Double check with the owner ahead of time to confirm what they provide.

Beach House supplies to bring:

• Plastic Tupperwear for food leftovers
• Paper Towels
• Extra Toilet Paper
• Toddler Dishes & Portable High Chair
• Ziploc Bags or Resuable Ziplocs
• Stain Stick
• Portable Hamper / Laundry Bag
• Laundry Soap
• Board Games
• Activity Books
• Art & Drawing Supplies
• Stand Up Paddleboard

PRO BEACH TIP: Have basic groceries delivered to your beach house with local grocery delivery or instacart. That way you don’t have to rush out right away to get food & supplies.

Health & Safety Items To Pack

Safety First!

That’s my motto.

With a family, I’ve found it’s always a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit on any vacation, that covers all the usual suspects like band-aids, antiseptic wipes and cream, guaze, and tweezers. Bites, slivers, scrapes, and stings happen.

PRO SAFETY TIP: Write out the local emergency & hospital numbers and keep a copy in your first aid kit, as well as add them to your phone contacts. Same with your travel health insurance #’s. You don’t want to be scrambling to find these numbers in an emergency situation

Health and safety items to bring for your family:

• Mineral Sunscreen (Reef Safe)
• SPF Lip Balm
• Insect Repellent and After Bite
• Kids After Bite (My daughter prefers the kids version as it stings less)
• After Sun Lotion – Aloe Vera is soothing for the skin
• Hand Sanitizer
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Anti-nausea meds / Gravol
• Immodium / Anti-diarrhea medication
• Thermometer
• Rehydration tablets / powder for kids & adults
• Insect repellant
• First Aid Kit

If you are traveling somewhere where malaria, or the zika or west nile virus is present, you will also want bring and use an EPA-registered insect repellent as recommended by the CDC . Check with a travel doctor first who can give give you their recommendations for the best products to use.

It’s also a good idea to discuss water safety with your kids, before your trip. Red Cross has some great videos & tips.

SUN SAFE TIPS: Most people think of sunscreen as the first line of defense. In fact this should be one of the last. There are many other things you can do to avoid too many uv rays, before even applying the sunscreen. These include: Wear protective clothing (long sleeve shirt & pants, hat, rashguards) Find or make your own shade Avoid going out mid day when the sun is the hottest (10am-3pm) Check the UV index

BRING LIFE JACKETS

Life jackets are a good idea for kids, especially if your family is planning on participating in watersports. Even on calm days, the ocean can be dangerous.

Bringing your own is essential if you’re planning on taking boat or on the water tours. As toddler & kid sized lifejackets can be hard to come by.

When choosing a kids life jacket make sure it has the following:

• Must be Coast Guard-approved. Check the label.
• A collar big enough to support your child’s head, with a grab strap on the collar.
• A safety strap between the legs, to prevent the jacket from slipping up over your child’s head.
• Reflective material.

Essential Travel Documents to Bring

• Travel Wallet / Cash
• Drivers License / Passports
• Bank & Credit Cards
• Anti-Theft Bag
• Hard Copy of Reservations (Tours, Hotels, Flights etc.)
• House & Pet Sitter Contacts
• Health Insurance Documents
• Roadside Assistance Cards / Info
• Auto Insurance Papers / Info
• Car Rental Papers & Contact Info

🏖️ Beach Vacation Ideas

We love our beach vacations.

From my childhood favorites on Vancouver Island to tropical beach destinations around the world. Here are a few family friendly destinations to check out:

• Varadero, Cuba
• Bahamas: Cost, Things to do
• Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary; Volcanos, Beach, Cloud Forests
• 4 Days in Drake Bay & Corcovado, Costa Rica
• Parksville, BC Canada – Local’s favourite
• Philippines with kids

Entertainment & Electronics To Pack For The Beach

Perhaps bringing entertainment on a beach vacation seems like a fanciful dream for those with young babies / toddlers / kids.

We found when our our kids were younger, they were often worn out from all the sun and fun, which gave us a few quiet moments at the end of the day, to sit on the porch and read a book, or enjoy the view.

Essential electronic items to pack for your family:

• Books or Kindle
• Tablet, Kindle Kids edition , or Kindle Fire Kids Tablet
• Portable Charger / Solar Powered Charger
• Bagsmart electronic organizer It’s a life saver (or at least an electronic cord saver).
• Waterproof cell phone dry bag – keep the sand, water & dirt out of your phone
• Charging Cords
• Tablets / Laptops
• Waterproof Speaker
• Travel Adapter

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

It’s also a good idea to have a back up plan for rainy days, or for times when your children want to hang around the hotel or beach rental.

We’ve had this happen a few times, and found it much easier to deal with cooped up kidlets when we had a few activities ready to pull out.

Some of our favourite travel friendly entertainment essentials include:

• Card Games – Taco vs Burrito , Sushi Go , Deck of Cards
• Blank Notebook and pencil crayons or pens
• Mess Free Art ( Melissa and Doug or Crayola)
• Kids Activity Books
• Craft supplies (stickers, beads & cord, small craft kits)

PRO TIP: Use a soft pencil case with a see through mesh or plastic front, to keep activities such as the craft supplies organized and easily accessible.

Grab your Beach Checklist for Family Here:

Final thoughts: what to pack for a family beach trip.

Our Family Beach Vacation Packing List has you covered for a fun, stress-free seaside escape. With this handy guide, you can rest easy knowing you’ve packed all the essentials and a few clever extras for your perfect family beach getaway.

While this is a list of items we feel are essential for beach vacations, you don’t have to bring everything if it doesn’t work for your family.

Now, grab your sunscreen, shades, and loved ones—it’s time to create those unforgettable memories and enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. Happy vacationing!

Related family vacation articles :

• Thailand: What you need to know to have a safe family vacation
• One Day Havana, Cuba Itinerary
• Easy ways to save money for your next family vacation

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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Ahh just reading this list makes me wanna go on a vacation! A good sunscreen is a must. I used completely ignore it as I rarely get sunburnt. Now I know better 🙈

I have vivid memories as a child sitting at the beach smelling the coconut scented oil that people used put on to get a better tan. I agree sunscreen is a must and am glad there are so many options.

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• Beach Vacations
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What to Pack for the Beach With Kids: 47 Essentials for Families

Apr 23, 2019

See recent posts by Terry Ward

Loading up the family ride for a day at the beach can feel like a monumental task that’s made exponentially larger with each additional child (and all their requisite beach gear ). And while we can’t help you with the mess of all that sand once it’s time to head back home, we can make the packing-for-a-beach-day process simpler with this straightforward checklist of everything you may want to consider toting along to the beach. This is the ultimate beach packing list for families.

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids: Clothing

From bathing suits to dry clothes to wear for the car ride back home, here’s what you need.

• Kids water shoes
• Kids flip flops
• Kids bathing suits
• Kids cover-ups
• Dry kids clothing   for ride home
• Kids sun hats with UV protection

Related Article: Best Bathing Suits for Infants and Toddlers

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids:  Swim and Safety Gear

Time in and near the water means safety is of the utmost. Be prepared for everything from bug bites and rip tides to cuts and rashes.

• Kids lifejackets
• Kids rashguards
• Puddlejumper swim vest
• Swim diapers
• Reusable swim diapers
• Insect repellant
• Swimsuit bags
• First Aid Kit
• Kids wetsuits

Related: Best Poop-In-The-Pool-Proof Swim Diapers

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids:  Sun Protection

You can never have enough sunscreen—just remember to apply early and often.

• Natural sunscreen (zinc oxide)
• Kids’ sunglasses
• Lip balm with SPF

Related: Does Natural Sunscreen Actually Work?

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids:  Beach Gear

Here are some basic things to make a day on the sand and in the sun as pleasant as possible.

• Beach umbrellas
• Beach chairs
• Beach pop-up canopy tent
• Beach towels
• Beach blanket or fitted sheet
• Beach utility wagon
• Phone dry bag
• Beach lockbox

Related: The Ultimate Beach Bag: 9 Best Beach Bags for Moms and Families

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids:  Beach Toys

It’s not a beach day without time spent horsing around in water, as well as on the sand. This list could stretch to the moon and back, but here are a few essentials for fun in the sun.

• Kids snorkel set
• Kids swim fins
• Beach balls
• Kids goggles
• Waterproof speaker
• Playing cards

Related: Best Pool and Beach Toys You Can Pack 

What to Pack for the Beach With Kids:  Food and Drink Storage

Snacks and drinks will keep everyone happy between bouts in the sea—and all the better if everything stays chilled to perfection all day long.

• Beach coolers
• Beach thermos
• Insulated bags
• Plastic storage bags
• Insulated cups

Related: Best Beach Coolers for Families 

Longtime travel writer and adventurer Terry Ward lives in Florida with her husband and young son and daughter. She’s constantly on the lookout for the next Scandinavia Airlines Kids Fly Free deal to save money on flights to Norway, her favorite place to visit both in the winter (Northern Lights!) and summer (Midnight Sun!). A travel writer since 2001 (read: long before the kids came along), she’s written for such publications as Endless Vacation Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Scuba Diving Magazine, among many others. Find Terry on her website,  Terry-Ward.com .

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So, you’re hitting up the tropics with your tiny human squad and need to get organised with a family beach vacation packing list? I gotchu, boo.

First off, my fellow parentals, I congratulate you for making plans to leave the house. That is a feat within itself. A glorious one, some might say. Secondly, prepare yourself mentally for a trip to the beach with kids. It’s gonna get messy – sand will be ingested, someone will wind up looking like a lobster (in most cases – me), tempers will flare, and someone is gonna end up in tears (also, me, in most cases).

I could rant about the woes of travelling with kids all day long, or you can read about it in my hilarious (cos I like to think I’m funneh) comparison of Holidays Before VS After Kids .

So, we’ve established that travelling to the beach with kids in tow (or anywhere, really) is a tricky task – but, today, I’m here to alleviate one part of the burden. Just a small part, with the help of this family beach vacation packing list that you can use to prepare for your next beach vacay.

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Kids’ Summer Clothing & Swim Gear

My advice for parents travelling to hot destinations – pack less, do more laundry. It might even be worth getting this compact portable laundry system so that you can wash clothes wherever, whenever. We tend to stick to these essentials when we travel.

Swoodi Hooded Towels

Is it a towel? Is it a hoodie? Nope. It’s a Swoodi .

This 4-in-1 hooded towel for toddlers and kids is made of 100% pure genius. A beach robe, hooded swim towel, swim robe, and bathrobe fused into one chic-looking garment. Like, do your kids even need any other clothes? Apart from undies, no, probably not.

Look, as much as babies and tots can get away with being nakers, it’s still much more socially acceptable to have them don cute swimmers. Dinosaur swim shorts are always a hit with our boys, but if it was up to me, I’d be getting them into these trendy swimmers .

Oh, and if we ever did have a girl (not likely considering my luck), I’d totally make her rock these funky, borderline psychedelic bathers.

Kids and hats – a combo that doesn’t tend to last very long. After most beach trips, we end up with a wet and soggy hat, which is why this  waterproof bucket hat is perfect. Alternatively, this  flappy sun hat is not only freakin’ adorable, but it also offers all-around sun protection.

Kids’ Sunglasses

Another one to tick off for your toddler travel checklist, because sometimes, a hat just doesn’t do the entire job. These Wayfarer-style sunnies  are our personal faves right now – they come in some seriously adorable patterns and eye-popping colours.

DISCOVER How We Save Money Travelling As A Family

Download the Printable Beach Vacation Checklist:

• Beach Vacation Packing List

Little Yellow Cloud Summer Collection

Headed on a tropical holiday? You’ll probably want the kiddos to slip into attire that matches the vibes. Little Yellow Cloud ‘s collection featuring a pop of uplifting yellow tones are a must to add to your beach vacation packing list. This boutique children’s brand was founded in Melbourne, Australia, and will, without a doubt, inject joy and good vibrations wherever you’re headed.

YOU MIGHT NEED THIS: 8 Airplane Bed Ideas For Kids

Travel Clothesline

You’ll thank me later for reminding you to add this compact  travel clothesline to your family vacation packing list. I’ve lost count of the times I hung washing over couches and TVs inside our Airbnbs.

Water Shoes

I don’t know about you, but I was the kid at the beach who (almost) always emerged from the water with some kind of foot injury. If this is your kid (or he simply has a disdain for sand), then you might want to think about packing these  bright and bubbly water shoes into your beach bag.

I’m more of a backpack type of gal, and this one gives me all the feels of a tropical beach holiday. But, if you’re more the type to carry a tote, this lightweight mesh one features handy pockets and plenty of space for towels.

Puggle Baby Diaper Backpack

Let’s face it – there’s nothing, essentially,  cool about a diaper bag. Most of them serve to hold diapers, baby items, probably a pair of smelly socks that one of the kiddos shoved inside without your knowledge.

Well, at least until I came across the Puggle Baby Adventure Nappy Backpack that’s on a whole other level of trendiness, or what some may call,  ‘on fleek’ . And, on fleek it is, but not only that – it’s also ridiculously functional and uber practical for everyday use.

Plus, I can guarantee you that macho husbands and partners will be more than inclined to carry this diaper bag with pride and joy. Win .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina ft. 2 boys & 1 man child (@hangrybynature) on Nov 9, 2018 at 3:22pm PST

Featuring a clever lined middle section perfect for stuffing wet swimmers, a large back compartment with a 15-inch laptop pocket, a concealed valuables zippered pocket, a handy change mat, and a bottom segment for easy access to diapers and wipes – this is the all-purpose diaper backpack to add to your family vacation packing list that will give parents all the street swag.

Beach Essentials for Kids

If there’s one thing we learnt about going to the beach with kids – it’s that it’s utterly exhausting. Gone are the days where trips to the beach or pool resulted in afternoon snoozes followed by a carefree dip in the ocean. These days, it’s all about…

UPF 50+ Beach Tent

Look, not gonna lie. I used to low key diss people who pitched tents on the beach. Look at me now, filled with nothing but gratefulness for the invention of this cosy beach shade that prevents me and the fam from looking like a crab fresh out of boiling water.

