Family Beach Packing List

A trip to the beach with the family is one of the joys of summertime. Whether you are heading for a weeklong beach trip or just spending the afternoon at the beach near you, this family beach packing list will help make sure you have everything you need to make your trip fun.

Our family’s favorite vacations include spending time at the beach. We love the beaches in New England, like Cape Cod Beaches, and the beaches in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our very favorite beaches are the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island, with the red cliffs in the distance.

Whether you have a favorite beach near you or a beach destination you have been dreaming of, you need to be prepared to have a great family beach day.

Here is the best family beach packing list.

Beach Wagon

You need a beach wagon if you don’t want to make multiple trips from the car to the seashore. When my kids were younger, I hated the beach because I had beach chairs, toys, towels, snacks, and more to carry, and one of my kids inevitably decided they needed to be carried!

A beach wagon was the single best investment to make beach trips doable again. I highly recommend getting one with all-terrain wheels to make it easier to navigate sand.

No products found.

 

Beach Chairs
If you are going to spend a significant amount of time with the kids at the beach, you will want beach chairs. Sit back and relax in the few seconds between chasing kids!

I highly recommend these beach chairs from Tommy Bahama. I have had mine for over a decade, and it looks as good as new; plus, it is really lightweight. They are a little more pricey, but totally worth it.

No products found.

 

Beach Umbrella
You will want some shade at the beach, and a beach umbrella is the easiest way to ensure you have a break from the sun.
Look for lightweight umbrellas with built-in anchors to ensure your umbrella stays put.

No products found.

 

Sunscreen
You must put sunscreen on your kids before heading to the beach. I prefer spray sunscreen because it is easier to apply, especially when kids are wiggling around. Be sure to reapply every two hours or more frequently if they are swimming.

This sunscreen is great because it doesn’t sting little eyes.

No products found.

 

Life Jackets
If you have young kids who are not strong swimmers, bring life jackets for them to wear in the water. You can find life jackets for kids of all ages, including infants. You will rest a little easier knowing your kids have some protection.

No products found.

 

Beach Toys
Kids need entertainment at the beach, and that usually comes in the form of toys. Buckets and shovels are always a good bet, but there are many other options.

If you have multiple kids, consider getting a set of water guns. They can have hours of fun running around and shooting each other with water. Just be sure to pack extra clothes for them to change into afterward!
Here are some of the best beach toys for kids.

No products found.

 

Snacks and drinks
You will want to bring snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. I like to bring healthy snacks like fruits and veggies and some junk food for a special treat. Be sure to pack enough to keep your family going for the day.

Beach cooler
You will need a beach cooler to keep your drinks and snacks cold. I recommend getting one with wheels for easy transport.

I wrote a post about the best beach coolers that can be easily wheeled through the sand.

 

Beach Blankets and Towels

You will want to bring beach blankets or towels for everyone in your family. Be sure to pack extras in case someone gets wet. I like bringing a large beach blanket we can all sit on together.

Check out my post on the best beach blankets. It has a great selection of large blankets that are perfect for the beach.

 

Beach Tent
A beach tent is a great way to provide some additional shade at the beach. It is also an excellent place to store your belongings, so they don’t get sandy. If you are heading to the beach with a baby, a tent is the perfect place to set your baby up with toys and keep their delicate skin away from the sun.
The best beach tents pop up quickly and fold into easy carry bags.

No products found.

 

Boogie Boards

Boogie boarding is a great activity for kids of all ages. If you are heading to the beach with kids or are a kid at heart, boogie boards are a must. You can find boogie boards for all different weights and sizes.

Check out my post on the best boogie boards for kids.

Wet Suit
If you are heading to a colder climate or just want to stay in the water longer, you may want to consider packing a wet suit. Wet suits will keep you warm even when the water is cold. They are also great for protecting your skin from the sun.

Wet Suits are much more affordable than they used to be.

No products found.

 

Sun Hat
A packable beach hat is a great way to protect your face from the sun. If you are spending a lot of time at the beach or are sensitive to the sun, I recommend packing a sun hat.
Large brims will also help keep the sun off your neck and shoulders.

 

Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must for any beach trip. They will help keep the sun out of your eyes and will also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Plus, it is much easier to watch your kiddos if you don’t have the sun in your eyes.

 

Beach Bag
You will need a bag to carry all of your beach gear in. I like to use a large tote bag because it can fit everything I need. If you are taking a lot of gear, or if you have a lot of people in your family, you will want a big bag or a few smaller ones. The more pockets, the better!

 

Wet bags
Wet bags may be the greatest invention ever. No more wet suits that get everything else wet, causing a ton of sand to stick to everything!!! These bags are perfect for carrying wet clothes and swimsuits and keeping the wet in!

No products found.

 

Baby wipes

Baby wipes are a must-have for any beach trip with kids. They are perfect for cleaning up sandy hands and feet and can also be used to wipe down beach chairs and umbrellas if you need them.
They also help to clean up sandy hands before eating.

 

Baby Powder

Baby powder is another must-have for the beach. It helps to remove sand from skin and hair. Just sprinkle some on and brush it off with a towel. It’s also great for preventing chafing from sandals or swimsuits.

 

Portable Table

A portable table is excellent for the beach. It’s perfect for setting up snacks and drinks or for playing games. If you are going to be at the beach all day, it’s a good idea to pack a portable table. You can use it to do puzzles or play board games.

No products found.

 

Games for the beach

There are so many great beach games that the whole family can enjoy. You can play active games like kan jam or corn hole or bring along some family favorites like Monopoly or Connect 4.
We love bringing a puzzle and placing pieces between dips in the water.

No products found.

 

 

I hope this list helps you pack for your next beach trip! If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

 

Check out Beach Essentials for Baby

 

 

Last update on 2026-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API