Packing Tips for a Beach Vacation with Kids
Heading to the beach with children? Wondering what you should pack? Below you will find tips and products to make packing for a trip to the beach with kids simple.
Traveling to the beach with kids requires a balance of loose expectations and a well-thought-out packing list. While it's not necessary to bring a million things to the beach (although it might feel that way), there are a few key items that will help make your beach vacation with kids a breeze. I may receive a small monetary compensation from purchases made from links on this page.
Beach Blanket
A beach blanket is a must-have on any beach trip. Not only does it help keep your items sand-free, it also provides a place for your family to sit.
This beach blanket is large, light-weight, and the perfect addition to your beach packing list. The best part - sand doesn't stick to it!
Sunscreen
Obviously, every beach vacation packing list needs to include sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens are equal, especially when it comes to sunscreens for kids! Nothing dampens the fun like a sunburn.
I love this sunscreen for my kids because it is a zinc-oxide and protects without harmful chemicals being absorbed into the skin.
Collapsible Beach Wagon
Spending the day on the beach with kids typically requires bringing quite a few items with you, some of them bulky and cumbersome to carry. A collapsible beach wagon is a great alternative to trying to haul all of your gear in your arms, as well as kids who are too tired to walk by the end of the day. Bonus - these wagons usually fold down fairly small, making bringing them on vacation a no-brainer.
This beach wagon has amazing reviews. It has extra large, wide wheels, which allow it to be pulled over sand fairly easily.
Backpack Cooler
Playing on the beach all day can leave your family famished. Make sure you are prepared by bringing snacks and drinks in a backpack cooler. These types of coolers leave your hands free to hold little ones' hands or pull a wagon through the sand.
This backpack cooler keeps drinks and food cold for hours, even on hot, sunny days. The padded straps keep your shoulders comfortable, while the side pockets can be used to store sunscreen and other items.
Beach Tent
Keeping little ones out of the sun is often a concern of parents when they take their family to the beach. Beach tents can provide shade and a cooler place to sit and for younger kids to nap.
With over 3 thousand 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong with this beach tent. It folds up compactly to make it easy to pack and provides enough shade for several people.
Baby Powder
One of the best parent-hacks for the beach is to pack baby powder! When you want to get sticky sand off of your kids' legs and arms, just sprinkle some baby powder on and watch the sand glide right off.
Johnson & Johnson is a company who has been around for forever. I like this brand because they use naturally-derived cornstarch, which is much safer to use.
Rash Guards
Rash guards are another way to keep your kids safe in the sun. These usually have an SPF of 50+. Bonus - you don't have to use as much sunscreen!
These rash guards come in a 2-pack in some great colors and patterns. They come in sizes 3 months to 5T, so you can even have your kids match!
Bluetooth Speaker
What is a day spent on the beach without music? A portable bluetooth speaker is a great addition to any beach vacation packing list.
This speaker is small, but has some mighty sound. It's durable and waterproof, so it works perfectly for the beach.