Zoggs Water Wings Swimming Vest

Forget wing floaties, they have a tendency to slip off (speaking from personal experience). Our go-to for the beach or pool is Zoggs Water Wings Swimming Vest because, well, it stays on and is incredibly buoyant. Plus, it’s not super bulky to carry around and it makes the boys feel like they’ve grown some serious muscle mass.

Reusable Swim Diapers

Don’t forget to tick this off your beach vacation packing list – some places (ie. South East Asia) don’t readily sell single-use swim diapers. Reusable swim diapers are light to transport and, more importantly, eco-friendly.

UPF 50+ Rashguard

If you’re travelling to places where the sun is a source of danger *cough* Australia *cough*, then it would be wise to pack a rashguard swim shirt to help protect skin from the sun.

Throw soiled diapers or wet swim gear into this funky-looking wet bag set – a baby holiday essential that’s compact and easy to stuff into your diaper bag or beach tote.

Zoggs Swim Goggles

Beach or pool, we always pack our set of Zoggs Little Swirl Swim Goggles with us to avoid the notorious dry red eyes after a day splashing in the water. Plus, it helps the little ones find shells in the ocean (anything to keep them occupied, really).

Ziploc Bags

What’s the best way to protect your smartphone from sand, water and clumsy kids who have the tendency to spill everything within their reach? Ziploc Bags . These will be a lifesaver for your beach vacay. Trust me. You’ll use more than you think.

RELATED: Essential Kids’ Travel Gear For Every Overseas Trip

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Health & sun care.

I’m sorry – what did you say? An even tan? I haven’t had one since before my first little human was born. What even is an even tan? Most times, I’m the burnt lobster smearing all my kids and man-child in layers of sunscreen, all the while forgetting to slip, slip and slap on myself.

Frankly Eco Skincare

We pick our skincare carefully when it comes to our two eczema-afflicted boys and, well, myself. They inherited that from me – aren’t they lucky? (Note sarcasm) Frankly Eco ‘s all natural, plant-based, and cruelty-free skincare range is ideal for babies, kids, and adults who have sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

Kids’ First Aid Kit

As mentioned earlier, I seem to always be the victim on the beach with a cut up foot. Make sure you include a  Travel First Aid Kit  on your beach vacation checklist – this one contains all the essentials and fits snugly into any beach bag.

Yes, I’m Captain Obvious right now, but believe me when I say that sunscreen is almost always more expensive overseas, so do pack your own.We love to use this sensitive skin family size sunblock because it’s safe to use on babies.

Lip Balm with SPF

Lips can get burnt, too – just ask mine. I have Burt’s Bees All-Weather SPF 15 moisturising lip balm lying around everywhere when I don’t need them. When I need them, I can’t find a single one. Go figure.

Because, as much as you try to shade and protect the fam from the searing sun – sunburn is inevitable on a beach vacation. Pack Aloe Vera Gel – everyone’s skin will thank you for it. Plus, it can sometimes be more expensive to buy in other countries.

Baby Powder

A beach baby holiday essential, because baby powder actually helps get all that sticky sand off your skin. Yeah, that annoying, messy sand that you pretty much find in all cracks and crevices on your kids (and yourself). We usually use a cheaper variety of baby powder for this very purpose.

SEE MORE: The Ultimate List of Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

Psst.. New to Airbnb? Get $40 travel credit when you book your first stay!

Beach Toys & Entertainment

Don’t forget these ‘not-entirely-necessary-but-necessary-for-your-sanity’ items on your holiday checklist for families. Albeit, not life or death if you don’t bring one or the other, I can, however, guarantee that it will increase the quality of your ‘beach vacay’. Just a wee bit.

Zoggs 3-in-1 Jet Pack

What do you get when you combine a kickboard and backfloat? Why, the Zoggs Jet Pack , of course. This clever swim aid provides extra buoyancy when the kickboard is inserted between the yellow floats. As your little one’s confidence grows in the water, simply remove the kickboard to reduce buoyancy, which allows kids to swim more independently as their kicking technique improves. Pretty nifty, huh?

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

It ain’t a party on the beach until you drop some tunes (in the case of parents – nursery rhymes). We take our JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker on every trip – it’s waterproof, emits crisp sound, and supports up to 12 hours of playtime. Yay, all the nursery rhymes.

Inflatables

No doubt, an adult and toddler holiday essential, because, umm.. Who doesn’t want to drift into the horizon atop a unicorn ? Or, ride on an inflatable bull ? Or, maybe this simple  comfy lounge will make do.

Underwater Camera

Capture all the wet ‘n’ wild moments of your family beach vacation underwater, over water, or in action with one of our favourite cameras right now – the GoPro HERO7 . If you can’t relax on a holiday with kids, you may as well record all the fun.

Portable Powerbank

You definitely don’t want to forget a portable smartphone and tablet charger on your beach vacation checklist, especially if you’re out and about the entire day.

RELATED: 10 Genius Travel Toys for Toddlers

Feeding Essentials for the Beach

Kids are always hungry. Parents are, also, constantly hungry because half of our time is spent running after said kids. It’s a vicious cycle, really. So, remember to pack  all the snacks.

Or better yet, a Cooler Backpack . We all know how full our hands already are balancing wriggly kids, a beach bag, tent, and other items that you’d typically lug down to the beach. But, if beach backpacks aren’t your thang, then this  Collapsible Tote Cooler is also a great option.

Beach Snack Box

In this day and age, it’s all about compartments, which is why this  Bento Lunch Box  is super handy, holding everything from salads to pasta and snacks – it even has a thermos insert, meaning that it’ll keep food warm while you’re out and about.

Insulated Kids’ Water Bottle

Drinking sun-heated water on a hot day at the beach? No, thanks. Don’t forget to pack an insulated water bottle for the kiddos when you’re travelling to warm countries – keeps drinks icy cold for hours.

Family Beach Vacation Packing List: The Checklist

Download and print our Beach Vacation Packing List to stay on top of everything that you need to bring for yourself and the kids on a tropical beach holiday.

Clothes we pack for a Family Beach Vacation

• 4-5 bottoms each (including 1 pair of long pants)
• 8-10 tees & tops each (you’ll go through a lot if you’re travelling to sticky and humid places)
• 7 pairs of undies each
• A couple of light dresses for when we go out for a nice dinner (rocking a bikini 24/7 is not always socially acceptable)
• Light cardigan or shirt for cooler nights
• A couple pairs of socks each
• 2 pairs of shoes each (flip flops and closed-toe shoes)
• 2 sets of swimwear each
• Hats for sun protection

What do we pack for our trips? Here’s  everything we pack into our suitcase .

WATCH: Essentials Kids’ Travel Gear We Take On Every Trip

Travel resources to help save you money for your Family Holiday

Visit our Travel Resources to find the best deals on flights, accommodation and attractions. We love and use these services ourselves to plan all of our family trips – they save us a ton of time and money.

Sweet deals for you:

• $15 USD OFF your reservation on Booking.com
• $40 USD OFF your first Airbnb booking  

For ideas on what to pack for a family trip, check out  gear and accessories we take with us on every single trip.

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Ultimate Family Beach Packing List For 2024

Includes your own downloadable checklist of beach must-haves for families!

We’re the type of family that love to enjoy the beach year-round. Even if it’s too cold for swimming, there’s always good weather somewhere for hole digging, sandcastle building, and picnicking on the sand .

To make sure the excitement of a beach trip remains all day, it’s essential that you are well prepared before heading to the beach with kids. Gone are the days when simply grabbing your towel, sunnies, and a good read had you sorted; a day at the beach with kids requires more preparation! 

So what exactly do we take with us for a family day at the beach?

On this page, we will take you through everything that we pack for a family beach trip or a family beach vacation. Plus, our free ultimate beach packing list to download.

We’ll assume most of you are heading to the beach in the heat of summer, but we’ll also throw in some handy tips for winter beach exploration with kids, too.

Don’t miss our guide to the best family beach locations around the world

Not Packing Yet? Save This Beach Checklist For Family To Pinterest For Later

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Beach Essentials For Family

Our beach essentials checklist helps take the stress out of packing for the big day and forgetting any of those handy little extras for your next trip.

Whilst you may not need every item for every trip to the beach, these are all the essential items to think about so your beach getaway with kids can run as smoothly as possible. Copy out our list here, or grab the downloadable list by subscribing to our community .

We also have all the items listed here ready for purchase on our Amazon Store – just check through the beach packing list for what you need!

Family Beach Bag

Sunscreen & lip balm, beach towels, beach blanket / sand-free mat, beach canopy, protective sun clothing & accessories, swim goggles, snorkel gear, masks & flippers, beach shoes, beach balls, sand toys, and surf toys, floaties and safety floatation devices, waterproof camera or phone case, electronics float device, snacks, water & a family-sized beach cooler, beach chairs, beach wagon, a small first aid kit, haircare; ties and a tangle-free brush, personal items, water-resistant portable speaker, headphones (even a book), baby wipes & beach powder, ziplock bags & trash bags, spare clothing, wet clothing bag, warm blanket or oversized jumper.

Once you start gathering all the gear on this list, you will be amazed at how much you need to pack! While we can all dream of everyone carrying their own stuff (or at least helping!) reality is that the grown-ups are likely to do most of the hard work. 

You will want a family-sized beach bag with plenty of pockets to help carry everything, including a hiding spot for personal items, cell phone etc, to keep the whole family organized for the big beach day ahead.

You may have to give up a little style for practicality when it comes to a family beach bag, but fear not! We have a great selection of ideas to help you choose a suitable mom bag for the beach !

We cannot reiterate enough with kids how important it is to keep a good supply of UPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen with you ready for your day at the beach.

It is a good idea to get everyone coated up in their first layer before you leave for the beach and make sure you re-apply every few hours, even more so, if the kids are in the water a lot. 

Sunscreen can come down a lot to personal preferences, but it’s worth researching exactly what you are buying. Do you prefer creams or spray? A separate sunscreen should be used for the face as it’s more sensitive. And if possible, reef safe, please!

Growing up as Aussie kids, we’re also big fans of additional zinc cream over the nose and cheeks as these areas are most sensitive to the sun. 

And don’t forget an SPF lip balm too; this can be another very sensitive area of the body, even if not in the direct sun our lips can become cracked and dry.

It should go without saying if you’re going to get wet, you’ll want something to dry off with.  We’ve tried scrimping in the past with shared towels; honestly, especially if the kids will be regularly in and out of the water, a beach towel each hugely helps if you can afford the space.

It’s a good idea to get every family member their own beach towel in a different color or pattern, so there are no arguments! 

Rather than just pulling up a towel on the beach for a full family day out, it’s essential to have a good “home base.” This will help keep items you don’t want full of sand off the beach

• You can see our full list of all the best waterproof, family-sized beach blankets here.

We love the latest designs of sand-free mats that are also waterproof and can fold up incredibly small into your beach bag. Alternatively, there are many fabulous lined blankets now that are also waterproof and include an inner lining that can be more comfortable for a full day at the beach. Make sure you include sand anchors to prevent your blanket from blowing away.

If space allows, this is the best way to really up your game for a full day at the beach. With young children in your group, it’s absolutely essential to maximize sun protection using a beach tent or canopy.

There are several different designs these days, from small pods or tents just made for an infant sleeping through to full-size canopy tents, giant beach umbrellas, and pop-up portable playpens with a sun cover.

We have found the family-sized beach tents to be best on a calm sunny day. Although they come with anchoring points, they are still quite susceptible to the wind.

• You can check out our full selection of the best beach tents here.

Remember, if you are using the beach umbrella route, you will need something to keep your umbrella secured in the sand; consider using some heavy-duty sand anchors .   

Looking to extend your family trip to the beach to an overnight stay? Click over here for all our best advice on family sand camping – plus, we share our best US east coast beach camping locations !

More than just bathers for a full day at the beach, you will want the kids’ skins protected with more than just sunscreen. You should also consider the following sun protection gear:

• Bathing suit
• Long sleeve rash guard
• Polarized sunglasses

Pro Tip – we still apply sunscreen to the kid’s whole bodies regardless of their clothing; quite often, they will rip their rashy shirts off during the day, and this ensures they will still have some sun protection underneath.

Toddlers and babies : We know it can be challenging for them to keep this gear on for long. Try using elasticated sunglasses such as Baby Banz and sun hats with an adjustable head strap to better fit their heads.

Babies will also need swim diapers – reusable swim diapers are best for the environment.

• We have plenty more tips for taking babies under 12 months to the beach here

If your kids love to swim at the beach, then goggles are essential to protect their eyes in the salty water.

You can use the standard goggles they would typically use at the pool and for swim lessons, or we have found ours love the full-face goggles at the beach.

If you are going anywhere with interesting rock pools and sea life to explore, you may also want to consider a full kids snorkel set for the beach. Flippers aren’t an essential but can help.

Pro tip – bring spares! Similar to the sock monster in your washing machine, goggles have a way of disappearing to the depth of your beach bag, never to be found again.

If your kids normally wear glasses and do not have transition lenses or prescription goggles, remember their glasses case with a soft cleaning cloth. 

This will really come down to personal preference for footwear style. Our kids prefer flip flops, and others prefer crocs. Anything that can easily slip on and off for getting you from your accommodation or transport to the beach.

Pro-tip – keep shoes covered from the sun during the day; there’s nothing worse than trying to squeeze your feet back into scorching hot rubber!

If you are on a rocky, shelly, or slippery beach, you may also want the kids to wear water shoes into the water . Rather than trainers, there are many good hybrid shoes now that are excellent for giving grip on all different surfaces and are just made for getting wet!

So many choices! This will really depend on your kids’ ages and how much space you have to pack – the sky can be the limit when it comes to some beach toy sets! Just make sure your beach toys come with a carry bag, the mesh type is best for carrying beach items.

Bucket and spade sets honestly never go out of fashion, but be realistic about just how much you need (at a minimum, we suggest a bucket per person though, if space permits!).

At the very least, when space is at a minimum, we do insist on at least a couple of good, highly durable beach shovels and a collapsible pail. An inflatable beach ball can help save on space.

