We are days away from leaving for our family beach vacation. I can’t believe it’s finally here! Last week was all about planning and prepping for our trip, check out my planning prep post here. This week has been focusing on making sure we have everything we need for this family beach vacation.
Since we are going to a rental house, we don’t have to bring a ton of stuff but there are quiet a few things that are coming with us from home just because you can never be to sure of what rentals will have.
#1. Baby/Toddler Toys & Activities
Depending on what amenities are offered where you are staying, toys/activities is pretty much the #1 thing you should bring. For a toddler, these FoxPrint Beach Toys are great. They already come with a clear plastic bag, but there is an option to grab a mesh bag for a little extra. For littles under 1, this 7 piece set here is great; you don’t need much to entertain and these double up as great bath toys too!
#2. Sun Protection for the whole fam
Protection against the sun is key while on beach vacation. Stocking up on quality sunscreen is a MUST. Definitely look into multi-packs on Amazon like these Coppertone Kids Pack of 3. If you’re into the more natural items, Coppertone has a more natural product line like this Pure Simple Mineral spray. Of course, don’t forget the face, personally, I use a stick one for Cam’s face, just because it’s easier to apply and obviously I won’t get any in his eyes. I’ve always used the Coppertone Pure Stick and it’s great.
Another great option for sun protection is a sun shade. This Coleman Beach Shade is so worth it. This mini-tent has enough room for at least 3 kids and is perfect for lunching or napping. It also provides your family with some privacy for those diaper and wardrobe changes.
#3. Essentials to have in that beach bag
Making sure you have everything you need in your beach bag is KEY. To make your life super easy, separate everything by type of use and then stick them in these individual mesh packing cubes. This helps you not rummage through your bag for that 1 little thing. Dry clothes (diapers, wipes), purse essentials (wallets, keys, etc.), beach day things (brush, sunscreen, baby powder) all go in their own bag. And since they are mesh, clean up is super easy at the end of the day; just shake em out.
Other essentials to include in your beach bag are:
- Towels
- Entertainment (book, magazine or tablet)
- Headphones or small speaker
#4. Beach Blanket
A place to spread out and lounge is an absolute must when heading to the beach. You’ll want to make sure you have a big enough blanket to accommodate everyone. This oversized sandproof beach blanket is perfect; it’s 10’x9′ and can fit up to 9 adults.
Now that you know what you NEED, let’s chat about what’s awesome to have but not necessary.
Not everything on here is an absolute must but some things are definitely nice to have, especially if you have multiple children.
#1. Beach Wagon for Kids
There are so many wagons out there now, some are great for multiple children, and others are great for lugging everything from the car/house to the beach. If you’re looking for one that transports kids, this Evenflo X-Plore Stroller Wagon is the one to get. It is on the pricier side but so worth it, my sister has one similar & we used it for a trip to the zoo & it was AMAZING. It does have some storage at the bottom but not much.
If you need a more universal wagon (or if the kids are older), then this Mac Sports Utility Wagon is the way to go. This thing can legit fit everything you need and you won’t have to carry a thing. It is also great for other outdoor things like sporting events, camping, etc. It collapses and folds down really easily so it also doesn’t take a lot of room up in the car.
#2. Cooler for Drinks/Snacks
Staying hydrated and energized is essential while at the beach, so you’ll want to bring a cooler for some things. This CleverMade Cooler Bag is perfect, because it’s collapsible so won’t take up much room when not in use.
#3. Toddler Sized Beach Chair
A beach chair isn’t exactly a must but it is nice to have. I purchased this Rio’s Kids Beach Chair for our trip, it is a 5 position chair, meaning it can lay down flat. It’s also a backpack, so when he’s a little bigger he can carry it on his own.
Mom Approved Back Hacks for Kids
#1. A quick and easy way to remove sand from tiny fingers and toes is baby powder. Sprinkle some Burt’s Bees Dusting Powder all over the sand covered areas and just wipe away.
#2. If you’re in the midst of potty training, I strongly suggest brining along a portable potty like this toddler travel potty is perfect. Especially since you probably don’t want to deal with public restrooms with your littles.
#3. For the super little ones or even the children who aren’t really fond of the waves, a small baby pool is the perfect way to keep them cool. It’s small enough that it won’t take long to blow up and fill with water.
#4. Set a timer up on your phone to ensure everyone (even you mom!) are reapplying their sunscreen. Nothing is worse than sunburn.
Hopefully, these family beach vacation tips and tricks helped you become less stressed out about it and to just be in the moment. Drop a comment below to share some of your tips and hacks for having a beach vacation with your kids!
Leave a Reply