A Family Beach Packing List for Families with Toddlers and Young Kids
A family beach trip comes with some unique packing requirements unlike any other trip. And if you’ve never gone to the beach with toddlers and young kids, it may feel overwhelming trying to anticipate everything you’re going to need!
First of all, I’ve got you covered with a Family Beach Packing List Printable PDF and I’ve also left space for additional items that are specific to your family or your beach trip.
(Truth be told, I also created a really nice fillable PDF for you to use. But for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to share it with all of you easily! If you'd like me to try emailing you a copy, feel free to send me an email at thebeckhamsabroad@ gmail.com and I'd be happy to do so!)
Also, if you’re just headed to the beach for the day and you want to be as minimal as possible, check out the 10 toddler beach essentials you’ll actually need.
Finally, if you’re looking for additional family beach tips and hacks you’ll want to read 37 Toddler Beach Hacks and Tips for a First Timer. Things like hiding valuables in the sand if you don’t have a safe. Or lining your car’s trunk with a sheet to minimize a permanently sandy car.
And if you're impatient like me and just want to see the damn list already... see below 😉
Clothing for Your Family Beach Packing List
Swimsuits
For the kids, I love a swimsuit that comes with a rashie. And if you’re worried about diaper changes, buy one with separates like this one from Carter’s.
Rashies
Rashies provide a lot of sun protection that doesn’t wear off throughout the day. Plus, when rashies are wet, they help to cool the whole body!
Coverup or Sarong
You may want something to throw on for your trek to or from the beach. Or maybe you’ll want an extra layer of sun protection at some point in your day.
Casual Around Town Outfits
If you can do laundry, you’ll only need a couple per person. But think about outfits for things like ice cream outings, putt putt golfing, and souvenir shopping!
Comfy Hotel Clothes
For when you first rip the swimsuit off and don’t want to put on real clothes yet, but it isn’t time for pj’s… enter this category. For me, this looks like some comfy, loose fitting athletic gear.
Socks
I don’t think this one needs an explanation
Undies and Bras
Yep, I think you can figure this one out, too. Just don’t forget!
Pajamas
Another obvious one you don’t want to forget.
Shoes
You’ll want some shoes to go with your “casual around town” outfits. You may also want to consider some house shoes if you’re worried about walking around your sandy condo with bare feet.
Sandals
Seems obvious, I know. But water-friendly sandals also come in handy if you get a bit of rain or for walking down to the beach.
Water shoes
Protect those feet from hot sand! I like water shoes with no velcro like these. Velcro tends to get sand caught in it, and then it just doesn’t stick.
Nice Outfit for Dinner Out
Obviously, this is optional. And with a toddler tired from a day at the beach every evening, definitely not something I brought on my latest trip. But still, worth considering for your family’s trip!
Sweatshirt or Light Long Sleeve
In the evenings, it could get chilly. Especially if you’re on a windy sunset beach walk. Probably only one is necessary, though.
Lightweight pants
See above. Pants are likely a “just in case” item. They can also act as a barrier for any evening bugs that come out biting.
Sun hat
Save your squinting eyes and sun exposed nose with a sun hat! And for little ones that don’t tolerate sunscreen application so much, you could try a sunhat.
I like this one because it doesn’t have the string around the chin that bothers some kids, but it stays on for a full day of play.
Rain Jacket or Umbrella
Rain happens, even at the beach. So if you’re headed into town on a rainy day, you’ll want some way to keep dry.
I’m a fan of umbrellas when it’s hot out rather than a rain jacket, but they are a bit clunkier to carry around. That's why you could consider a lightweight umbrella like this one.
Waterproof Watch
I love the flexibility of being able to check the time at the beach without having to get my phone out and risk exposing it to sand and water. I’m a fan of Armitron watches. They’re cute, durable, affordable, and most of them are waterproof-safe for snorkeling.
Jewelry
For those around town outfits or dinners out, don’t forget your bling!
If you're still looking for a place to stay at the beach, my new favorite tool is Booking.com. Yes - I think it has finally surpassed Airbnb on my travel planning top ten list! 😲
Why? Booking.com offers a mix of hotels and rental properties. Many of them have free cancellation policies. Cleaning fees are included in the price you see! And you’ll see reviews from across multiple platforms.