Don’t forget toys for in the water, too; our older kids love their bodyboards.

• You can find our complete guide to the best beach toys for all age groups here.
• We’ve also collated this awesome list of toddler toys for the beach , ideal for your younger ones .
• Check out our guide to the best games to play at the beach – we have ideas perfect for babies and toddlers through to your tweens and teens.

If your kids aren’t competent swimmers, then a flotation device at the beach is a must.

Even if you don’t plan to go deep swimming in the ocean, a safety device will be needed near the water with young kids. How much flotation assistance they need will depend on their age, swimming ability, and propensity to run off! Ours were all cautious at first and happy to go into the water with us using a rubber ring or arm floats only with adults’ supervision.

However, we know with the best supervision in the world, little ones can try to make their escape. A great idea is to see if they will wear puddle jumpers or life jacket at all times when they’re near the water. 

• You can find our complete guide to the best learn to swim vests and life jackets for toddlers here

All floaties come with massive provisos and safety warnings; of course, you MUST supervise your kids in the water at all times, lifeguards, floaties or not!

If you are swimming with a smaller infant unable to support themselves in a floatation device, we highly recommend you try a waterproof sling or baby carrier so they can still join in the family fun safely attached to you.

I’m sure you’ll want to capture some great memories from your day at the beach while protecting your valuable gear!

You can start with a waterproof action camera (It doesn’t have to be a branded GoPro, there are much cheaper and more kid-friendly options). Failing which if you’re only an occasional user, you don’t need to invest in a waterproof camera; you can buy a waterproof casing for your smartphone , which can hang around your neck.

If you are taking any of your valuables near the water, make sure they have a float device ! These are invaluable for cameras or phones anywhere near the water. With a built-in wrist strap, they will hopefully prevent your valuables from falling into the water in the first place, but if they do will make them much easier to retrieve.

No doubt about it, this one is a must for the beach! Chilled water is an absolute given for a beach trip to avoid dehydration, but don’t forget a healthy range of snacks too!

It’s best if you are planning a full day out at the beach to bring along a wheeled portable cooler box with ice or ice packs. It no doubt won’t take long for the ice to melt, but it will keep your drinks and snacks cooler for much longer. If space permits, we love these types of coolers for the beach:

For water bottles, if you are not using a family-sized chiller, make sure everyone’s water is in a well-sealed insulated water bottle for cold drinks. Sand has the propensity to get in everywhere, so it’s a great idea to get the type of bottle where you can flip a cover over the lid. 

If you are bringing along baby milk, we suggest a separate insulated cooler to keep the temperature regulated.

Pro tip : Freeze some fruit juice cartons of water with cordial/squash the night before.  They will defrost during the day but make a wonderful slushie ice treat on the beach. 

A nice-to-have rather than an essential for the beach are beach chairs. It depends really on how long you plan to be at the beach, luggage space, and what other gear you’ve already packed – they are by far one of the bulkiest pieces of beach kit, so we personally avoid them, but they do have their purpose.

A kids’ beach chair can assist with keeping them off the ground whilst they eat their snacks. For smaller children, something like a Baby Delight Go With Me Chair with a built-in sun canopy is great for the beach or camping with babies, or for slightly older kids, try the Kelsyus Kids Outdoor Canopy Chair .

If the grandparents are coming along too, they may struggle to bend all the way down to the beach rug and prefer the comfort of a beach chair. We discuss in much more detail the different styles of kid’s beach chai rs here.

Another bulky item that won’t always be on your family beach essentials list, but for those traveling with young children, may well be top of your list of beach necessities!

A good beach wagon can help with not only pulling along all these family beach essentials but can negate the need for any sort of stroller, as many models now come with seats for the kids, too.

• We compare all the leading brands of stroller wagons over here

It goes without saying… anywhere you go with kids, there’s bound to be someone who gets hurt! Cuts and scrapes from sharp objects in the water are normally the most common offenders.

We keep a small first aid kit with us anywhere we travel; just make sure you check it’s fully supplied before throwing it into your beach bag, including waterproof bandaids . 

• You can find our complete guide to travel-sized family first aid kits here.

For kids with long hair especially, this is one of those beach necessities you may forget! Wind and salt water don’t always play nicely, so having long hair tied back is a great way to reduce the tangle. A detangler brush reduces the tears when it comes time to sort their matted hair out.

Another great choice for all of you, especially the ladies, is to use a leave-in conditioner before hitting the beach. This will help protect against the sun’s damaging rays by replenishing nutrients in your hair.

In all our rush to remember everything we need for the kids, don’t forget to pack in your personal items too!

Think about what you really need with you and what you can leave in your beach house or hotel room. Credit cards, change for beach concessions, cell phones. Definitely leave any of your expensive jewelry behind and have a safe spot to store everything in amongst your beach gear.

OK, maybe not a total essential and may depend on your beach setup, but when we have a beach space to ourselves, there’s nothing better than cranking out some family beach party tunes on a waterproof Bluetooth speaker .

Alternatively, on a crowded beach, it’s polite to keep the music to yourselves, so look at waterproof headphones .  We’ve become big fans of Bluetooth earbuds , but our younger kids haven’t entirely been convinced yet!

Now we don’t want to jinx just how much “relaxing” time you’ll get, but don’t forget to back a good book for yourself too! A waterproof ebook may be best packed in your family beach bag rather than a paperback.

When have we ever stopped singing the praises of baby wipes? Long after the days of tiny babies, they still come everywhere with us. You name it, not just for diaper changes; runny noses, spilled snacks, small bleeds, post-ice-cream wipe up!

Wet wipes are a travel essential wherever you go in the world! A beach trip is no exception. You may also want to pack a portable wipes warmer if your bub is averse to cold wipes after a big day on the beach.

And you’ve no doubt heard baby powder is good for keeping the sand off. Why not look at an alternative to ordinary baby powder? Try Sandscreen – no talc and reef safe made for this purpose – we’ve had mixed success over the years!

Whilst you can invest in waterproof pouches to go with your beach bag, we’ve never seen the need for more than your standard ziplock bag . 

Incredibly useful for the beach, from storing your valuables to keeping your sunscreens from spilling through your bag or somewhere to collect the kids’ little finds from the beach.

Also boring but essential is a disposable trash bag. Once you through in a few snacks, and a trip to the ice cream stall, you’ll be amazed just how much trash your little family may create in one day at the beach.

Having one designated spot in your beach set up for a medium-sized plastic bag for garbage is a great move to keep your area tidy and make sure all your litter leaves the beach with you (bonus points if you are able to take “3 for the sea” too!)

Whilst most kids will literally need dragging away, tired and exhausted at the end of the day, some will want to call it quits much earlier than you’re ready for!

If you are not staying within walking distance away from your beach and need a cab or bus ride home, it pays to have a set of dry, sand-free change of clothes ready to go (remember your ziplock bags for accidents!)

Inevitably, almost everything becomes soggy and sandy at the end of the day. Try as you might to keep the sand at bay; this is your likely end result after a big day at the beach – so you have two tactics of either keeping your wet bathing suits and towels away from the dry clothes or your dry stuff (most likely your valuables – keys, phone, wallets!) away from the wet! 

We like to be all ready for the wash when we get home, so keep a dry clothing bag . Once the change over has happened, we immediately fill it with our sandy wets so they can be sorted easily back at our accommodation. 

This will be season and location-dependent, but one thing we have learned from a lot of winter beach trips is once the kids are out of their cold, wet togs, they need to heat up fast.

An oversized beach blanket or slipping into one of mum or dad’s woolly jumpers has been our savior on many occasions for the kids to quickly warm themselves back up and feel snuggly whilst you pack up all your beach paraphernalia to head home.

Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List Printable

Whatever your beach destination, if you’d like to have this list of suggested beach essentials for family in a handy downloadable list ready for your next beach trip, head on over to our subscribers home page .

Family travel experts, we have checklists ranging from baby’s first trip to camping supplies and everything you need to pack for a big family vacation with kids. 

To get our printable beach packing list in PDF format, we’ll ask you to subscribe to our newsletter too, but don’t worry; we won’t bombard you with emails! You can unsubscribe at any time if you just want the checklists. 

Traveling with kids? You may also be interested in

• Baby Travel Essentials
• Toddler Travel Essentials 
• The Best Travel Toys For All Age Groups
• Beach Gifts for Mom
• Perfect Beach Captions & Quotes – ideal for your Instagram or printing up your family vacation photo album
• Our Ultimate Guide to Beach Camping – yes, it’s possible to stay overnight at the beach!

Best Beach Destinations for Families

We also have a great collection – and growing! – of “best beach vacation” destination guides for our beach-lovers to check out for some further inspiration, check out:

• Best worldwide beaches for families – some off-the-beaten-path destinations for avid beach explorers to enjoy
• Best Beach Towns in Mexico For Families
• 25+ Beaches on the US East Coast to try
• Best Beaches for Camping on the East Coast
• Top Family Beaches in San Diego, CA
• Top Family Beaches in Nantucket, MA
• Top Family Beaches in Florida
• Top Family Beaches on the Gulf Coast
• Oregon Coastal Towns You Will Love
• Top Family Beaches in Albany, Western Australia
• Best Beaches in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
• Best Worldwide Beaches to Learn Snorkelling

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1 thoughts on “ Ultimate Family Beach Packing List For 2024 ”

A day at the beach requires a lot of necessary essentials. Great back pakcing list

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The Incremental Mama

Get Organized & Create Routines for Your Family

19 Must-Have Beach Items for Toddlers + Free Printable Checklist

By Erin   |   Updated: October 29, 2022   |   Leave a comment

This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience (which means that, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission). Read my  full disclosure policy

Toddlers have an incredible ability to keep you completely on your toes.

Their adorably chubby bodies are deceptively quick and their mood swings can give you whip lash.  

Which is why you’ve got to be prepared for a beach trip with your little one so you can avoid chaos and tantrums and actually enjoy yourself.

Which means creating fun memories and building family relationships.

And in this guide, we’re going to cover the must-have beach items for toddlers that you need to have a blast on your upcoming beach trip.

Plus, you can grab the free printable beach with toddler checklist at the bottom of this post.

MUST HAVES BEACH ITEMS FOR TODDLERS

I’ve learned the hard way that not being prepared for the beach with little kids is going to leave everyone crabby and exhausted.

A few years ago, on a trip to California my husband met up with on old college roommate. And I naively decided to veture by myself to a nearby beach. With 4 kids aged 20 months to 6 years old.

How hard could it be, I thought?

We had towels and sand toys. What more could we need?

This probably won’t shock you, but it was in fact, very difficult to take 4 small kids to the beach by myself with just towels and toys.

But with this guide, you will know exactly what to bring to the beach with a toddler!

Let’s dive in…

RELATED: Free Printable Morning Routine Chart for Toddlers

TODDLER CLOTHING ESSENTIALS TO BRING TO THE BEACH

The following are the clothing essentials you need. These will keep your toddler protected from the sun and elements and happily playing for your beach outing.

RASH GUARD : To protect delicate skin from the sun & elements, you want to make sure you pack a rash guard. This one is highly rated, UPF 50+, lightweight, comes in 27 different designs.

BEACH HAT : To protect little scalps & faces from the sun, you’ll need a wide-brimmed cap. This one has sun protective fabric, wide brim, is breathable, comfortable, and comes in 7 solid colors

SWIM DIAPERS : Even if your toddler is potty trained, it’s a good idea to pack some swim diapers because we all know accidents happen. And you don’t want an accident to derail your day at the beach.

This one is lightweight to encourage swimming, but snug fit helps contain solid matter, environmentally friendly, and comes in 5 solid colors.

SUNGLASSES: If you think your kid will ACTUALLY wear them, sunglasses give another added protections from the sun.

(Personally, my kids love wearing sunglasses.)

WATER SHOES : Protect little feet from hot and beach debris with these cute water shoes. These are quick dry, non-slip, lightweight, and come in 12 colors

CHANGE OF CLOTHES : In addition to the above, I recommend bringing a change of clothes, especially if you’ve got a car ride or other plans. You want those kiddos comfy and NOT grumpy.

TODDLER BEACH HACK: baby powder helps to easily remove sand from your skin. Just rub a little on and the sand falls off.

BEACH WITH TODDLER SAFETY ESSENTIALS

SPRAY-ON SUNSCREEN : While sunscreen is kind of a no-brainer, truth is there are so many kind, it’s hard to know which one is the best.

This spray-on sunscreen gives both awesome sun protection and can go on already wet skin. Which makes reapplication throughout the day super simple.

ALOE VERA GEL : While we do all we can to avoid burns, sometimes sunburns just happen…even if you’re super diligent. And when they happen, you will NEED aloe vera gel.

And you need one that DOES NOT have alcohol in it.

This one works great in tandem with Solarcaine burn relief spray for extra severe sun burns (has lidocaine for pain relief and can help with bug bites).

SUNBURN BEACH HACK: Take ibuprofen AND if your sunburn is super duper bad and even causes swelling, soaking in a cool bath with some epsom salt will do wonders to heal your skin fast and help with the puffiness

TODDLER FLOATATION DEVICE

You’ll also want to get a floatation device for your toddler, whether a Puddle Jumper or life vest.

A life vest is less cumbersome, allows for more mobility, and is good for kids who know how to swim.

It should be noted that both are approved by the coast guard, and while that adds a feeling of safety and peace-of-mind, nothing can replace having your eyes on your child at all times. Don’t get a false sense of security, accidents can happen in an instant.

WATER WINGS ARE NOT APPROVED AS A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE BY THE COAST GUARD.

PUDDLE JUMPER : This puddle jumper is rated 5 stars with over 15,000 reviews, meets strict requirements, is comfortable for kids, and comes in 25 colors.

LIFE VEST : This life vest is great for beginning swimmers as a learn-to-swim aid, is designed for comfort, includes a safety strap, and comes in 5 colors (pay attention to sizing).

CHILD SAFETY ID WRISTBAND : While we’d like to hope that our kids will never wander off and that we’ll always have our eyes glued to their little bods, stuff happens.

And these ID wristbands are perfect for if something does happen or if you just need some peace of mind.

