What should I pack for the beach with kids? These items will help make your day at the beach more enjoyable, relaxed, and safe for the whole family!
Taking young kids to the beach can seem like a huge undertaking. Long gone are the days when you could waltz down to the water’s edge with just a towel… But there are a few things to pack for the beach to make your life a little easier when spending the day in the sand, sun, and water with little kids.
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What to Pack for the Beach with Kids
Take the Baby Powder to the Beach
I know this tip has been floating around the internet for a while now, but it is worth mentioning again b/c it works! Baby powder takes sand off like magic! Time for lunch? Rub some baby powder on your hands. Sandy diaper change? Baby powder to the rescue. Time to head back home & don’t want to take the whole beach with you? Baby powder all over the kiddos (& yourself).
Pack Half Frozen Water Bottles for the Beach
No one wants to drink warm water while you are roasting hot on the beach. Fill your reusable water bottles up half way and pop them in the freezer the day before. Then before heading to the beach, fill the bottles the rest of the way, and the ice will gradually melt throughout your day in the sun giving you cold drinks that don’t cost $5.00 from the ice cream cart.
Pack a foldable beach chair
Frolicking in the sand and waves are fun for both kids and adults. But it’s not advisable to let kids play too long under the sun. Letting them rest under the shade where they can relax with a beach chair will help protect them.
Beach chairs are the perfect partners for umbrellas for parents who just want to chill while watching their kids. And since it’s foldable, it won’t take up too much space when packed and can easily be moved from one place to another.
Take Non-Sand Toys for Your Kids at the Beach
Buckets and shovels definitely belong at the beach, but toys that aren’t specifically meant for the sand also gain new life when brought down to the beach. Toy monster trucks have given my boys hours of entertainment by building cool tracks and ramps and racing them around.
[ Read: Non-Pool Toys that are Perfect for the Pool ]
Bring a Heavy Duty Shovel for Little Kid Swimming Holes
Some kids love the waves. My boys are not those kids, but they do need a way to cool off when we are at the beach. We will usually dig them their own little pool near the water (b/c if you go too far back from the water’s edge, you will need to dig too deep to reach water). These little kiddie pools usually draw in a whole group of kids, which turn into beach play mates for the day – bonus!
Get a Kid Friendly Wagon for the Beach
We have a Step 2 wagon that goes everywhere with us. I have gotten so much use out of the thing, and I will gladly buy another the day that it breaks. We walk a few blocks to get to the beach, which means that we pull the boys along, and it will even go through the sand without too much weight in it.
Bring a Beach Umbrella that Acts Like a Tent
It is helpful to have an umbrella that can offer great coverage whether your child is playing in the sand or laying down for a nap. You also want an umbrella that can offer some protection from the wind & blowing sand & can move around easily as the sun’s position changes. Beach umbrellas like this one from Amazon (affiliate link) can be a great option!
Coconut Oil Can Help Soothe Sun Burn
Here is another internet trend… coconut oil used for everything. BUT I have recently discovered the helpfulness of coconut oil baths. It helps soothe diaper rashes, dry skin, and sun burns. Mix a little coconut oil into the warm bath water for a soothing soak for yourself or your kids.
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