Pro tips for using Booking.com:
1. Create a free account and get an additional 10% off certain stays with their "genius" discount.
2. If you book through their app, you'll often get an additional "mobile only" discount.
3. Once you click on a property, be sure to look below the bolded price. It will show you how much will be added for taxes!
Toiletries for Your Family Beach Packing List
Sunscreen
This one seems like a given. But forget the sunscreen and you’ll regret it. I’m a big fan of the Think Baby (or Think Kids) sunscreen. For a natural sunscreen, it’s less cakey and rubs in more easily than other options.
Sunscreen Stick for Faces
Want to avoid chasing your toddler down to put sunscreen on their face? Or getting it in their eyes on accident as they whip their head to the side, trying to get away? Enter the magic of a sunscreen stick.
I don’t know why, but it is so much easier to put sunscreen on faces when it’s a sunscreen stick. It looks and acts a lot like deodorant. And my kids even love putting it on each other!
I love the Sun Bum Baby Bum stick. But to be honest, I haven’t tried any others because I like this one so much!
After Sun Like Aloe
If you’re prone to burning despite all the precautionary measures, don’t forget some aloe or something else soothing for your skin.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
A standard to bring for any trip, yet very necessary to include on this list!
Shampoo and Conditioner
If you’re going to be in the pool a lot, you may want to consider a chlorine removing shampoo and conditioner like UltraSwim.
And if you want to be proactive in protecting your hair from the sun or salt water, you may want to try a reef-friendly leave-in conditioner like the one from Stream2Sea.
Comb/Brush
Tangles seem to be extra tangly when salt water is involved. Throw in a bit of sand, and you’ll want a way to sort out the bird's nest that your child’s head will become.
Hair Products
Mousse, gel, hairspray, etc. You likely won’t need this as much for beach time. But for when you’re going into town, you may want your regular go-to products to look like a “normal” person again.
Makeup
Another way to make you feel like a “normal” person when you head into town is with a bit of makeup. Just don’t forget that some makeup washes off in the water. Avoid being mistaken for local wildlife (aka a racoon) and leave off the mascara on beach days.
Hair Ties
My daughter likes her long, thick hair to be allll down her back in the hot sun, and allll in her face as she’s playing in the waves. I don’t get it. For everyone else who has common sense with their hair, you’re going to want hair ties.
Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer
Skin gets dehydrated on beach days, too! And pores will get clogged from all that sunscreen application. Don’t abandon your face. Bring along that cleanser and moisturizer.
Body Lotion
Read above - skin gets dehydrated on beach days, too! No one wants scaly legs. Bring the lotion.
Body Soap
Depending on where you’re staying, this may be included. Armpits get stinky on hot days. You’ll want a way to wash them.
Deodorant
Speaking of stinky armpits. Don’t forget the deodorant. My all time favorite natural deodorant that actually works is from Little Seed Farm.
Lip Balm with SPF
I’ve made this mistake one too many times. You put sunscreen all over your body and face, but somehow seem to think your lips are immune to the sun’s rays. They’re not. Keep one of these Sun Bum lip balms in your purse and beach bag.
Feminine Products
Whatever your preference and depending on the timing of your trip, do yourself a favor and pack this along, too.
Razor
I can respect a woman that goes natural. And mad respect to women that get waxed. Neither of those are me. I bring a razor. I’ve become a fan of the Joy Razor with refills.
Laundry Detergent Sheets
“Kids” is a synonym for “messes” and “dirty clothes”. If you’re going to have a washer available, I love these hypoallergenic ECOS laundry detergent sheets. They take up almost no space and no weight in your suitcase. Just toss a sheet in with your load and you’re good to go.
Clothes Pins and Clothes Line
Beach days lead to a lot of wet swimsuits and towels. You may not have a space to hang it all. If you bring along a clothes line and some clothes pins, you can create an extra drying space.
This travel clothesline comes with clothes pins attached already. Plus, it comes in a handy little travel bag.
Glasses and Contact Lenses
🤓 You want to be able to see. Bring these obvious items along.
Contact Lens Solution
You don’t want an infected eye on vacation. Bring your solution and clean those contacts!