FIRST AID KIT : While you probably don’t need a super professional first aid kit, having the basics is helpful and keeps you prepared. This Johnson & Johnson all-purpose first aid kit has the essentials to clean, treat, and protect all the boo boos that may occur.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE BEACH WITH A TODDLER

BEACH TOWELS : And of course, you need some towels.

These are awesome, especially if you’re trying to pack light. They’re lightweight, compact, and the sand doesn’t stick to them.

It’s a win win win.

BEACH TOYS IN MESH BAG : No trip to the beach would be complete without beach toys.

But I highly recommend having beach toys stored in a mesh bag to easily rinse and make sure sand doesn’t get EVERYWHERE.

BEACH BAGS : You’ll also need a large beach tote to hold all your paraphernalia.

This one is extremely functional with an extra large storage space, 8 roomy mesh pockets, 1 inside zippered pocket, 160 lbs. carrying capacity with reinforced trims, and a 1 year warranty. 

COOLER WITH SNACKS & DRINKS

Even if you plan on eating meals elsewhere, you want to make sure you have PLENTY of water and snacks. And this highly-rated cooler is the perfect place to store them.

TODDLER BEACH HACK : Make sure and bring some garbage bags/grocery sacks out with you so you can contain your waste.

BEACH TENT : While not totally necessary, a beach tent makes hanging out at the beach all day with a little one MUCH easier and less stressful.

This one is great for shade, super easy to set up and isn’t likely to blow down like an umbrella.

Also, it creates a nice place to calm down a toddler tantrum or even get your little one to nap.

BEACH CHAIRS : As an adult, sitting for a few minutes in the sand is perfectly fine. But sitting for hours is not.

So do yourself a favor and pack a few beach chairs so you can enjoy the breeze, keep and eye on your kiddo, without needing a massage.

BEACH WAGON : If your goal is to have a stress-free trip to the beach with a toddler, this heavy-duty beach wagon is the way to go.

While you could strap a dozen bags on your shoulders, there’s an easier way.

With plenty of space and wheels designed to navigate the sand, this will make your beach trip much easier.

Not only can you stuff all your gear into the wagon, you can also haul a tired kid, if needed.

AUDIBLE SUBSCRIPTION : Going to the beach without a book is like going to the movies and not getting popcorn.

But since we need to have our eyes on our kids at all times, this is a great alternative.

You can enjoy books while keeping your eyes glued to your toddler.  Get free 30 day trial .

DOWNLOAD THE BEACH WITH TODDLER CHECKLIST

And there you go! With these must have beach items for toddlers, you’re set up to have an awesome trip.

To grab the free printable, you can sign up below and get the Toddler Beach Trip Checklist send straight to your inbox.

If you enjoy free printables that help you get organized, be sure and check out these free printables .

RELATED: Free Picture Chore Chart for Toddle rs

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Feeling like a hot mess & craving some balance?

Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List (Free Printable PDF)

Beach vacations are just the best! They’re a chance to relax, enjoy the sun and the sand, and just forget about all of your troubles for a little while. But before you can fully enjoy your vacation, you have to pack – and that can be stressful.

What do you need to bring? What can you leave at home? To help take some of the guesswork (and stress) out of packing for your beach vacation, we’ve put together this handy list of must-haves. So, go ahead and start planning your trip but don’t forget to add these essential items to your family beach checklist!

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

Free Printable Packing List (PDF)

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make vacation packing a little easier. That’s why I’ve created this printable beach packing list to help make sure you don’t forget anything important! Whether you’re hitting the beach or spending time by the pool, this list will help keep you prepared.

You can view and print a copy for yourself here or by clicking on the image above. If you have additional items you would like to add to my free printable packing lists above, feel free to comment at the bottom of this post. Additionally, you can print a copy of our blank beach checklist below to add items of your own.

You can also view and print this blank printable packing list here or via the image above. Just note that these packing lists are meant for personal use and not intended to be copied and distributed. In addition, we highly recommend continuing through the article below as we provide lots of packing hacks and tips for your trip!

The two free printables above are just a small part of my Beach Travel Planner packet you can view at my Etsy shop. This 30+ page Beach Vacation Travel Planner features a budget worksheet, outfit planner, trip comparison sheets, and more. Plus, you can get 50% off the price of the planner just by using the code BEACH31 at checkout !

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Family Beach Trip Checklist

The weather is warm and that means beach time! If you’re packing up the family for a trip to the coast, be sure to check out this helpful checklist. From sunscreen and swimsuits to food and games, we’ve got you covered every step of the way! Depending on your family dynamic, you may be traveling to the beach with teenagers, babies, toddlers, or kids of any age. The following items are generic things you would need for family beach vacation with kids of all ages.

• undergarments
• swimsuits (2-3 per person so you can wear one while the other is drying)
• eating out attire
• swim coverups
• rash guards
• workout clothes
• light jacket or cardigan
• shoes/socks
• jewelry/handbags/accessories
• toothbrushes
• shampoo/conditioner
• hair spray/gel
• razor/shaving cream
• facial cleaner
• facial lotion
• aloe vera gel
• perfume/cologne
• Downy Wrinkle Release

Important Items

• prescription medicine
• glasses/contacts
• passport/ID
• $1 bills for tipping
• hand sanitizing wipes/hand sanitizer
• first aid kit

Entertainment

• cell phones
• sound machine
• reading material
• board games/deck of cards
• travel games

Beach Essentials

• water shoes
• spf lip balm
• beach towels
• reef-safe sunscreen (1 bottle per day of your trip)
• re-fillable water bottle (we like Hydroflask)
• snorkel gear
• beach chairs
• beach umbrella

Organization

• packing cubes
• collapsible hamper
• gallon zip lock bags or plastic bag for wet clothes
• mesh laundry bag for beach toys

Above I mentioned packing 2-3 swimsuits per person so that you always have a dry swimsuit to put on. If your toddler takes daily naps, you may want to consider packing even more swimsuits. I usually take at least 4 bathing suits for my two year old. This way she has a dry one in the morning, a dry one after her nap, and then two extra dry ones the next day.

This also comes in handy if your little one has an accident and needs to change swimsuits more frequently. If you are planning a beach trip with a baby or toddler, you may also need to add the following items to your packing list.

• swimsuits (at least 4 if your toddler is napping)
• baby sunscreen
• pre-packaged snacks
• favorite toys
• beach toys (We love this collapsible sand pail . (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• puddle jumper/water wings
• swim diapers
• regular diapers
• wipes/diaper cream
• beach tent for shade
• disposable diaper bags

What to Take to the Beach

Once you arrive at your destination, you will want to organize a day bag to take down to the beach with you and your family each day. This is the beach bag (Amazon Affiliate Link) we like to use since it’s mesh and easily filters out the sand. As a bonus, the bottom is insulated and can be used as a cooler! These are the items I make sure to pack in my daily beach bag:

• gallon ziplock bags (to put wet items/trash)
• puddle jumper/toddler float
• reading materials
• beach toys (more info. below)
• water bottles for each family member
• extra swim diapers/wipes

Tips and Hacks for a Beach Vacation

In addition to the essential items listed above, I thought I’d share my favorite beach hacks. Throughout the years, we have received many tips on how to pack for the beach. The items I have listed below are some really random things that we always make sure to have on hand for a family beach trip!

1. Packing Cubes

I cannot say enough great things about packing cubes! I bought a different color set for each family member, and they really help to keep all of our things separated and organized. We first used them on a Disney Cruise Line vacation we took a few years ago. Many travelers in my online cruise group raved about these packing cubes, and now I know why!

They make packing and unpacking the suitcase super easy. And as much as I love traveling, I am not a fan of packing or unpacking. These are the packing cubes we use and love! (Amazon Affiliate Link) I can put multiple cubes in a drawer or on a shelf, and I still feel like each of our items has its own distinct space. We don’t travel anywhere without them. My husband even told me they are the best things I’ve ever ordered from Amazon!

2. Mesh Laundry Bag with Strap

So, I had seen this item on packing lists, but I didn’t quite get the point of it. I bought the bag pictured below at Target for a few bucks. My thought process was that it wasn’t too big of a waste of money if I ended up not using it. This bag turned out to be so helpful though!

The mesh laundry bag is huge, and we were able to stuff it full of our beach items. After my kids played in the sand with their toys, we put all the items back in the bag and rinsed it in the ocean. This helped get a ton of the sand off so we weren’t carrying it back to the house.

We also hosed off the whole bag and toys before storing it for the next day. I noticed a lot of the bags didn’t have a strap like this one. The strap made it so easy to carry it back and forth to the beach on our most recent vacation to Seaside, FL !

3. Spray Bottle

We used this spray bottle a ton each day on the beach. We often used it to spray sand off of ourselves to apply more sunscreen. It also came in really handy with my one year old. She only liked sitting on the beach if she was eating.

Since her hands were usually covered in sand, we sprayed them with clean water so she didn’t eat sand with her snack. You can find them almost anywhere for super reasonable prices.

4. Flashlights

My older daughter loves searching for sand crabs on the beach at night. I found these colorful flashlights on Amazon for a great price! The best part is that they even came with batteries! These flashlights are really small, so they don’t take up much space in the suitcase. These are the flashlights we have! (Amazon Affiliate Link) My older daughter loved the different colors they came in too. She now uses them all the time while playing around the house.

My five-year-old had been begging to fly a kite on the beach. I haven’t flown one since I was a kid, so I wasn’t sure how successful we would be. This is the kite I ended up buying and loving. It was WAY cheaper than some of the other options I saw too! (Amazon Affiliate Link) It was perfect because it was really easy to put together (less than 5 minutes). We got it up in the air quickly as well.

6. Printable Family Beach Planner

I find that the easiest way for me to plan exactly what I need for a family vacation is to create a vacation itinerary. When creating this, I outline each day of the trip and specify the planned activities we have for the day. As we move closer and closer to our trip, this itinerary becomes really detailed.

I plan out each day, including meals, outfits, activities, packing lists, and anything I can think of really. I decided to create the beach planner I use and sell it on Etsy. Once you purchase your copy, you are free to print it as many times as you like. The beach planner walks you through each step of the planning process from comparing prices for flights and accommodations to organizing outfits for each day of your trip.

Now, you can grab your own copy of the printable 30-page packet I created to help plan your family vacations! You can find the printable beach planner at my Etsy shop. It’s a great guide for packing, getting organized, and staying on budget. You can use CODE: BEACH31 to get 50% off the packet, which makes it only $5 for my blog readers!

Final Thoughts on the Beach Checklist

The bottom line is that you want to pack light and only bring what you really need. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in making your family beach vacation more enjoyable. So, before you start packing, take some time to think about what items will be most useful to you on your trip.

And don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re there! Relax and have some fun in the sun on the beach. Do you have a super useful item for a family beach vacation packing list? Please share by commenting below!!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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PICK ANY TWO

Beach packing list for toddlers.

Maybe, but that’s only if you discount the frantic packing and shopping and list-making that occurs the week before you go.  And adding a toddler to the equation guarantees at least triple the amount of planning, packing, and stuff  to cart along with you.

Honestly, the immense degree of forethought required of a beach trip with a toddler might make it tempting to skip the salty waves and board walk strolls altogether.

To make the process a wee bit less intimidating, today I’m sharing the list I used to pack for the beach with my not-quite-two-year-old.

Surviving the Drive

– lots of snacks – an assortment of new and exciting small toys from the Dollar Store (pull a new one out every hour you’re on the road) – children’s CDs or an iPod/iPhone loaded with kid-friendly tunes (we’re partial to our Milkshake station on Pandora because the songs aren’t overly cheesy or annoying!)

Soaking Up the Sun

– Bathing suits (2) – Sun hat with a wide brim for protecting both face and ears – Swim/water shoes – Floatation device/life jacket to keep kids safe while swimming (We LOVE our Puddle Jumper , but whatever you use, just make sure it’s US Coast Guard-approved.) – Towel (one that can be used for both beach and bath time) – Wet-dry bag for wet clothes and bathing suits – Kid-friendly sunscreen – Beach sandals – Baby powder (helps get the sand off sticky hands and feet) – Bug spray for preventing insect bites – More drinks and snacks (our favorites are graham crackers, Cheerios, animal crackers, fresh fruit, fruit/veggie pouches, and granola bars), plus a few reusable containers to keep them in – Small cooler or picnic thermal to keep snacks and drinks cold and fresh – Hand sanitizer (give your toddler’s hands a squirt before he/she has a snack) – Sand/swim toys – Beach blanket – Canopy , umbrella, or sun tent to provide much-needed shade – Toddler-size beach chair (obviously optional but super adorable)

Chowing Down

– Sippy cups – Plastic/reusable plate and utensils – Bibs – Portable high chair or booster seat

When Nature Calls

– Diapers (twice as many as you think you’ll need, just to be safe) – Wipes (see above) – Swim diapers – Portable training potty (if you’re at that stage, in which case I salute you—potty training on vacation doesn’t sound like a vacation to me at all!) – Diaper bag with changing pad

Evening Shenanigans

– Clothes—shorts/pants, shirts, dresses, etc. (2 outfits per day is the general rule of thumb, to account for toddlers being toddlers) – Sneakers or other non-beach shoes – Socks and underwear – Jacket or sweatshirt for chilly evenings – A small assortment of familiar toys and books from home – Umbrella stroller – Baby carrier (nice for beach strolls when your kid is too tired to walk) – Bath supplies—small container of shampoo/soap/bubble bath, maybe a rubber ducky – Comb/brush, if you use one on your toddler

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

– PJs (2 pairs) – Toothbrush and toothpaste – Travel crib or pack-and-play with 2 sets of sheets (We have this one , and while pricey, it is SO fast and easy to set up!) – Blanket – Favorite stuffed animal (ours is a tiger named Glenn because, why not?) – Baby monitor, if you use one – Sound machine , if you use one (the Pandora Lullaby station works well, too, if you’re willing to part with your smartphone) – Nightlight, if you use one

Other Random Items to Toss in Your Suitcase

Are you going to the beach this summer what are the kid-essentials on your packing list , share this:.

