Are you planning your next beach day activities? You will want these recently tested and approved Beach Day Activities with Kids.
Taking your kids to the beach can be an exciting and memorable adventure, but it requires some planning to ensure everyone has a great time. This past month, we took our kids to the beach for the first time. They LOVED it, and hopefully, your family will too. Here are some essential tips and must-have items to make your beach day activities with kids as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
This post is all about beach day activities with kids, how to pack light and smart, the best beach gear for families, the best beach toys for families, staying hydrated and nourished, and safety. Surfs up and enjoy!
1. Pack Light and Smart
Light Weight Beach Towels
Are you tired of the traditional bulky beach towels taking up your entire beach bag? We’ve personally found these lightweight beach towels to be super helpful. They are absorbent and dry quickly, making them superior to traditional beach towels when on the go. Now, speaking of beach bags…
Waterproof Beach Bag
I watched many families struggle trying to haul wagons up and down the beach. They were hard to pull in the sand and nearly impossible to navigate on the stairs from the condo to the beach. I’m convinced a good beach bag is the better way to go. This bag is larger in size, waterproof, easy to brush sand off, features a zip closure, has many compartments for easy organization, and my absolute favorite feature is the wet pocket to keep wet swimsuits separate from the rest of the items in the bag.
If you already have a beach bag you love, I recommend getting a waterproof zipper closure bag to keep wet swim gear away from dry clothes in your bag.
Next, you’ll want to consider the gear that will keep you and your family comfortable during those long, hot days in the sun.
2. Best beach gear for families
Tommy Bahama Beach Chairs
Comfort is key if you hope to relax on the beach. Tommy Bahama Beach Chairs are lightweight, durable, and feature multiple reclining positions. These chairs fold up and can be carried like a backpack, keeping your hands free for the walk to the beach. A cup/bottle holder is attached to the side of the chair to keep your drink out of the sand. Maybe best of all, there is an insulated pocket in the back of the chair to hold a few of your favorite beverages without lugging a heavy cooler all the way to the beach. These chairs have it all.
However, you can’t forget about that perfect item to give you some occasional shade if desired.
Sport-Brella Umbrella
Keep you and your family cool and protected from the sun with the Sport-Brella Umbrella. This large umbrella offers UPF 50+ protection, compact storage, and is easy to set up. It can be set up more like a tent reaching all the way to the ground or more like a traditional beach umbrella to best suit your family’s needs.
Looking for something larger for the whole family? Check out the SUN NINJA Beach Tent Sun Shelter. So many people around us had these, and everyone seemed to enjoy the massive shade it offered.
What about something that will help those who are always feeling HOT…
Flexible Travel Fan
The sea breeze is great, but on really hot days, this fan is convenient for keeping you cool. Its greatest feature is its flexible arms, which allow it to attach to almost anything and prop up on its own. Its battery is rechargeable, so be sure it is charged and ready to go before you head out the door!
So you have your foundational gear, but what about the kids? How will they stay happy?
3. Keep the Kids Entertained – Beach Toys for kids
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sand Baking Set
Encourage creativity and fun with the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Sand Baking Set or the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie-Baking Set. Both sets include a variety of tools for imaginative sand play.
Beach Toys Sand Set with Collapsible Bucket
If your kids are like mine, building in the sand will surely be their favorite activity at the beach. This set includes several molds for building, the cutest little watering can, a collapsible bucket great for storage, and a mesh bag for full drying when the fun is done.
Hydrosport Football
If your boys like throwing the football like mine, the hydrosport football is a great option. It’s waterproof, so you can play in the water or on the beach, making memories and working on your throwing skills all at the same time.
Portable Corn Hole Game
Let the games begin with this fun toss game. If you love corn hole, this is a convenient, portable travel version. The set fits into a slim bag and entertains adults and kids alike.
OK, now what about hydration and food?
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle
Ensure your family stays hydrated with the Simple Modern Water Bottles. This stainless steel bottle is durable and insulated to keep drinks cold for hours. Its leak-proof design makes it easy to throw in your bag without worry. It comes in many sizes and designs, so each family member can find one to fit their style.
- Simple Modern Water Bottle 18oz & 22 oz options work great for kids and adults.
- Simple Modern Water Bottles 14 oz Kids Designs
Bento Leak Proof Lunch Box
These are our “go-to” lunch boxes. They keep food fresh for days, allowing early preparation. Even crackers and bread stay fresh and delicious! They are drop and leak-proof. I love the slim ice packs that can be purchased with these for appropriate cooling while saving space. There are kids and adult versions available. Check out these options:
- Bentgo Kids Style 5, ideal for ages 3-7 years old
- Bentgo Pop – ideal for ages 8+ years old
- Bentgo Modern – ideal for teens and adults
- Bentgo Ice Lunch Chillers, Ultra Thin Ice Packs
- Bentgo Prep Deluxe, Insulated Mutimeal Bag (holds up to 5 meal boxes, great for keeping everyone’s meal boxes in one bag)
- Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag
- Bengto Kids Lunch Bag
5. Safety First
Best Sunscreen for Kids
For top-notch sun protection, consider Think Sunscreen. It’s mineral-based and offers broad-spectrum protection. I love that there are options for rub-on, spray, and stick applications for quick, easy use on the face and body. They offer different product lines for babies, kids, sports, and daily use. Be sure to re-apply as often as directed for best results. Don’t let a sunburn put a damper on your beach vacation!
Best Life Jackets For Kids
Safety in and around water should be taken very seriously! Before getting around the pool or ocean, talk with your kids about the rules you are setting in place for their safety, and then follow those rules strictly. Ensure your child has a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and check for appropriate sizing based on weight before purchasing. Here are some recommended options that have worked for us over the years:
- Kwik Dry Neolite Life Jacket
- Airhead Wicked Kwik Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket
- Stearn’s Kids Hydroprene Life Vest
- Stearn’s Infant Classic Series Life Vest
Final Thoughts
A successful beach trip with kids involves preparation and having the right gear. Packing these essentials ensures that your beach day is fun, safe, and as stress-free for the whole family as possible. The only remaining lesson learned is to encourage your kids nap as much as they will to reduce the odds of meltdowns 🙂 Enjoy your sunny beach adventures!
This post was all about beach day activities with kids.
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