Tweezers and Nail Clippers
Splinters, hangnails, and an eyebrow hair that’s gone rogue can all benefit from tweezers and nail clippers. Bring them along.
BandAids - Waterproof!
Non waterproof bandaids (aka plasters, bandages, etc.) are useless at the beach. And you’ll want some BandAids that seal all the way around to prevent sand from getting into fresh wounds.
Medications
I know you’ve got this. But I can’t leave it off the list. Bring along any everyday medications for all family members.
Bugspray
Your beach may or may not have mosquitos or sand flies. Especially in the evenings. Come prepared with some bugspray. For a more natural option, I like the Herbal Armor brand. They even make this convenient carry on sized option.
Kid Specific Items for Your Family Beach Packing List
Stuffies or Lovies
Luckily, I’ve never made this mistake (knock on wood). But forgetting my kids’ stuffies is a mistake I never want to make. And neither do you.
Diapers and Wipes
You can buy diapers and wipes anywhere, I know. But if you have a specific kind or don’t want to spend your vacation fighting traffic for some diapers, bring enough along.
Swim Diapers
Especially if you’ll be spending time in a pool, you’ll want a swim diaper.
I bought a lot of different kinds this past summer when we would be frequenting the pool multiple times per week. My top top favorite is this drawstring one from Charlie Banana.
It fits really well, it’s comfortable, and it fits under swimsuits easily. Plus, it comes in either plain white, or in some really cute designs like mermaids and dinosaurs.
Disposable Change Mats
I always bring disposable bed mats along when traveling. I’ll put them on beds for the “just in case”, and they work perfectly for a hotel-friendly change mat.
Quiet Toys and Activities for the Hotel
Everyone’s going to need a bit of peace and quiet once you’re off the beach. If your kids aren’t nappers, you can still reinforce some “FOB” time… aka “Feet On Bed”.
They can do Legos, read books, color, play with small figurines, do puzzles, etc. But they get some chill time and you get some chill time!
Sound Machine
Whether or not your child uses a sound machine at home, you may want to consider bringing one along. Especially during nap times, they can help block out sounds of neighbors talking and shutting doors, unfamiliar birds calling, and family members making lunch on the other side of the wall.
I love this cute YogaSleep penguin sound machine. It’s lasted me for years. It’s rechargeable, incredibly affordable, and small for easy packing.
Baby Monitor
If you’re staying in an apartment or vacation rental, you may want to bring a baby monitor. It’s amazing how loud the waves can be when you’re sitting on the balcony eating lunch and your toddler is inside napping.
I’ve never had a fancy baby monitor, and I swear by this very affordable Vtech audio baby monitor. It’s reliable, small, and chargeable. Just don’t use it in Europe without a converter… oops. 🤦♀️
Electronic Items for Your Family Beach Packing List
Chargers
You don’t want to run out of batteries and miss out on capturing precious beach vacation memories! 😱
Okay, but I’m serious. All devices need chargers! Phones, tablets, sound machines, cameras, etc.
Headphones
Small hotel rooms and apartments call for a number of opportunities to need headphones.
Kids asleep and you want to watch something without waking them up? Headphones.
Kids want to watch a show on the tablet and you don’t want to hear the Hot Dog Dance on vacation? Headphones.
Want to go close your eyes on the beach and zone out to your favorite podcast? Headphones. Okay, with kids, this is less likely… but still possible?
For bigger kids, I love these headphones. They’re comfortable and they fold up small(er) for packing. For younger kids, these are super cute and small enough to fit little heads. Plus, we’ve had them for over five years now, and they’re still in excellent condition!
E-Reader
Perfect for not having to pack bulky books. And for not fighting the wind from turning your pages when you’re at the best part! Sure, a regular tablet can work. But the anti glare of E-readers comes especially in handy on a sunny beach.
Waterproof Pouches
Keep those electronics not only dry, but sand-free! These will also come in handy for things like wallets and keys.
If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend getting some travel insurance! My top pick is SafetyWing for its affordability, flexibility, and comprehensive coverage. It includes things like…
Doctor’s visits if you get sick
Medical emergencies
Lost checked luggage
Motor accidents
Delayed Flight Coverage
Adventure Sport Injuries (Add On Option)
Food and Drink Gear for Your Family Beach Trip
Water Bottles
I prefer water bottles with straws that can close on the beach. It just seems to minimize the amount of sand that enters the bottle.