Katie M. McLaughlin

25 responses to “Beach Packing List for Toddlers”

Thank you for this! We go to the beach often, and these are some good things to keep in mind. One can never have enough snacks for toddlers.

Swim shoes/water shoes my daughter hates feeling the shells and other stuff on her feet when in the water and de tangling spray if your toddler has long hair like mine does the salt water and Florine from the pool can make it super hard to brush out without this stuff.

Very practical, and after reading it, It makes me thankful we live a half mile from the ocean.

A few more, though, from our daily beach adventures are…

1. A wet-dry bag or a dry bag like this one- http://m.rei.com/product/730882/sea-to-summit-event-compression-dry-sack-

2. A hiking pole or a driftwood stick. We used to rely on driftwood, but give a toddler a hiking pole and now it goes everywhere when outside.

3. Quick dry towels. We use them for everyhing and they are relatively odor resistant.

4. Tides Near Me free app. I cannot stress this one enough. Knowing tides is essential to safety and sanity which leads to happiness and good times.

Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy! Off to download that app right now!

Love, love, love this. We just went to the lake this weekend and I was thinking that I need to put together a list just like this. I didn’t remember to bring a towel! I need to have lots of water on hand because I get dehydrated easily. Also extra extra clothes (in case you get the extras wet). Thanks for sharing this list!

Yes, we are going on a day trip to the beach when I visit my parents. This is a great list! I I love the Dollar Store idea. We have a picnic thermal for drinks and snacks that we absolutely love. It has a shoulder strap, which makes it perfect for carrying to the beach.

Evening shenanigans! I love that. We definitely need the dollar store gifts for long car rides. And snacks! That is so important. What’s funny is that in Truro (Cape Cod) it never really gets that hot. Obviously it can happen but for the last four years we’ve gone, it’s been between 65-75 on the beach. It makes it less dire to get in the water, but also, that water is cold! We usually bring umbrellas and a little tent for toddler naps.

Whew! What a list! It is tempting to just stay home, but the joy of the beach (for me AND Nolan) is totally worth it. I don’t think we’ll be going for an overnight trip before Selah is born, but I’m hoping for a day trip or two!

Sounds about right. The list gets shorter as they get older. Honest.

The chair is adorable.

I’d add floaties, or swim toys. Although I agree that most of the time with younger kids is spent playing in the sand. Both mine love the sand.

Ohhhh those are good additions! Thanks for stopping by!

Wow you are prepared Katie! Better safe than sorry though. There have been so many times where I forgot something when we went to the beach. One thing I want to get this summer is a huge umbrella or some sort of shade for us.

I never knew about baby powder for taking sticky sand off. And is bug spray for bug bites, I’m assuming? That was new to me.

We tend to travel light. My must-have is a beach blanket to sit on. There were times when I thought I could forgo this since we would just be walking along the beach, but I found it always comes in handy.

Can’t wait to hit up the beach! We have had other plans these weekends but I’m excited to go soon.

Amen for traveling light! I always say I’m going to do that, but then…

Such a great list! Although, it makes me a little bit tired just reading it! 🙂 Thanks for linking up this week. Tweeted this out for you too.

Thanks so much, Meredith!

impressive list!! looks like he and you had a great time 🙂 being prepared certainly helps!!

Very true! Thanks for stopping by, Megan!

I love your beach packing list! my toddler is very independent so I have her wear a little backpack with some of the necessities packed into that. Helps to lighten my load.

Thanks for sharing (and linking up to the SHINE Blog Hop – I hope you’ll come join the party again tomorrow).

Wishing you a lovely evening. xoxo

Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer! My son has a little backpack too, I will definitely be taking it along on our next beach trip!

[…] Pick Any Two has a list specific to taking toddlers away – they always need so many […]

[…] beach 2. Build a sand castle 3. Fun things to do at the beach 4. Late afternoon at the beach 5. Beach packing list toddlers 6. Sea creature sand castle cans 7. Make a seashell […]

[…] My two-year-old nephew went to the beach for the first time last week! He had a blast, but was more interested in playing with sand and rocks than the ocean. Still, he had a great time! If you are taking your toddler to the beach soon, make sure you’re properly prepared with the right items. To keep your toddler happy and safe, check out this packing list by Katie M. Mclaughlin at Pick Any Two: […]

Great list! Where did you find that sun hat for your precious boy? The adjustable hat looks perfect to keep in place better!

Thanks guys, great list!

During the dry season, it would be fun if you can vacation to the beach with your favorite toddler. The freshness of the sea water and the thrill of playing wet-basahan would make the holiday to the beach with this toddler more exciting. but the sea and the beach are a dangerous place for toddlers if not alert, and there are many things to watch out for before playing around. Or we want to try a holiday abroad, I have some information about it. here is the most enjoyable place to vacation, and also there has complete facilities. please visit their site here http://www.zuiddrenthe.nl to get more information.

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Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

The Ultimate Packing List for a Beach Vacation with A Baby 

This post may contain affiliate links.

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Are you headed on vacation with a baby? Check out my essential baby travel packing list here! These tried and true items made beach vacations with a baby SO much easier! I call this my ultimate packing list for a beach vacation with a baby because I’ve tried to cover everything you need! I’ll highlight the best baby travel gear and baby travel essentials to make traveling with a baby a breeze.

Save this baby travel packing list for your next beach vacation *HINT* You can access the PDF version of this baby packing list at the bottom of the post!

Packing List for a Beach Vacation with A Baby

Baby clothes.

I typically bring 2 outfits for every day because baby clothes pack light and my babies LOVE to make a huge mess! If you have access to laundry, you can definitely bring less! Laundry is one of the many reasons I love to Airbnb with kids .

My babies have always been really good at being, well, exhausting! To keep my sanity, I have to have some fun with adorable baby outfits on vacation. I always make sure to have a few ‘picture-perfect outfits’ on my packing list with baby, because they are just so darn cute in them!

For a beach baby packing list, I try to keep the outfits lightweight and breathable. I’ll also pack a few long sleeve outfits in case it gets cool at night.

Baby Swimsuits and Swim Gear

Under 6 months, my babies didn’t spend much time in the pool. We always took them in for a few quick splashes, but mostly kept them out of the sun in the shade. I usually only put 1-2 swimsuits on my baby packing list when they are that young.

Once my babies were closer to the 9-12 month mark they LOVED the water. I usually bring 3-4 swimsuits at that age because we are often in and out of the pool all day! Add these adorable swim outfits to your baby beach vacation packing list!

When it comes to baby beach gear, I have a lot of favorites! You can find out all my favorite beach hacks in my post here on the best beach gear for toddlers and babies .

Baby Beach Accessories

I LOVE the Ro Sham Bo sunglasses for babies as they are completely INDESTRUCTIBLE. I also love reusable swim diapers to save on space. We have a wide brim sun hat with a back flap for the maximum sun protection.

If you are looking for the best baby floatie, be sure to check out my post on ‘the best floaties for toddlers and babies’ .

Baby Travel Sleep Essentials

We are VERY SPECIFIC about our sleep routine and we try to keep this up on vacation. We have two TOUGH sleepers, so we need all the help we can get in the sleep department! I have a whole post about the ‘ 8 tricks I use to get my kids to sleep anywhere’ if you want to read more!

Our packing list for traveling with a baby MUST include our sleep tricks! They are so essential to us! We pack a noise machine, blackout curtain, sleep sack/sleepsuit, and a baby monitor. When it comes to getting a baby to sleep on vacation, I don’t think you can be overprepared!

Baby Feeding Supplies

Lots to remember on this list! One of my favorite vacations was when my youngest son was 3 months old.  We went to Costa Rica because I was nursing him exclusively and I didn’t need to bring anything with me at all!

Other times I have brought formula, pumping supplies, and bottles and MAN OH MAN was it a pain. Washing baby bottles is already the worst, and it’s not any better on vacation.

On our Disney Cruise with our 8 month old they provided a bottle sterilizer and that was amazing. They also provided pureed food for babies at all the restaurants. It’s those little touches that make a huge difference! If you are planning to use bottles on a breast pump on vacation, be sure to add these items to your baby packing list.

I usually bring 8 disposable diapers for every day we are on vacation. If I’m tight on space I will buy diapers on arrival because they really do take up a lot of space! I bring two large packages of wipes for a week-long vacation and that’s usually enough for diaper changes and the millions of spills and messes my kids will make.

One travel hack that I ALWAYS bring is disposable doggie bags. There is nothing worse than a stinky garbage in a hotel or Airbnb and having a disposable bag to wrap it in makes a huge difference!

Another vacation lifesaver is Zincofax SRAY diaper cream . I love this stuff and it is great when you are out and about. I love that my fingers don’t get messy and its perfect for hot humid days when kids are more likely to get a diaper rash.

We use the Ju-Ju-Be BFF Diaper bag for everyday and travel and I love this bag. I love the backpack style that is so much easier on my sohulders and allows be to be totally hands free with my kids. There are so many gorgeous designs, and I’ve found that the quality has been superior to a few other diaper bags I had before this one.

I have an entire post dedicated to the ‘ top baby travel gear’ – be sure to check it out for all my ideas! It’s a running joke among my friends that I could open my own daycare with all the baby gear and gadgets that I own. I’m more than a little obsessed.

On vacation, I do try to pare down, but there are some things I am not willing to ‘downsize’! Although we occasionally bring a travel stroller , I usually opt to bring my ‘full size’ stroller. I can see the appeal of a travel stroller with an older child, but with a baby, the stroller is your go-to!

We always have so much stuff when we are going to the beach that I want a full-size stroller to lug it all! Especially if your baby is still in a bucket car seat, a full-size stroller makes the most sense.

I also LOVE babywearing on vacation. I have a baby carrier collection that rivals my stroller collection and I’ve used them all on vacation. Babywearing is perfect when you want to travel light, or if you are going to be going to places that aren’t stroller friendly.

We did a lot of babywearing on our Disney Cruise because the hallways are narrow and it’s a bit harder to navigate with a stroller. Check out my post on the ‘ best baby carriers for travel ‘ for more details on my favorite carriers for each occasion and age!

Baby Toiletries

Babies don’t need a lot in the toiletry department, but I do have a few favorite products that are perfect for travel.

My favorite sunscreen for babies is the ThinkBaby Sunscreen. This is a sunscreen that is completely safe for babies, as it made from the same ingredient as diaper cream!

I also LOVE boogie wipes for my baby and toddler as they aren’t as harsh as regular wipes on the face and provide a gentle saline cleanse.

I come prepared on vacation, so be sure to check out my OVER PREPARED mom travel first aid ki t for everything I bring!

A few toys can go a long way on vacation with a baby. I’ve added a few simple toys to my packing list with a baby – and these are great to throw in your carry-on for the plane!

I traveled with my young son at 6 months on a 5-hour plane ride to Victoria, BC. You would not believe that I completely forgot to bring any toys with me on the plane!! I was so not on my Pinterest game that day! All was well, it’s amazing how much airplane cups, the seat tray, and the safety instructions can provide a lifetime of entertainment. Older babies might enjoy the iPad as well, and there is nothing wrong with that on a plane!

Do you want a PDF of this entire baby packing list?

Download my full packing list with a baby HERE on PDF .

Enjoy! and Safe Travels

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Toddler Beach Essentials: A Quick Checklist for Your Babies

Are you wondering what to pack for a day on the beach with your toddler?

An outdoor adventure at the beach with your kids takes you and your children away from your busy lives. Whether it’s your first time taking them to the beach or an old favorite, use this checklist for toddlers to ensure you pack all the toddler beach essentials for your little beach-loving imps.

Read on to learn more.

Swim Diapers

If your toddler is still in diapers, swim diapers are a must-have. They are designed to prevent any water accidents while allowing your child to move comfortably.

Choose a high-quality sunscreen specifically formulated for children. Look for one with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection to shield your toddler’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.

Opt for a sun hat with a wide brim that shades your toddler’s face, ears, and neck. A chin strap can help keep it securely in place, even on windy days.

Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses designed for toddlers. Ensure they have proper UV protection to shield their delicate eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Choose comfortable and age-appropriate  beach gear for kids . Consider options with built-in UPF to provide extra sun protection for their torso.

Beach Tent or Umbrella

Setting up a beach tent or umbrella provides a shaded oasis for your toddler to rest, eat, or take a break from the sun. Make sure it’s easy to set up and stable in the sand.

Beach Blanket or Towel

A soft and sand-resistant blanket or towel is perfect for your toddler to sit or play on. Look for one that’s large enough to accommodate your family comfortably.

Pack various beach toys, such as buckets, shovels, beach balls, and molds for building sandcastles. These will keep your toddler entertained for hours in the sand. And while you’re enjoying the beach, remember that you can try these things to do in Florida , like exploring the beautiful coastline and its vibrant marine life.

Snacks and Drinks

Keep your toddler fueled and hydrated with various healthy snacks like fruit slices, crackers, and cut-up veggies. Don’t forget to pack water or diluted fruit juices in spill-proof containers.

Baby Powder

Baby powder is handy for removing stubborn sand from your toddler’s skin. Sprinkle it on sandy areas; the sand will come off more easily, making the cleanup less messy.

Floatation Devices

Depending on your child’s swimming abilities, consider bringing a toddler-sized life jacket or inflatable floatation device approved for their age and weight. These provide an extra layer of safety in the water.

Beach Bliss Starts With Toddler Beach Essentials

A beach holiday with your toddler can be a fantastic experience. To make sure all your needs and necessities are covered, having a toddler beach checklist of items to bring can be extremely helpful.

Remember, the most important toddler beach essentials are sunblock, a comfortable swimsuit, a hat, and plenty of water. With that, have an amazing summer and enjoy the beach!

Did you find the information in this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more valuable resources.

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Syndication Cloud.

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10 Tips for Successful Summer Travel with Kids

Get ready for your next vacation with these kid-friendly travel tips, perfect for traveling across country or even globetrotting around the world.

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The summer season is just around the corner, which means that memory-making adventures are on the horizon. After all, the biggest gift we can give our kids is time: time creating, time discovering, and time together. When planning a vacation, whether you’ll be traveling internationally , road-tripping across the country , or romping around in nature at a nearby forest preserve, there’s much to consider. 

