A day at the beach is one of the best summer experiences for the entire family. You get to spend quality time together as a family, kids get to run around and have some fun in the water and you also get to relax a bit while they are enjoying themselves. To ensure your family has a fabulous and stress-free time, it’s important to pack the right essentials. Because we always forget something, I have made a comprehensive list of what to bring for a perfect day by the shore. This way I won’t forget something and have a bad experience on our day out. I have even separated it into categories.
Sun Protection
Protecting your family from the sun is crucial. Nobody wants to deal with sunburn or the long-term consequences of not using sun protection. Here’s what you need:
Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming. I prefer to use the ones in the spray or the stick, it is just easier with the little ones.
Hats: Wide-brimmed hats for everyone can provide additional shade and protection for the face and neck.
Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful rays. Make sure the kids have pairs that fit snugly.
Beach Umbrella or Tent: A beach umbrella or a pop-up tent can offer much-needed shade and a place to rest out of the sun.
Sun protection is not only necessary for beach days. Remember to protect yourself and your family from the sun on any day with a high UV index. I usually carry sunscreen in a diaper bag all year round and add hats once the weather starts getting warmer. They don’t take up much space, but they make a big difference.
Beach Gear
Having the right beach gear can make your day more comfortable and enjoyable.
Beach Towels: Large, absorbent towels are a must for drying off and lounging on the sand. Always bring an extra towel, in most cases you will need it. It might be because one got “accidentally” completely soaked or because someone demands one towel to sit on and another to wrap themselves in it. Don’t ask me how I know.
Beach Chairs: Lightweight, foldable beach chairs provide a comfortable place to sit. I know they are technically not essential and you will be ok without them, but they are so much more comfortable than sitting on the ground.
Blanket or Mat: A large beach blanket or mat can serve as a central gathering spot for your family’s belongings. You can place your food and drinks there without fear that someone will pull their towel and spill everything or get sand over the food. Again, don’t ask me how I learned this lesson.
Cooler: A cooler with ice packs will keep your drinks and snacks fresh and cool so you can stay refreshed during your day out.
You don’t want to know how many times I forgot one of the essentials and had to improvise. Clothes have been used instead of towels and we drank drinks that were definitely too warm to be refreshing. But, I learned my lesson, and now I follow my list of beach day essentials.
Food and Drinks
Keeping hydrated and well-fed is important for a fun day at the beach. You don’t want to deal with a hangry partner or kids, especially if you are also hangry.
Water: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. We avoid sugary drinks as it makes the little ones more hyper and cranky once the sugar rush passes. We do add some garnishes to our water to make it more refreshing, such as lemon, lime, cucumber, orange, or some mint. Emily calls it our fancy water.
Snacks: Pack easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, chips, crackers, granola bars, and sandwiches. Even though you will keep the food in the cooler, you should still avoid items that can melt or spoil in the heat. Can you imagine dealing with an overtired kid whose chocolate melted before they could have it? No, thank you.
Reusable Containers: I just love using reusable containers to keep our food organized and to have less waste to carry home. That way I can, for example, have the fruit already cut into pieces without wondering if it will leak all over crackers. Kids also get less overwhelmed if I offer them food bit by bit instead of giving them everything at once.
Entertainment and Activities
Beach day is not complete without beach activities that will keep your little ones happy and entertained.
Sand Toys: Buckets, shovels, and molds are essential for some fun in the sand. You can try building sandcastles, forts, digging a hole or even burying each other. Just make sure to leave the beach as you find it so fill the hole back if you were digging.
Sports Equipment: Bring along a frisbee, beach ball, snorkel gear, or paddleball set for some active fun. We often bring a kite in case there are not a lot of people on the beach. We don’t want to risk getting someone hit in the head by a runaway kite.
Books and Magazines: A good book or magazine can be a relaxing way to pass the time. Not only can you relax a bit while the kids are enjoying themselves, but a little quiet time will help kids not to get too cranky or overwhelmed.
Extra Items for Comfort and Convenience
To enjoy your beach day even more try getting to the beach early so you secure a good spot and avoid the midday crowds and check out the tide times to avoid setting up too close to the water. My bonus suggestion is to also bring the following items, which might not be essential but can add to your comfort at the beach.
Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Kids have to touch everything and more often than not their hands will end up in their mouths; you will definitely need those wipes. They are also useful for quick clean-ups and washing up before and after eating.
Plastic Bags: Bring a few plastic bags to store your wet clothes or toys and to pick up any trash you might have.
First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers is always a good idea. I have a small one in my bag at all times, just in case. I hope I won’t have to use it, but I like to be prepared if I do.
Change of Clothes: Pack a change of clothes for everyone to wear on the way home so you don’t have to go home in wet or sandy clothes. I usually bring the entire set, but if you are stuck for space just bring an extra bathing suit and underwear so you can change the basics when needed. You can also bring water shoes to protect your feet from hot sand, sharp shells, and rocky areas with water shoes.
Safety equipment: If your kids are not strong swimmers, life jackets, floaties or similar equipment is essential.
A well-packed beach bag can make all the difference between a stressful day and a relaxing one. With these essentials, your family will be ready to soak up the sun, play in the sand, and create wonderful summer memories.