For kids, I love this Hydroflask one. I love the soft bottom, that it doesn’t leak, and the bit of insulation it provides. Plus, the closable straw, of course! The only downside is it doesn’t fit into cup holders in the car.
For a water bottle option that fits in cup holders, I really like the kids’ Klean Kanteen Narrow with a sports top, and many come with a little cover to place over the sports top to protect it from dirt and sand. It’s also leak free, but provides less insulation.
Some people freeze their water bottles. I prefer to just add a ton of ice to mine in the morning, and then it will slowly melt throughout the day.
Don’t forget a large water bottle for yourself!
Cooler
Soft side, hard side, rolling, backpack. There are so many cooler types out there. I don’t yet have a personal favorite. But you will want one for snacks and drinks. Not only to keep your food cool, but to keep the sand out of your food as well!
Snack Containers
Snack containers are necessary for dividing up full size snack bags that you don’t want slowly filling with sand. Or for things like grapes or berries that you don’t want getting squashed in the cooler.
Stasher Bags
Sandwiches, salty snacks, leftovers from dinner… they can do it all.
Stasher bags are leak proof and dishwasher safe. Yes, I even put frozen pasta sauce in a suitcase in them! Don’t worry, I add the ziploc “just in case” layer around it to protect my clothes - but it hasn’t been necessary!
Ice Packs or Plastic Bags for Ice
Coolers have a hard time staying cool if you don’t have ice packs or plastic bags filled with ice in them! Some people also freeze water bottles as their ice pack. Whatever you choose, make sure you have a way to keep everything in your cooler… cool!
Chef’s Knife
Maybe this is a personal preference. But I always travel with a chefs knife. I chop a lot of veggies throughout my days. And I don’t want to have to rely on the chance that my accommodation has sharp knives.
Plus, if you’re staying in a hotel, just having a knife expands on your snack and meal options!
I like traveling with a knife with a sheath for easier transport. No need to go crazy fancy here. Even something like this OXO knife with a sheath that locks is perfect for family trips. If you’re flying, just make sure you put it in your checked bag! 😂
Portable High Chair
Whether you’re staying at a hotel or at a vacation rental, you’ll want a place for your little ones to sit other than your lap for eating.
I love love love my Inglesina Fast Table Chair (with a tray!). If folds down small. It’s comfortable for little ones. You can easily bring it in the car for restaurants. And the tray helps to protect tables and surfaces that aren’t yours!
And despite the “hand wash only” recommendation, I machine wash mine all the time with no problem. The only downside is that if there’s a table with a long lip, it may not fit.
Beach Gear for Your Family Beach Packing List
Wagon
You’re going to want a way to get everything to and from the beach… including your children! We already have a Radio Flyer wagon with all terrain wheels and a canopy, so that’s what we use.
I love the zip sides so kids can get in and out easily. And the canopy helps with some additional sun protection. It works perfectly for us for the beach, playground visits, farmers markets, etc.
But if you’re buying a wagon specifically for the beach, you may want to consider one with even wider wheels for easier handling on the sand. Something like this beach wagon also has additional weight capacity compared to the Radio Flyer.
Beach Bag
Speaking of getting things to and from the beach, I absolutely love my Bogg Bag. I know I know. It’s a decent amount of money for a piece of rubber. But it just does its job perfectly. It stands open and doesn’t collapse on itself. It has holes for easy drainage and cleaning. It holds a lot and withstands the weight of wet towels and water bottles.
Some other people love the Magg Bag, which is more affordable and automatically comes with a single shoulder strap and some waterproof pouches for phones, keys, wallets, etc.
Beach Towels
Your accommodation may provide beach towels. But if not, you definitely don’t want to forget to bring your own!
I’m a fan of turkish towels. Mostly because they’re soft and cute. I also love my DryFox towels for international travel, as they pack down to basically nothing and dry really quickly.
Dry Fox Towel when it's folded
Sand Toys
As a bare minimum, you’re going to want a bucket with shovels!
Some accommodations provide beach toys so before you go packing allll the things, check first!