As a seasoned travel writer and a mother of three, I’ve been all over the globe with my brood, exploring not only far-flung destinations like Peru, Japan, and India but also closer-to-home outdoorsy locales like our national and state parks. Let me tell you, I’ve learned some helpful tips along the way. Additionally, I’ve reached out to other parents and caregivers, including a pediatric doctor, to get their tips for successful summer travel with kids. 

Take a Deep Breath

Traveling with kiddos for the first time? Akanksha Shrivastava Hanna, MD , pediatrician in Park Ridge, Illinois, says that you should start by taking a deep breath. 

“Parents want to make sure we plan for everyone and everything to create the best trip possible,” says Hanna. “A great step to take is to acknowledge we won’t see or do everything, and that’s fine. Set reasonable goals, [have] a flexible itinerary, be as prepared as you can, and be ready to pivot since travel is not always a smooth process. Making lists is helpful and think of your child's needs for an entire day, including meals, toiletries, car travel, and safe sleep equipment.”

Find a Playground or Outdoor Space

Playing outside is a great way to burn off energy and have a healthy reset. Go on a hike , stop at a local playground, or take the dogs to a fenced-in park. Your little ones will thank you. 

Janette Thompson is currently enjoying a gap year with her family in tow as they travel across Asia. “While traveling we usually research the surrounding areas for playgrounds, parks, and other child-friendly activities,” Thompson says.

If you can swing it, pack everything you need in carry-on luggage . The last thing you want to do on vacation is constantly worry about managing and schlepping everyone’s large suitcases. Rather than checking luggage, waiting for it on the other end at the baggage carousel, or trying to figure out what to do if it gets lost or misplaced, if you carry on what you need, you can fly through the airport much faster. Plus, light luggage makes it easier when switching hotels and locales. 

“Moving large luggage multiple times on a trip is exhausting and logistically challenging,” says Thompson. 

Don’t Stuff Too Much into the Itinerary

I have a confession to make. As a curious traveler, I often operate with FOMO: fear of missing out. When I’m traveling by myself, I like a full itinerary with lots of activities and very little downtime. I want to make the most of my experience, especially if I’m visiting a country I’ve never been to before. But here’s the thing: kids need breaks. Lots of breaks. If you plan too much and don’t leave enough space for their needs or interests, you might find that moods shift and sour. 

Producer, TV host, photographer, and writer, Rachel Rudwall , travels with her family somewhere warm at least once per year. “Take, for example, our journey to Sardinia, Italy from Portland, Oregon. Not a single person would argue that this trip is logistically simple,” Rudwall says. “We would, however, argue that this journey was both doable and   worth the haul—even with our then 14-month-old in tow .”

Sardinia was where her toddler took his first steps, creating an indelible memory not soon forgotten. While the beach time and Italian food were expected highlights, the multi-hour flight itinerary from the U.S. to Sardinia was less than desirable. Rudwall thought ahead and arranged for a two-night stopover in Amsterdam, creating space to deal with jet lag. “This layover allowed us a soft spot to land between our flights, plus a beautiful couple days noshing on pastries and enjoying leisurely strolls in another wonderful European destination,” Rudwall says. “If I were to offer one piece of advice it would be this: wherever you go with your kids, build in buffers. These bonus windows of time will offer you the space to breathe, top up on snacks, and better navigate logistical challenges. Plus, they just might inspire some of your favorite moments of the journey.”

Bring a Travel Medical Kit

While we all hope that nothing goes wrong on a trip, you’ll want to be prepared and plan accordingly. Put together a travel medical kit that includes over-the-counter medicines and supplies. 

“This can include fever-reducing/pain medications, antihistamines, antibacterial ointment, band-aids, tweezers, and Vaseline,” says Hanna. “Make note of your child’s weight for dosing certain medications and make sure you have a supply of prescription medicines ahead of time. Discuss with your medical team if your child has medical conditions.”

“In warmer climates remember to pack reef-safe sunscreens (and reapply), bug sprays, and protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, UV-protected clothing),” Hanna says. “If heading outdoors, be sure to keep most skin covered and check bodies and hair for ticks daily. Before traveling internationally, consider notifying your child’s pediatrician if any additional recommended immunizations can be given. I guide parents to  CDC.GOV/travel  which breaks down pertinent information by country of travel.”

Research the Hotel and Destination Ahead of Time

While it’s advisable to leave plenty of open space on the itinerary, it’s important to research where you’re going and to know what activities and cultural experiences are available. What is the area known for and what are the highlights that everyone should know about? You’ll also want to know what the hotel amenities are so you can plan accordingly. Is there a swimming pool at the hotel? On-site laundry? Does the resort have a concierge that can arrange tours? Finding a property that is fun for both the parents and the kids is key. 

Let the Kids Be Part of the Planning 

If children are part of the planning process, they’ll be more invested in the trip. Let them decide which restaurant your family eats at or what activity everyone participates in. Teach kids how to navigate and read maps. Bring journals and encourage them to write about their daily adventures.  

“Parents can get caught up in the things they want to do on vacation since kids don't exactly plan these things out, but we've made it a priority to make sure that the kids think of it as their vacation too, so if we pass by something that interests them, we want to make those things happen as much as possible,” says Thompson. 

Keep the Ages of Kids in Mind When Planning and Packing

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, you’ll want to consider your children’s ages when structuring an itinerary or thinking about safety issues. 

“With younger children we want them to be comfortable and safe, so keep some soothing items from home such as blankets, pacifiers, a few toys, or a stuffy,” says Hanna. “Older kids can enjoy music, books, card games or using their electronic device[s]—remember, parents get to decide how much screen time their child consumes, and don't forget the chargers!”

Of course, safety should always be top of mind. Depending on your children’s ages, have discussions with them to go over the rules. “In new environments, review the safety plans regarding water play (never leave a child unattended near water) and review parent phone numbers—consider putting them inside their pockets,” says Hanna. “Trusting our older kids with more responsibility comes with varying comfort levels, but in a semi-controlled environment, this can be a good opportunity for them to demonstrate it, i.e., reading the map, guiding you through the airport, having them order their meals or pay for souvenirs. Learning how to budget on a trip with spending money is a nice exercise.”

Bring a Bag O’ Fun

For every car trip I’ve ever planned, I’ve always brought a “bag o’ fun”. This could be a deck of cards, snacks, new books, or mini-Lego sets. The idea is to bring along little surprises or fun things to do that will brighten up the moment.

Anastasia Gonzalez and her husband Gilbert take their grandchildren to South Padre Island every summer for fishing and exploring. One year they rented an RV to travel from Illinois to Texas. “It was the most beautiful experience,” Gonzalez says. “The driving, the board games, camping out, taking showers at the campsites, sleeping in the RV, and cuddling with those two boys was wonderful and cozy.”

Her advice for grandparents? “Allow your grandchildren to be themselves with you on your trip,” Gonzalez says. “Go with the idea of having fun. Break some rules. Ask what they want but have a plan. Make meals interesting and make one night a special meal night.”

Attitudes, Good or Bad, are Contagious

Most parents who travel with their kids will tell you that if one person has a bad attitude, that same mood can transfer to siblings or even adults. Staying positive is key, especially if you’re on a long vacation away from the comforts of home. 

“Kids love time with their family, but they are humans, and we all get moody sometimes,” says Hanna. “Our kids learn by our example, so parents take the lead with many deep breaths, exercise when possible, be mindful about handling stressful situations, and take lots of pictures. Parental well-being trickles down into children's well-being.”

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Things I Learned from My Trip

In gulf shores & orange beach.

I had never heard of Alabama’s white sandy beach towns before making that trip, but I loved it so much, I have been back several times.  Whether traveling with family, your special love or a group of friends, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has everything you need for an enjoyable beach vacation. If you, like me, know nothing about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, then you’ll appreciate what I learned on my vacation. Maybe I’ll even convince you to check it out for yourself!

Wide, Sandy Beaches

Of course, a beach vacation pretty much requires a beach. Alabama has a wide beach providing lots of room for beach games like volleyball, playing catch with a football or cornhole. The water tends to be calmer than Atlantic beaches, so little ones can build sandcastles while adults soak their toes in the gentle surf.

These family-friendly beaches are also marine-life friendly, with extensive sea turtle protection programs, trash cans and recycling bins to help guests keep the beach clean and safe. The Leave Only Footprints program is this region’s heartfelt mission!

We absolutely loved hanging out on the beach and walking along the water’s edge as the sun slipped away each evening.

Beautiful, Warm Waters

The Gulf waters of Alabama are warmer than the beaches on the Atlantic coast. The waves tend to be more gentle, rarely rising or falling more than a foot or so. This gentle surf is great for younger kids who want to play in the waves, for us older people who just want to enjoy the gentle lapping of the water, and for everyone who wants to fish!

When we head to Alabama’s beaches, we enjoy paddleboarding (yes, the water is that gentle), walking along the water’s edge, and floating on tubes.

With that said, it’s always important to obey weather warnings and stay out of the water when told it’s dangerous. Follow the beach flag warning system . While the water can be gentle, it can also be rough at times as well. 

Restaurant Experiences

On vacation, I love getting a break from cooking and kitchen cleanup. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are so many great restaurant choices you’ll find something to please everyone in the family. 

If you want a dining “experience” with an atmosphere to match the food, I recommend Tacky Jacks , The Gulf , and LuLu’s . All three offer more than just great food (which is important, of course). 

Their unique styles stood out to make dining a memorable experience for our family. The rooftop at Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach has great views of the water. At LuLu’s you can sit waterside and watch the boats come and go or take the kids to a sandy area to run and play. At The Gulf, an outdoor, waterfront restaurant that defies explanation, lounge areas on the beach invite you to linger. This is a particularly great place to watch the sun set. 

Two of our favorite breakfast spots are the Ruby Slipper Cafe , which is my daughter’s favorite, and Brick & Spoon , a longtime locals’ favorite. Some great lunchtime picks include Luna’s Eat & Drink  and  Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar . For dinner, dress up and enjoy the impeccable service at Voyager’s at Perdido Beach Resort , flavorful Italian at Villaggio Grille at The Wharf or the satisfying portions at Wolf Bay Restaurant .

Adventures & Activities 

Most popular beach vacation destinations offer activities beyond the beach to entertain families, and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are right there with them. Only, at Alabama’s beaches, these activities are a little more unique. 

For families with younger kids, add the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to your list of things to do. The zoo offers several animal encounter experiences that keep everyone entertained. It takes just a few hours to visit, so plan your visit around nap time! 

The Park at OWA in nearby Foley is good for kids and kids at heart. The amusement park has several kids’ rides and thrill rides for adrenaline junkies. They offer numerous ticket options, making this a budget traveler’s best buy. Restaurants and shops in the same area make OWA a full-day destination the whole family will enjoy.

There’s a lot for teens to enjoy in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Get tickets to a concert , shop at The Wharf , or spend a day at The Track for amusements and go-kart races. And, of course, slow down and reconnect over coffee drinks and ice cream. Parents can score bonus “cool points” at The Yard Milkshake Bar ! 

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park is another great place to explore. With miles of paved trails, quiet spots to view wildlife, and geocaching spots to discover, there’s lots to do here. Rent bikes from a local company to explore faster or choose a section to explore on foot. 

Of course, water activities are a major draw. Besides spending long, lazy days on the beach, plan a catamaran cruise with Sail Wild Hearts or a kayak tour with Wild Native Tours to learn about the coastal ecosystem. And there’s always fishing from the Gulf State Park Pier , a highlight for passionate anglers and casual casters alike.

Affordability

As a budget-minded traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable an Alabama beach vacation really is! Families have a wide selection of lodging options , from budget to high-end hotels, camping, and condo and beach house rentals. Add in low rates for parking ($15/day at public beaches ) as well as the number of free attractions available, and the savings really add up!

A beach vacation to Alabama Beaches offers the same sandy beaches (with smaller crowds), exciting adventures and great dining of the most famous beaches in the south. The nice thing is you don’t have to pay a premium for the privilege! That’s my kind of vacation.

You May Also Like

White Trout Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

My Father/Daughter Visit to Alabama’s Beaches

From Toddler to Teen: How We Keep Them All Entertained 

How to Have a Successful Beach Workation

Say “I Do” on Alabama’s Beaches

Thrilling Amusement Parks on Alabama Beaches

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The 12 Best Summer Vacation Destinations For Families In The U.S.

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, lindsay cohn , contributor, forbes vetted.

W ith children free from the grind of schoolwork and extracurricular commitments, summertime is the perfect opportunity for a family getaway. Long, sunny days and warm weather in most of the United States make it a great time to explore different parts of the country, and a diverse landscape means there’s a destination for every type of interest. The best summer vacation destinations for families in the U.S. are sure to create core memories that will last a lifetime.

Fans of gorgeous alpine scenery should consider Park City and Aspen, while crews who crave outdoor adventure will love the adventurous spirit of the Outer Banks. Set your sights on Cape Cod or venture down to South Padre Island for sandy beaches, or head to Chicago for a city break that includes plenty of educational activities and seasonal events. Below, our picks for the best summer vacation destinations for families in the U.S. in 2024—and where to stay in each one.

