Family Beach Essentials To Pack

So my family and I are getting ready for a short beach trip before school starts! We usually go for a few days every summer. I am sitting here brainstorming what to pack and the list is getting long. However, here are the essential beach items to pack for a family beach vacation:

South Padre Island, Texas

Sunscreen

This is an obvious one but so important. This summer, my family and I are loving a sunscreen called Black Girl Sunscreen for Kids. It is SPF 50 and rubs in so easily (decreases the whining during application).

Rash Guards

These are lifesavers for the beach. With the sunscreen and rash guard, the whole family is better protected from sun burns. Usually Target and Amazon have some good rash guard choices. 

Sand Toys

These are a necessity for all those sandcastles waiting to be built! That way the kids can entertain themselves, while mom and dad read a book! Target, Amazon or grocery stores usually carry some inexpensive options for sand toys. 

Beach Umbrella

Definitely nice to have to take a break from the sun as you enjoy lunch or a snack. We got ours on Amazon but you could also rent these depending on what type of beach or beach town you are traveling to with the family. 

Beach Chairs

Again, needed so the whole family can take a break under the shade of the umbrella when needed. We usually get these at Walmart or Amazon but you may be able to just rent these at your destination. 

Beach Tent

This is easier to set up then an umbrella but also provides some needed shade for a short break or a snack break. We got ours on Amazon and it has held up for several years. I suggest watching a few YouTube Videos because they can be tricky to fold up!

Beach Towel and Blanket

Full size towels  or the compact camping size towels are useful for the beach.  I usually pack a beach/picnic blanket to sit on to eat a quick snack or to take a break from the sand. I usually lay this out when my kids are ready to eat lunch. Target or Walmart usually has these beach/picnic blankets that fold up easily.They are also easy to wash compared to the straw ones you have to rinse off at a later time.

Hats and Sunglasses

Again, we take sun protection seriously in our family. Don’t want a  sunburn to ruin the end of a vacation. A large brim hat and sunglasses can decrease your chance for sunburn and sun damage.

Water Shoes or Flip Flops

Water shoes are great for the younger ones, especially if they have sensitive feet ,and they offer more support too.

Swim Cover Up

My daughter loves a swim coverup for walking back to the beach house or condo. Also, great to put on during a lunch or snack break for added sun protection.

Water Bottles

A refillable water bottle is a must for those hot beach days, especially a stainless steel one that keeps the water cold for longer.

Beach/utility wagon

This is extremely helpful to help lug all the essentials to the beach. They usually have cup holders too, which is definitely a bonus. 

Board Games

It’s fun to back a few family board games to play after a long day at the beach. 

Laundry Detergent

Don’t forget to pack the detergent if you have access to a washing machine, that way you don’t come home to a huge pile of sandy laundry. I like to pack detergent pods or small travel packs of detergent. 

Aloe Cream/Sun Burn Care

An after sun cream or sun burn treatment can save the day. Our family’s favorite is a one by Sun Bum, called Sun Bum Cool Down.

Bug Spray

Everyone enjoys the beach, even the bugs! So preventing the bug bites is key.

Bug Cream

If you still get bitten, having some anti-itch cream at hand can soothe those annoying bites. 

Snacks

There is something about the beach that demands yummy snacks or junk food. Our favorite snacks this summer have been the kettle corn flavor by Pop Corners or gluten free Oreos. 

Small Cooler

Instead of lugging a huge cooler to the beach, we opt for a smaller, soft sided one. It has plenty of room for drinks and sandwiches.

Water Toys

If your beach rental or beach resort has a pool too, then water/pool toys are a trip essential. My own kids love diving after the colorful rings or little shark or sea animal diving toys.

Honorable Mentions/Useful Extras 

-A lifejacket is helpful, especially if your younger kid can't swim -Your older kids would probably enjoy a small kickboard

-A SPF for the lips is nice to pack too

-An insulated can holder is helpful if you are drinking an adult beverage

-Pack your favorite beach read to relax as you watch the family have a fun beach day

-Pool noodles or floaties 

I hope this list is helpful as you pack all the beach essentials for your family, and I hope you have a wonderful family beach trip!