A day out at the beach with your kids can be a fun and exciting family adventure.
With the sun, sand, and sea, there’s plenty of things to do and explore that everyone will enjoy.
As a parent I totally appreciate how important it is to be prepared.
Packing the essential items for a successful beach day will help everyone have a fun and stress free day out.
In this article, I’ve put together the ten things to take to the beach for a fantastic day out with your kids.
Read on for our most essential beach checklist yet!
Sun cream
The first and most important item to pack for a day out at the beach with kids is sun cream.
The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Therefore, it’s essential to protect your children’s skin with a broad-spectrum sun cream with at least SPF 30.
Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and feet.
It’s also important to reapply sun cream every two hours or after swimming.
Hats and Sunglasses
In addition to sun cream, hats and sunglasses provide extra protection for your little ones’ sensitive eyes and delicate skin.
Choose hats with wide brims to shade the face, neck, and ears.
Sunglasses should have UV protection and fit snugly to prevent them from falling off during play.
Swimsuits
Don’t forget to pack swimsuits for your kids.
Opt for comfortable and breathable fabrics that will dry quickly.
Rash guards or swim shirts are a great option for added sun protection too.
Bring a spare set of clothes to change into after swimming as well so that the kids are comfortable and dry for the trip home.
Towels
You’ll need towels for drying the kids off after a swim or wiping away sand.
It’s also helpful to pack extra towels in case of any spills or accidents.
Microfibre towels are a great option as they’re lightweight, absorbent, and dry quickly.
Beach Toys
Nothing keeps kids entertained at the beach like sand toys!
Bring buckets, spades, and other beach toys to keep your kids busy building sandcastles and digging holes.
Don’t forget to pack a beach ball, frisbee, kite or other games to play on the sand for a fun packed day out.
Snacks and Drinks
Playing in the sun and sand can make your little ones very hungry and thirsty.
Pack plenty of water and healthy snacks, such as fruit, sandwiches, and granola bars.
Having plenty of food and drink to hand will help save loads of money on your day out.
First-aid Kit
Accidents can happen – even on the beach, so it’s always a good idea to pack a first-aid kit when you’re heading out for the day.
Include essentials such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Bring insect repellent and aloe vera gel for bug bites and sunburns too and make sure every eventuality is covered.
Beach Umbrella or Canopy
If you plan on spending the day at the beach, consider bringing a beach umbrella or canopy for some shade.
This will protect your family from the sun’s harmful rays and provide a cool retreat from the heat.
Make sure the umbrella or canopy is sturdy and can withstand the gusts of wind that can often make an appearance at the beach.
Wet Bags
Wet bags are handy for storing wet swimsuits, towels, and sandy beach toys.
These bags will keep your car clean and dry on the way back home.
Choose a waterproof and durable bag that can be easily washed and reused.
Cash and change
Lastly, don’t forget to bring cash and change for parking, ice cream, and other beach activities that may require cash.
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts on Things to Take to the Beach for a Day Out with Kids
In conclusion, with these essential items, you can make the most of your day at the beach with your kids.
Remember to pack sun cream, hats, swimsuits, towels, beach toys, snacks, a first-aid kit, a beach umbrella, wet bags, and cash.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and plan all the clothes and accessories you need accordingly.
Bring extra layers and blankets if the weather is cooler than expected.
A day out at the beach with your kids can be a fun and memorable experience.
By packing the right beach essentials, you can ensure that your day is stress-free and enjoyable.
So, gather up these ten items and head to the beach with your family for a day of fun in the sun!
Check out the next article: How can I get Myself Beach-Ready in time for Summer?
Thank you for sharing this helpful article on what to take to the beach for a day out with kids. The list of essential items is comprehensive and practical. I appreciate the emphasis on sun protection, snacks, and entertainment for the children. The tips provided will certainly make a beach trip enjoyable and stress-free.
This is some great advice. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the beach. We miss it!
There are beach products that I always pack like sunscreen but I will be adding some of these to my list. The beach is one of my favorite places to visit.
It is good to be as prepared as possible when it comes to spending a day out with the family. This is a good list of things not to forget!
I remember taking my kids to the beach when they were little. They loved having a pail and shovel to dig in the sand with.
These are all really great and very important products to bring specially sun cream!
I never thought of taking a first aid kit to the beach, but, as you say, accidents can happen!
Great list! We used to have what we called “Bug Out Bags” by our front door all through the summer. We had one for each family member, and each one contained the items on this list. Everyone had their hat, towel, sand toys, sunscreen, etc, etc, all within reach ready for spontaneous trips to the beach after work. It was so easy to get everyone out the door with exactly what we needed!
This list was perfect for a beach day with the kids, I love that sun screen was the first listed as it was my first thought, lol!
👍🏻 to all these! since we go to the beach whenever we can, i have a bag ready with these items each time
Going to the beach without everything you need for kids is miserable. This is a great list.
The suggested activities and tips for a successful beach trip with kids are practical and creative. I appreciate the emphasis on safety and ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Great reminders. Pack some toys, for sure. And never forget the sunscreen.
Except for toys, I take all these mentioned things to the beach! These are such great beach essentials 😍. Thanks for sharing this list!