Where To Stay In The Best Summer Vacation Spots For Families In The U.S.:

• Santa Monica: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows ; Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts ; Shutters On The Beach
• Aspen: Aspen Meadows Resort ; The St. Regis Aspen Resort ; The Little Nell
• Acadia National Park: Under Canvas Acadia ; Terramor Outdoor Resort ; Salisbury Woods Cabin
• Chicago: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago ; The Langham, Chicago ; The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
• Cape Cod: Chatham Bars Inn ; Wequassett Resort & Golf Club ; Cottage In Dennis
• Jackson Hole: Four Seasons Resort And Residences Jackson Hole ; The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection ; The Virginian Lodge
• Lake Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Resort ; Hyatt Vacation Club At High Sierra Lodge ; Zephyr Cove Resort
• Park City: Montage Deer Valley ; Pendry Park City ; Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley
• Outer Banks: Sanderling Resort ; Home In Nags Head ; Dune Haus
• Hilton Head Island: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head ; The Inn & Club At Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort ; Harbour Town Sea Pines Condo
• South Padre Island: Best Western Beachside Inn ; Coastal Shores Condo ; Beachfront Condo
• Mystic: The Whaler's Inn ; Hyatt Place Mystic ; Downtown Mystic Apartment

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier on the background of an orange sunset, calm ocean waves, Los Angeles, California

Santa Monica, California

Who Will Love It: Sun lovers; beachgoers; active families

All-Star Attractions: Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica State Beach; Cayton Children's Museum

What Not To Miss: Riding the world's first solar-powered Ferris wheel

Where To Stay: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows ; Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts ; Shutters On The Beach

Picture-perfect weather, beaches and nostalgic activities make Santa Monica the ideal seaside destination for families. This sun-kissed Southern California city offers miles of wide, sandy beaches lapped by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The Marvin Braude Bike Path, also known as the Stand, runs 22 miles from Rogers Park to Torrance Beach—and it’s not just for bikes. The paved pathway welcomes walkers, runners, rollerbladers, teetering tots and parents pushing strollers. Pull off for a pitstop at North Beach Playground for slides and climbing apparatus. The epicenter of family fun, the Santa Monica Pier has an iconic Ferris Wheel and confession stands selling classic treats.

Where To Stay:

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows : This urban resort feels like a family retreat with a swimming pool that’s always full of smiling kiddos and parents, grassy lawns for youngsters to play and spacious bungalows that sleep up to eight people. In the summer, there’s also a poolside cinema.

Shutters On The Beach : A well-heeled coastal retreat right on the sand, this Santa Monica stalwart has breezy rooms, an ocean-facing pool and kid-friendly dining at Coast. Complimentary oceanfront yoga promises to help parents relax. Buckets and shovels for little ones are a nice touch, too.

Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts : For a private beachhouse-but-better atmosphere, look no further than Oceana Santa Monica. Luxury-loving families will fall hard for the generously sized suites equipped with Frette linens, Bottega Veneta toiletries and close vicinity to the Pacific Ocean. The doting staff makes guests of all ages feel like VIPs.

Sunrise hits snow dusted peaks of Maroon Bells while being reflected in lake below, along with Aspen trees in their full fall foliage display of golden colors.

Aspen, Colorado

Who Will Love It: Outdoorsy families who don’t mind a little altitude; luxury lovers

All-Star Attractions: Maroon Bells; Aspen Mountain; Independence Pass

What Not To Miss: A scenic gondola trip to the top of Aspen Mountain

Where To Stay: Aspen Meadows Resort ; The St. Regis Aspen Resort ; The Little Nell

Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen sets the gold standard for outdoorsy family vacations with stunning, tree-laced alpine scenery and recreation for all ages and abilities. The scenic paved walking paths of the Rio Grande Trail are great for strollers and tots, and nearby, John Denver Sanctuary is a nice place to stop for a picnic. The whole family can enjoy the easy walk around the pond at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, and when parents want to indulge in a spa treatment or do a date night at a fabulous restaurants, it’s a cinch to book a babysitter through Aspen Nannies .

Aspen Meadows Resort : A short drive from downtown, this 40-acre property is a family-friendly goldmine with an outdoor lap pool, tennis, pickleball and several hiking trails right on site. Suites feature kitchenettes, sleeper sofas and room service that starts at 7 a.m.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort : The St. Regis feels very much like a resort with amenities like a world-class spa and complimentary s’mores by the fire pits, but it offers the added benefit of a downtown location that’s steps from shops, and restaurants (though, you can’t go wrong with the on-site dining options), and parks.

The Little Nell : The Little Nell is a luxurious respite for parents and offspring. The peaceful rooms and suites encourage even overtired tots to snooze. Chowing down on truffle fries and burgers just feet from the gondola on the patio of Ajax Tavern is a highlight for families.

Acadia National Park

View from the rugged cliff rocks to Bass Harbor Head Light. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and is located on the coast of the US state of Maine within Acadia National Park in Mount Desert Island.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Who Will Love It: Nature lovers; birders

All-Star Attractions: Park Loop Road; Jordan Pond; Sand Beach

What Not To Miss: Visiting Thunder Hole

Where To Stay: Under Canvas Acadia ; Terramor Outdoor Resort ; Salisbury Woods Cabin

July and August top the list of the best months to visit Acadia National Park due to the warmer weather (daytime temperatures average between 55 and 75 degrees). Though the lakes and ocean remain too chilly to swim comfortably, it’s still prime time for waterfront fun with kayaking tours, whale-watching cruises, excellent fishing, coastal hiking trails, tidal pools and mountain-ringed beaches awaiting families. Fledgling birdwatchers should keep an eye out for bald eagles, loons, peregrines and cormorants. In the summer, visitors have the option of staying at campgrounds inside the park (just be sure to book in advance) or nearby glamping resorts.

Under Canvas Acadia : Open early May through late October, Under Canvas Acadia attracts crews who want to be immersed in nature without giving up creature comforts. Adjacent tent setups with private bathrooms, woodburning stoves, panels for viewing the cosmos from bed and decks that are tailor-made for families.

Terramor Outdoor Resort : Just minutes from the entrance to Acadia National Park, Terramor makes it easy for kids and parents to enjoy the great outdoors with five different tent types, including one with bunk beds. Pancake breakfasts, a swimming pool and stargazing round out the family fun.

Salisbury Woods Cabin : For a getaway that’s equal parts cozy and convenient, this contemporary cabin comes with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a spiffy bathroom and an RV pad with hookups. Guests also have access to the grounds, including a barbecue and fire pit.

Chicago Riverwalk and Skyscrapers

Chicago, Illinois

Who Will Love It: Urbanites; foodies; curious kids (and parents) of all ages

All-Star Attractions: Lincoln Park Zoo; Navy Pier; Shedd Aquarium

What Not To Miss: Igniting imagination (and burning off some energy) at Maggie Daley Park's Play Garden

Where To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago ; The Langham, Chicago ; The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Chicago is one of the best family-friendly city breaks in the country, and summer weather makes it even better. In June, July and August, the Windy City comes alive with seasonal events and outdoor attractions. Bring little ones to the play garden in Maggie Daley Park and watch their imagination soar on the life-sized ship, mini-lighthouse and animal-themed watering hole. Keep older kids off their devices with trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Centennial Wheel. Don’t forget to pose for some family photos in front of The Bean in Millennium Park. On the off chance that the weather doesn’t cooperate, head to the Chicago Children's Museum or hit the Shedd Aquarium.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago : Plush and full of family-oriented perks, the luxurious Four Seasons welcomes young guests with Sammy the Skyscraper activity books at check-in, an on-call ice cream cart, weekly movie nights and a dedicated kids playroom on the 32nd floor.

The Langham, Chicago : Eliminate the “I don’t want to go back to the hotel” complaints by reserving a room stocked with teddy bears, mini robes, tents and backpacks at The Langham. For a fun family night, book a private movie screening in the property’s cinema suite, complete with popcorn and sweet treats.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago : Children lucky enough to call The Ritz-Carlton home for a few days while visiting Chicago will love the mini bathrobes and Ritz Kids program, while parents will appreciate the well-designed rooms and suites sized to keep sibling rivalry at bay.

Aerial shot of Hyannis, the "Capital" of Cape Cod on a Fall evening. Authorization was obtained from the FAA for this operation in restricted airspace.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Who Will Love It: Nostalgia chasers; beachgoers; New Englanders

All-Star Attractions: Cape Cod Rail Trail; Wellfleet Drive-In; Cape Cod National Seashore

What Not To Miss: Bayside beach hopping

Where To Stay: Chatham Bars Inn ; Wequassett Resort & Golf Club ; Cottage In Dennis

An iconic American summer destination, Cape Cod conjures images of the Kennedys frolicking at their Hyannis compound. It’s hard to oversell the charm of little towns with classic New England architecture, lighthouses, casual seafood joints, ice cream shops for sundaes that fulfill childhood dreams and stores to buy souvenir keepsakes. This hook-shaped peninsula also offers some of the best beaches in the country—including family-friendly Mayflower Beach and Skaket Beach, two bayside gems with tidal flats, clean restrooms, showers and concession stands.

Chatham Bars Inn : This timeless oceanfront resort has all the hallmarks of a classic Cape Cod summer getaway. Family-friendly perks include a private sandy beach, kiddie pool, tennis clinics, seasonal kids programming, clambakes and an on-site dock with a fleet of boats for excursions such as whale watching and sailing.

Wequassett Resort & Golf Club : This 27-acre retreat provides heaps for families to do, from hitting the tennis courts to swimming in the outdoor heated pools. The children’s center hosts day and evening programming to give parents a break—and, of course, kids will have a blast doing crafts and playing on the nautical-themed pirate ship playground.

West Dennis Cottage : When you want a little privacy, this shingled cottage in Dennis delivers quiet living and sleeping spaces and a washer/dryer (tiny people amass a lot of dirty clothes). It’s a short walk to South Village Beach and even has a fire pit for low-key nights with the family.

Jackson Hole

Early morning magenta light illuminates clouds and the Moulton Barn on Mormon Row at the foot of the Grand Tetons near Jackson, Wyoming, USA.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Who Will Love It: Outdoor adventurers; wildlife peepers; thrill seekers

All-Star Attractions: Snow King Mountain; Grand Teton National Park; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram

What Not To Miss: Soaking in cowboy culture at the Jackson Hole Rodeo (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day)

Where To Stay: Four Seasons Resort And Residences Jackson Hole ; The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection ; The Virginian Lodge

Jackson Hole stands out as a four-season destination for outdoor adventure, high-flying thrills and wildlife peeping. Kids as young as three years old can bounce on the bungee trampoline at Snow King Mountain, and there’s no age minimum for sparking some friendly competition at the 18-hole mini golf course or learning about constellations at the planetarium. It’s a doable drive (yes, even with fidgety youngsters) to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park for hiking and spotting animals in the wild. And of course, no trip to this western-tinged Wyoming town would be complete without saying “cheese” in front of the antler arch at Town Square.

Four Seasons Resort And Residences Jackson Hole : The Four Seasons goes above and beyond for families with children’s amenities such as baby-proofing, high chairs, cribs, rollaway beds and bottle warmers at no extra charge, plus babysitting services for an additional fee, summer horseback-riding camps and sprawling multi-bedroom residences.

The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection : This boutique hotel in the heart of Jackson supplies upscale accommodations and easy access to the outdoors. Outdoor-savvy concierges take the stress out of planning excursions to nearby parks, eco-tours and chef-prepared picnics. The property is also very dog-friendly, so it’s great for furry family members, too.

The Virginian Lodge : This Western-fringed modern motor lodge is the ideal launchpad for outdoor adventure. After days full of hiking and biking, families can swim in the year-round heated pool, roast marshmallows by the fire pit and cozy up in retro-chic rooms outfitted with Pendleton wool blankets.

Aerial View of Lake Tahoe Mountains and Turquoise Blue Water, California, USA

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Who Will Love It: Water sports enthusiasts; beachgoers

All-Star Attractions: East Shore Trail; Sand Harbor; Secret Cove Beach

What Not To Miss: A daytime cruise on the M.S. Dixie II

Where To Stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort ; Hyatt Vacation Club At High Sierra Lodge ; Zephyr Cove Resort

The jewel of the Sierra Nevada and the highest alpine lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe is a beloved family-friendly destination that straddles the border of California and Nevada. The best way to experience lake life here is to get out on the water, whether that’s by renting a speed boat, doing a kayaking tour or traveling back in time on a a paddle-wheeler like the MS Dixie II. If trekking to the top of a mountain with tykes doesn’t seem feasible, rest assured you don’t have to sacrifice vistas by sticking to a lower elevation. Push the stroller along the 3.3-mile Tahoe East Shore Trail for beautiful views and beach pit stops.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort : Summer vacationers love Tahoe's only lakefront golf resort because of its championship course, swimming pool and sunset movies on the lawn. The new villas range from two to five bedrooms, so you can bring the entire extended family.

Zephyr Cove Resort : Nothing brings families together quite like singing songs, swapping stories and grilling hotdogs before slumbering in a tent under the stars. Not into the whole sleeping on the ground thing? This resort also offers cozy cabins, lodge rooms and an RV park.

Incline Village Condo : Featuring three bedrooms (one with kid-approved bunk beds), a full kitchen and an outdoor fire pit, this well-equipped condo in Incline Village sleeps eight comfortably—which means extending an invite to your cousins.

Park City is a city in Summit County, Utah, United States. Park City Ski Resort and Canyons resorts merged creating the largest ski area in the U.S.

Park City, Utah

Who Will Love It: Alpine adventurers; history buffs; foodies

All-Star Attractions: Park City Mountain Resort; Main Steet; Utah Olympic Park

What Not To Miss: Mornings at the Park Silly Sunday Market

Where To Stay: Montage Deer Valley ; Pendry Park City ; Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

A silver mining hub turned favored winter resort that’s absolutely fantastic for families in the summer, Park City is a great place for hiking with toddlers, teens and everyone in between thanks to easy trails around town and more challenging routes up in Deer Valley and beyond. Downtown has lots of stores to stock up on souvenir tee-shirts, outdoor gear and cowboy boots, plus a tasty ice cream shop, kid-friendly restaurants, the Park City Museum and the iconic chairlift. The Park Silly Sunday Market brings together craft and food vendors, live music, face painting and even a kid-sized rock climbing wall. There are also many excellent parks and playgrounds in the area.

Montage Deer Valley : This luxurious Deer Valley resort offers families miles of hiking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, an on-site bowling alley, in-room “camping” amenities and the Paintbox children’s program. Kiddos can also collect the Montage merit badges. The property’s UPPAbaby rental program means you don’t have to pack a stroller.

Pendry Park City : This contemporary slopeside resort in Canyons Village starts the family fun upon arrival with stuffed animals up for grabs at check-in. Add to that an awesome kids club as well as two-bedroom residences with bunk rooms that are guaranteed to earn parents extra cool points.