Other beach toys you may want to consider include a kite (the Melissa and Doug one worked really well for us!), a volleyball or a soccer ball, or a body board. You could also bring some beach games for the whole family like cornhole or, our favorite, Finska.
Mesh Bag for Beach Toys
Sand toys get… sandy! Having a mesh bag that is easy to clean helps to carry it all and keep the sand separate from towels, water bottles, and sunglasses.
Other people use a laundry basket. Either way, you’ll want somewhere separate for the sandy things!
Beach Chairs
This is another item your accommodation may provide. To be honest, with young kids, I barely sit in a chair. I’m either in the water or playing in the sand. But they still helped to stake out our spot.
Beach Umbrella or Tent
Shade shade shade. The more the better on hot beach days. Beach tents certainly provide a bigger area of shade. But some beaches ban tents in peak seasons. And they’re a bigger pain to set up. In those cases, an umbrella that drills into the sand will do!
Your accommodation may also provide beach umbrellas. And if you’re flying you may be able to rent some umbrellas. If you’re renting through the actual beach, book ahead of time! They may be sold out by the time you arrive.
Chair Umbrella
For portable shade, my favorite is a chair umbrella. First of all, it can be twisted and turned into all sorts of angles. Plus, you can move your shade just by moving the chair it's attached to. I have the Sportbrella version and have no reason to ever buy another kind!
Floaties and Life Vests
Even strong swimmers can be impacted by big waves and strong currents. Even strong swimmers get tired by the end of a long beach day. Bring a lifevest.
For little ones, even in shallow water, I still like having a floatie on them. Even if I’m holding them in the water, I like the assurance that if a waves takes me out, they’ll still float. Bring a floatie. I love this floatie that’s coastguard approved.
Sunglasses
Have you ever sunburned your eyeball? I have. It isn’t fun. Sunglasses can help.
Snorkel Gear
Depending on where you are, you may want to bring your snorkel gear for fish finding and other underwater viewing adventures.
Baby Powder and a Sock
I don’t know how I didn’t know this for years, but baby powder is a magical sand remover! I put some in an old sock, rub the sock on sandy eyes and faces, and watch the sand disappear! Seriously, magic. I’m a fan of this Burt’s Bees Talc Free Baby Powder.
Toddler Camping Chair with Tray
A toddler camping chair doubles as a toddler-sized beach chair and as a place for them to eat. A place where if they drop their watermelon cube, it won’t come up covered in sand. A safe place for them to place their drink without it falling over.
Beach Blanket
I love starting a beach day with a sand-free area to set down bags, etc. No, it won’t stay completely sand free. But it’s a good base for eating, catching some shade, etc. I like using one that is staked down with sand and have no complaints with my SunNinja Beach Blanket.
Portable Fan
Beaches usually create their own wind. But if you’re visiting on a hot, stagnant day, you’ll want a fan to keep cool.
I’ve used this clip on, rechargeable fan for everything from beach trips to Disney trips to picnics at the park trips! The charge lasts for ages, and the clip is sturdy.
Portable Safe
If you’re all going to be in the water at once, you may want to consider some type of portable safe. This safe holds up to two phones, plus a wallet and some keys.
You could also opt for a more inconspicuous option like this water bottle safe. Though it’ll only be big enough for keys and some money.
Finally, some people just bury their valuables! Talk about buried treasure. 🤣 But if this is your plan, don’t forget some plastic bags or containers for burying purposes. And don’t forget where you buried things!!
Beach Chair Clips
If you’re at the beach on a windy day, you don’t want your towels flying away. That’s where beach chair clips come in handy. They can also double as clothes pins once you’re back at your accommodation!
Wet Bags
I love bringing large wet bags that are meant for cloth diapers to the beach. Fill them with wet swimsuits, towels, coverups, etc. And they often come in two packs so when one is drying, you have the other one to use for the next day!
They’re waterproof. They hold a lot. And they can be emptied and washed along with all of its contents! But at the very least, bring a garbage bag for all your wet stuff.
Once again, if you want this entire beach packing list on a PDF, check out the link below. And if you're looking for an interactive fillable PDF, please email me! thebeckhamsabroad @gmail.com
If you're headed to the beach with your family, you may find some of these other articles helpful!