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Pack These Essentials for Your Next Family Beach Trip

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Pack These Essentials for Your Next Family Beach Trip

The beach is the ultimate summer destination for many families. Sand, sunshine and cool waves make for a really relaxing day perfect for everyone. If you are lucky enough to get a day at the beach, you want to be sure you pack everything you need to really enjoy the day with your family and not have to make random trips to go get the basics. If you do not head to the beach on a regular basis, you may be wondering what to pack for your next beach trip. The good news is packing for the beach can be a breeze if you follow this list.
Sun Screen
Sun protection needs to be your first focus when packing for the beach. Whether you are sitting by or playing in the water, you are exposed to more sun than normal so sun protection is vital. A quality sunscreen in the highest SPF you can find is the perfect start. Make sure to check the label, so you know exactly what ingredients you are putting on your skin. Not all sunscreens are great for children or people with sensitive skin. Be sure to pack enough that you can reapply about every two hours, even more often for people sensitive to the sun. Rash guards and swimsuits with built in SPF are great for protecting sensitive shoulders and backs. For on the beach, an umbrella or tent is also a great option to provide shade.
Kid Towels
beachEveryone knows to bring towels to the beach, but they don't always remember to bring ones specifically for the kids. When returning from a fun filled day at the beach, the last thing you want is a tired, wet kid tripping over a towel that is too big and falling off of them when they walk. We were given a sample of these Kidorable towels to try, and I fell in love with them. They are just the right size for little ones, and come with a button at the top to keep them from falling off. These soft and absorbent 100% cotton towels are machine washable and come in cute styles that will excite both boys and girls alike. They even come in 2 sizes: a smaller size that is suitable for newborns to 2 years old, and a larger size for children 3-6 years old.
Cooler
Grab one of these great coolers and fill it with food and drinks. While most beaches have several places to buy food, it can be a pain to wait in long lines for an overpriced flavorless hot dog because you forgot to pack your own snacks. Even if you choose not to pack food, you still want to bring plenty of drinks to stay hydrated, especially water. We love to freeze reusable water bottles and use them as the ice for our cooler. Then we have plenty of ice cold water to rehydrate from the sun and less mess than dumping a bag of ice into the cooler.
Toys
beach When you go to the beach, take advantage of toys and floats that you aren't allowed to use at the local pool. Pull out the big floats and let the kids enjoy themselves. When packing toys for the beach, grab some cheap sand toys that will help keep little ones busy playing away from the water during a break. They may even entertain older children for a while. Other great toy options include water squirters, frisbees, and pool noodles. Stop by your local Dollar Tree for these items so that you aren't out big bucks if the kids lose or break them.
Camera
beachIf you're lucky enough to own a tough camera that is water and sand proof, you have the perfect addition to document your family trip. If you don't have one, you can get a waterproof case for most higher end cell phones that will allow you to take photos so you never forget the big smile on your child's face when they came running with a hermit crab or minnow cupped in their little hands. Some of my favorite family photos are the ones with an amazing ocean backdrop.
Bags
To transport all of your fun stuff and your basics like towels, flip flops, and spare sunglasses, grab some reusable shopping bags. Sturdy bags are perfect for the pool or the beach. You can even toss them in the wash and store them in the trunk for your next trip to the grocery store.

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Comments

  15. wendy browne says

    I really dislike the beach. I need to buy a tent for shade if I take my toddler this year.

    Reply

  20. sherri chastain says

    the main thing is sunscreen, but we pack snacks, change of clothes, first aid kit , and water and towels for sure!

    Reply

  24. Annmarie W. says

    We always pack plenty of sunscreen, along with water & snacks (that won’t melt in the heat). Always a couple good books & a blanket/beach chairs. And hats, sunglasses, water toys/boogie boards.

    Reply

  32. Deborah Wilson says

    For a beach trip we pack towels, sunscreen, toys, clothes, bathing suits, floats, food…you name it we pack it. We are a family of 6 so we need everything.

    Reply

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