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
Everyone 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
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
If 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.
Anna rosado says
May 19, 2017 at 7:50 amWould be great for our upcoming vacation!!
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 1:22 amYes these towels are great. We use ours at the beach and pool
Courtney H. says
May 19, 2017 at 11:47 pmI pack sunscreen!
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 1:20 amAbsolutely!
Carla W. says
May 20, 2017 at 12:44 amSunblock, water (lots of water), cooler, towel, beach toys and a chair.
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 1:19 amDefinitely lots of water is important, don’t want to get dehydrated
Ina Gribbins says
May 20, 2017 at 1:04 amSunscreen, floppy hat, sunglasses, water, beach towel, and chair!
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 1:19 amYes to all of these! Tough to find a good floppy hat I like though
Tabitha says
May 20, 2017 at 1:21 amLots n lots of kid sunblock!
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 1:22 amI use the same sunblock as the kids to get the most protection possible!
Regina Davis says
May 20, 2017 at 1:30 amBackpack, picinic, bathing suit, sunscreen, diet pepsi, sun glasses
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:42 pmGreat ideas. Love the Diet Pepsi lol
Jean Millsap says
May 20, 2017 at 1:40 amI pack extra clothes, drinks, snacks and meds on a beach trip.
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:44 pmExtra clothes are a definite must in case the originals get wet
Cheryl Everitt says
May 20, 2017 at 2:16 amWe take water, hats, towels and most of all the sunscreen.
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:47 pmHats are a big help with keeping the sun off of your face
nicolle says
May 20, 2017 at 2:41 amsunscreen
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:44 pmAbsolutely!
Jennylyn Gross says
May 20, 2017 at 2:49 amsunblock, towels and a change of clothes
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:47 pmGreat ideas
Lori says
May 20, 2017 at 4:43 amTowels, Sunscreen, snacks
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:48 pmSnacks that don’t melt are a must!
Donna Evans says
May 20, 2017 at 9:41 amSunscreen, towels, kindle, snacks and water
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:46 pmOoh a kindle is a great idea so you can bring multiple books with you
Jeanette schardt says
May 20, 2017 at 1:14 pmWhat a great win it would be ,summer so hot for the little ones so I could use all of it ,hope to win????
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:46 pmSummer gets very hot here in Georgia, a trip to the water is a must
connie danielson says
May 20, 2017 at 1:40 pmwould love to win! connie danielson
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:47 pmGood luck!
wendy browne says
May 20, 2017 at 2:39 pmI really dislike the beach. I need to buy a tent for shade if I take my toddler this year.
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:45 pmI don’t like getting too hot or too much sun, so a tent definitely helps
Mary Harding says
May 20, 2017 at 2:41 pmThose towels look as cute as a button would love to win one Sincerely Mary Harding
sassnspunk says
May 20, 2017 at 3:45 pmThey are really cute! Good luck
Kathy says
May 20, 2017 at 4:39 pmSunscreen,water,lots-of-fruits,towels,
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:38 pmFruit is a great idea, good refreshing snack
tammy studt says
May 20, 2017 at 4:59 pmUmbrella for shade!
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:39 pmOh yes, an umbrella or cabana is awesome
Marci says
May 20, 2017 at 5:37 pmtowels, sunscreen, snacks, drinks and umbrella
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:43 pmGreat list
sherri chastain says
May 20, 2017 at 6:26 pmthe main thing is sunscreen, but we pack snacks, change of clothes, first aid kit , and water and towels for sure!
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:43 pmA first aid kit is important but not everyone thinks of it
Julie says
May 20, 2017 at 7:33 pmI take sunscreen that has bug repellent
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:40 pmGreat idea, 2 for 1
Paula says
May 20, 2017 at 8:09 pmSuncreen, chair, beach towels, snacks & drinks.
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:41 pmI prefer a chair to a towel for sure
tammy smith says
May 20, 2017 at 10:59 pmWe back everything and make a day of it
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:40 pmGood idea
Annmarie W. says
May 21, 2017 at 12:32 amWe 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.
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:42 pmGood books for parents are great because kids tend to want to stay longer than I do
Terri Ingham-Bollin says
May 21, 2017 at 12:03 pmSunblock, water, snacks and toys for the kids
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:41 pmYes I agree with those
Rebecca Rich says
May 21, 2017 at 2:02 pmSunscreen is most important!
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:41 pmAbsolutely
Jessica Taylor says
May 22, 2017 at 2:05 pmTrips to the beach I love to pack lunch in a picnic basket! Kids love it! But trips to the beach aren’t complete without sunscreen or a beach towel!!
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:40 pmA beach picnic sounds like a fun idea
Lindsay Fairbrother-Henige says
May 22, 2017 at 7:02 pmEverything! Towels, bathing suits, toys, sunscreen, etc.
sassnspunk says
May 22, 2017 at 9:39 pmI tend to overpack because I never know what we will need but not have
Rosanne says
May 23, 2017 at 2:30 amI pack a towel, sunscreen, water, fruit, brownie, hat or visor and float.
sassnspunk says
May 26, 2017 at 12:14 amOoh a brownie!
Christina C moore says
May 23, 2017 at 1:05 pmi take water, snacks, sunblock and a beach towel, and hat
sassnspunk says
May 26, 2017 at 12:13 amLots of water for sure if it is hot
Lesley F says
May 24, 2017 at 12:30 amSunglasses and sunscreen are on the top of the list
sassnspunk says
May 26, 2017 at 12:13 amI can’t go anywhere without my sunglasses, especially the beach!
Deborah Wilson says
May 24, 2017 at 1:55 amFor 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.
sassnspunk says
May 26, 2017 at 12:15 amI pack a lot for 3 of us, I can’t imagine how much stuff I would bring for 6!
Candace Galan says
May 24, 2017 at 10:49 pmI pack towels, sunscreen, change of clothes, brush, floaties, drinks and snacks
sassnspunk says
May 26, 2017 at 12:13 amGreat list!
Rija says
May 28, 2017 at 2:20 amLarge beach towel !
sassnspunk says
May 29, 2017 at 3:37 amThe bigger the better for me!
Kelly Freeman says
May 29, 2017 at 2:29 amI always pack sunscreen for my kids who burn easily
sassnspunk says
May 29, 2017 at 3:38 amI’m with you. I actually burn very easily too