Stein Eriksen Lodge : A high point for families staying at Stein Eriksen Lodge is the 3,500-square-foot entertainment area with pinball, video games and billiards. The enormous luxury suites with five bedrooms, full kitchens, living and dining areas and patios could easily be mistaken for private home rentals.

Outer Banks

The coast of North Carolina's Corolla Beach in the Outer Banks

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Who Will Love It: Active families; water sports enthusiasts; history buffs; wildlife lovers

All-Star Attractions: North Carolina Aquarium; Roanoke Island Festival Park; Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Wright

What Not To Miss: Climbing to the top of the largest dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Where To Stay: Sanderling Resort ; Home In Nags Head ; Dune Haus

Families with kids who need constant action and outdoor thrills should consider the Outer Banks. A vacation to this chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is packed with opportunities for windsurfing, paddleboarding, kiteboarding and fishing. Youngsters with an interest in pirate lore will definitely want to visit the site where Blackbeard fought his last battle at Ocracoke, while teens can go snorkeling or scuba diving around the thousands of shipwrecks (hence the destination’s nickname, "the graveyard of the Atlantic"). Extend the screen-free hours with educational trips to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the North Carolina Aquarium.

Sanderling Resort : Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, Sanderling Resort gives guests of all ages a taste of the Outer Banks. The zero-entry pool is a toddler favorite, while teens will favor the beach and off-site excursions organized by the adventure-versed concierges.

Home In Nags Head : Much of the fun of an Outer Banks vacation is everyone bunking up in a big house after an action-packed day. This remodeled beach house in Nags Head fits the bill with a living room with board games and toys, a swimming pool and a gas grill.

Dune Haus : This coastal cottage rental bills itself as an “oceanfront Outer Banks paradise.” With four bedrooms, a light-filled living room, a hot tub, a cargo lift to haul groceries and luggage, and private beach access, that seems like a very fitting title.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, South Carolina, lighthouse at dusk.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Who Will Love It: Beachgoers; wildlife lovers; foodies

All-Star Attractions: Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge; Coastal Discovery Museum; The Sandbox Children's Museum

What Not To Miss: Dolphin-watching tours aboard Zodiac rafts

Where To Stay: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head ; The Inn & Club At Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort ; Harbour Town Sea Pines Condo

For a sun-and-sand getaway, look no further than Hilton Head Island. This fan-favorite summer destination offers beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, golf courses, great food and wildlife viewing galore. Families can look forward to catching rays on the white-sand shores and witnessing local wildlife. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to wading birds, raptors and white-tailed deer, and you might even spy alligators sunning on the banks of the lagoons. Pirate cruises and dolphin-watching tours aboard Zodiac rafts are sure to become core memories, while even picky palates won’t be able to resist a real-deal Lowcountry boil.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Oak Resort Hilton Head : A 10-minute walk from Coligny Beach Park, the Hilton Grand Vacation Club gives families access to suites the size of apartments, an oceanfront pool and bar and a picnic area with charcoal grills for cooking up crowd-pleasing burgers.

The Inn & Club At Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort : At the top-rated luxury hotel on Hilton Head Island, guests can expect elegantly furnished accommodations that are still child-friendly, seasonal beach concierge service at the Sea Pines Beach Club and a first-class golf course.

Harbour Town Sea Pines Condo : Because this villa doesn’t share any walls with neighbors, it’s a super quiet and private pick for families. The view overlooking a lagoon with fountains lends extra tranquility to the overnight experience—perhaps enough to inspire kiddos to sleep through the night.

South Padre Island

Sunrise at Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island Texas USA

South Padre Island, Texas

Who Will Love It: Beachgoers; water sports enthusiasts; wildlife peepers

All-Star Attractions: South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center; Laguna Madre Nature Trail

What Not To Miss: Marveling at the largest outdoor sandcastle in the United States

Where To Stay: Best Western Beachside Inn ; Coastal Shores Condo ; Beachfront Condo

Keen to trade screen time for beautiful beaches, watersports and nature-based attractions? South Padre Island, a Texas resort town on the 34-mile barrier island that shares its name, packs a punch in terms of family-friendly activities. Summer is the best time to experience the calm waters, white sands and boogie boarding at South Padre Island Beach. Animal lovers won’t want to miss observing sea turtle hatching releases as well as the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. After days full of sun, sea and seeing local wildlife, toss on a tee-shirt and grab something to eat at one of the easygoing local restaurants.

Best Western Beachside Inn : It’s easy to understand why families gravitate toward the Best Western Beachside Inn. The rooms are clean and comfortable. With rates starting at $100 per night, it’s an excellent value, and you can’t beat the location right by seafood favorite Blackbeards'.

Coastal Shores Condo : This beachy boho ground floor unit comes with a lot of family-friendly amenities—including a newly renovated kitchen with all new appliances, a huge balcony to soak up the views with kiddos nap, two parking passes and a shared pool with loungers and umbrellas.

Beachfront Condo : This condo gives guests two bedrooms and a queen sleeper sofa, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to snooze. Access to a playground, outdoor pool, and tennis and basketball courts is an awesome bonus.

MYSTIC, CT - DECEMBER 17: cute buildings and shops downtown Mystic, on December 17, 2017 in Mystic, CT USA

Mystic, Connecticut

Who Will Love It: History buffs; foodies; budding marine biologists

All-Star Attractions: Mystic Aquarium; Mystic Seaport Museum; Downtown Mystic

What Not To Miss: Seeing beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium

Where To Stay: The Whaler's Inn ; Hyatt Place Mystic ; Downtown Mystic Apartment

The 19th-century whaling village of Mystic has evolved into a coastal New England tourism darling that’s become increasingly popular with families. You could (and should) block an entire day to learn about maritime history at the Mystic Seaport Museum, while kids and parents alike will be mesmerized by the giant beluga whales, sea lions and other fascinating underwater creatures at the Mystic Aquarium. Beautiful summer weather calls for paddle boarding, kayaking and boat rides. Be sure to carve out some time to stroll around the lively downtown, snap frame-worthy photos on the drawbridge and grab a pie at Nana’s Bakery & Pizza.

The Whaler's Inn : Featuring stylish rooms and suites spread across five adjacent buildings, a kid-approved on-site restaurant that serves farm-to-fork fare and a convenient location near all the must-see sights, The Whaler's Inn is by far the best choice for families in downtown.

Hyatt Place Mystic : Clean rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a location near the Mystic Aquarium make the Hyatt Place a great option for families looking to explore. Even with the uptick of travelers in the peak of summer, rates remain reasonable.

Downtown Mystic Apartment : For families who like to be in the middle of the action, this light-filled downtown apartment satisfies. It’s right by the iconic draw bridge and has three bedrooms, a full kitchen and use of a backyard with a patio and barbecue.

About Lindsay Cohn, Your U.S. Family Summer Vacations Guide

I'm a travel journalist with over a decade of professional experience writing, editing, and jet-setting. My passion for seeing the world has taken me to 46 countries across six continents—and counting. Whether exploring somewhere new or returning to a familiar favorite, I’m always vetting the best boutique hotels, wine bars, and juice shops. When I'm not writing, you can find me doing yoga, hanging with my sons, and planning trips to the many destinations on my ever-growing bucket list. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work has appeared on Travel + Leisure, Veranda, InsideHook, The Zoe Report, Hotels Above Par, ELLE Decor, Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor, Well+Good, PureWow and more.

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The Complete List of Everything You Need to Bring Camping

S'mores ingredients not included.

Campsite Essentials

Camp lighting, clothing for camping, camping kitchen gear, just-in-case gear, fun camping gear, tips for beginner campers.

Camping has become a popular way to travel while enjoying the great outdoors (and who doesn't love a good campfire s'more ?). Whether you're new to camping or just looking to upgrade your gear, this camping supplies checklist contains a few key product suggestions to make sure you don't forget something essential when you're a few miles out in the wilderness. Pick and choose from this list to plan your perfect camping excursion.

Glamping fans can probably cut a lot out of this list (like the toilet paper!), while National Park campers should check the "Know Before You Go" section on the park's website for additional items you might need, like bear spray or a bear-proof food container.

Real Simple

Cabela's

Make sure your camping supplies checklist includes items that provide comfortable places to sit and sleep for everyone.

• Extra stakes
• Sleeping bags and pillows
• Air mattress or sleeping pads
• Foldable camp chairs
• Foldable table
• Backpacks/bags for porting things in and out
• Small broom and dust pan
• Mat to wipe your feet outside your tent

Upgraded camping gear: Cabela's Nemo Quasar sleeping pads are water-resistant, easy to inflate and deflate, and help keep you comfy and dry—even if the ground beneath you is wet. (Bonus: They're completely made from post-consumer recycled materials.)

Light your way for a night hike (or a late-night run to the restroom) with these camping essentials.

• Flashlights
• Matches or a lighter (for campfire making)
• Firewood (from a nearby source)
• Fire starters (kindling or a fire starter cube or packet)
• Extra batteries for the lights
• Glow sticks or necklaces

Upgraded camping gear: The Coleman Sound and Light Lantern gives you plenty of glow—and also serves as a bluetooth speaker if you want to enjoy a little music at your campsite.

When you're choosing what to wear camping, think functional and lots of layers that you can add or subtract as the weather changes. Even in the summer, long pants and long-sleeved shirts might be preferable to help protect from sunburn, and ticks and mosquitos.

Skip cotton fabrics in favor of moisture-wicking, SPF-laden, and quick-dry options that help keep you comfortable even if you sweat or get wet. Merino wool is a great temperature regulator that you can wear for days without worrying about smelling.

• Extra underwear
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Water shoes or sandals
• Long-sleeved shirts
• SPF-embedded clothing
• Extra socks (the thicker, the better)
• Rain coat/Warm coat
• Fleece or cozy sweater
• Gel-filled cooling neckerchief
• Personal mosquito netting

Upgraded camping gear: If you're a favorite snack for mosquitos, a wearable screen netting can help protect you from the bugs—without having to wear hardcore mosquito repellants 24/7.

One of the highlights of camping can be the culinary options available to you—s'mores!—but you'll probably want more than graham crackers and marshmallows to enjoy.

If you're planning to be active, it may help to pack freeze-dried meals you can easily whip up with hot water, so you don't have hangry campers waiting for the fire to be ready for cooking.

• Camp stove with fuel
• Coleman grill
• Pots and pans (cast iron is great!)
• Cooler with lots of ice
• Cutting board
• Insulated water bottles
• Mountain potpie maker
• Cooking spoon, spatula, and tongs
• Flatware for eating
• Plates and bowls
• Larger bowl for serving/mixing
• Mugs and collapsible cups
• Dish scrubber and towel
• Dish soap (biodegradable)
• Can/bottle opener
• Food storage containers
• Camp-friendly coffee maker
• Large jugs of water
• Cooking oil
• Bearproof food storage

Upgraded camping gear: If you can't start your morning without a cup of coffee, the easy-to-pack AeroPress can help you make a stellar cup—and it's small enough to pack for even the most off-the-beaten-path camping trip.

Keep it clean while you're camping with the right tools—just make sure any products you bring are biodegradable, so they don't harm nature (or you).

• Brush or comb
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Lip balm (with SPF)
• Razor and shaving cream
• Baby/cleaning wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Prescription meds
• Contact lens case/solution
• Quick dry towel
• Insect repellent spray /lotion
• Small, shatterproof mirror

Upgraded camping gear: Beekman 1802's generously sized wipes can keep more than your face clean, and the fragrance-free version won't make you attractive to insects—or bears.

You never know when something's going to go awry when you're camping, so it's great to have some basic gear for fixing things.

• First aid kit (including lots of moleskins)
• Wood axe or saw
• Menstrual products
• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain relievers
• Allergy medications
• Anti-diarrheal or antacid medications
• Sunburn cream
• Water purifiers
• Safety pins
• Small shovel
• Snakebite kit
• Camping sewing kit
• Leather work gloves
• Solar-powered chargers
• Extra blankets

Upgraded camping gear: Heat-resistant leather working gloves let you chop firewood, deal with hot pots and pans, and wrangle anything else that comes your way.

Uncommon Goods

The real fun of camping is all the activities you get to do. Pack along gear for outdoor adventures, games, and maybe a little campfire music-making.

• Frisbee or ball
• Compass and maps
• Fishing gear
• Field guide
• Books or magazines
• Musical instruments
• Cards or games
• Hiking poles
• Sports gear (snowshoes, kayak, etc.)

Upgraded camping gear: Just a quick roll of the dice will get you and your kids exploring in a scavenger hunt to find something that fits the bill with this fun game.

If you're first-timer campers, consider these tips to make your camping trip a big success.

• Keep it short and simple. Don't embark on a week-long backwoods adventure if you're newbies. Start off with an overnight (or two, if you're daring) in a tent or cabin and see how you like it. You might also choose a campsite close to home, so you can always head back if you realize you forgot something on your list—or you need to abort the mission due to bad weather.
• Practice makes perfect. Try an overnight in your backyard first, so you can learn how to assemble the tent and set up your campsite in a low-pressure setting.
• Leave no trace that you were there. Try to minimize your use of paper plates and other disposables, and bring trash bags to carry everything back out with you.
• Prepare for the weather. Nothing's worse than shivering or sweating your way through a camping trip. Be mindful of both daytime and nighttime temperatures—as you may find it gets chilly at night.
• Preplan your menu. Limit your use of perishables and use those first so you maximize your food safety (and don't have to worry as much about the ice in your cooler melting. Opt for shelf-stable foods like granola, and easy-to-pack fruits and veggies like apples and potatoes. And don't forget to store food away from your tent (and ideally, in a bear-safe vault), to keep animals from poking around your tent at night.
• Consider borrowing, renting, or buying used equipment for your first go-round. Not sure that you'll be a happy camper? See if you can borrow or buy preowned gear to try out before you invest.

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Beach Toys Sand Toys for Kids Toddler, Sand Castle Toys with Sand Bucket, Mesh Bags, Beach Ball & Kids Sunglasses,Shovel Set,Travel Beach Toys for Kids 3-8

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