What to take to the beach: packing list for seaside days with kids
We love a day out at the beach. Life can’t get much better than when you can feel the sand between your toes and listen to the lapping of the waves on the shore line. Add to that plenty of free fun making castles and exploring rock pools and you have the makings of a perfect family adventure. However, it can be a bit of a pain if you get to the sand and realise you’ve forgotten something essential. If this has ever happened to you then you are in luck. Here’s our beach bag packing list so you need never leave home without your seaside essentials again:
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Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
What to take to the beach
Phone and portable battery charger
You never know when you’ll need your phone in an emergency. And while you’re not caught up in BayWatch-style incident you can use your phone to make plentiful blogging notes without the fear of it dying.
We have Anker power banks* but there’s lots of others available*.
Small first aid kit
This is essential for dealing with any scratches picked up while rock pooling.
Kindle
Set up a parenting rota to cover sand castle duties and make the most of your alloted down time with a good read on your Kindle.
Bucket and spade
It would be a mummy/daddy fail to leave home without these.
Beach ball
If by chance interest in sand castle building wanes then have beach football on standby.
Sandcastle windmills or flags
Who doesn’t want to bling up your construction? Just make sure you pick them up at the end of your day.
Towels
There will be trouble if you forgot these. Even if we are just going for a walk the kids always want a peddle at the beach. And don’t forget a towel for your four-legged friend!
Change of clothes
Don’t get caught without some dry clothes, especially if you decided to travel to the beach in your bikini.
Sun cream
Make sure you’ve got appropriate factors for kids and parents. We use sensitive skin sun creams for Baby who has eczema prone skin.
UV tent
I love our handy pop up tent as it protects us from the wind and sun. You can pick these up really easy from supermarkets and outdoor shops in the summer, but they are available all year round on Amazon:
Swim nappies
These probably don’t matter too much but if there is an accident of the ‘two’ variety and extra layer means it doesn’t go all over swimsuits.
Sun hats
Essential for protecting delicate heads and your own. I have a great wide-brimmed sun hat than comes out each summer.
Picnic
We always over pack our picnic with goodies, but I think that’s OK considering how many calories must be burnt off in the water and running around the beach. I’m a sucker for a pretty bag and adore out insulated picnic bag which squishes down when we’ve emptied it of treats.
Water
We bring our own drinks as part of our picnic but its so important not to forget a bottle of water for Tin Box Dog.
Dog bowl
We have forgotten this before and TBD has had to resort to drinking out of a bucket. She’s not been too bothered!
Picnic blanket
You can use this a a carpet in your tent to stop the canvas floor sticking to your bum. We favour a blanket with a waterproof back to stop dampness in the sand soaking through.
Travel potty
This went everywhere with us while the girls were small. It was particularly useful at the beach as what toddler wants to be pulled away from building a sand castle to walk to the loo block half a mile away? I haven’t met one yet!
This one was really portable:
Boards
Now our kids are a bit older we bring body boards and paddle boards for then to play with in the water – hours of fun!
Disclosure: this post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of those links/images and make a purchase I may make some commission. This is at no additional cost to you.
What’s in your beach bag? Let me know. And if you think you’ll need my beach bag packing list then you can pin it for later.
We've only been to a sandy beach together once. Must change that! Thanks for linking with #TwinklyTuesday.
We pretty much have the same stuff! I dont have the potty though as the boy just pees everywhere (our secret okay). My beach bag is near the door and when the weather permits we get it and we head to the beach and enjoy some time there =) #TwinklyTuesday
Pretty much the same as you minus the dog bowl and dog! Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
Wow what a great idea! Such a lovely read! Thanks for sharing! Suz x Beauisblue.com
This is fab! So useful, I'll definitely check back when we're off on holiday x
#maternitymondays
Great post, I'm always forgetting to pack things!
#MaternityMondays
You'd think as the kids get older that you have to take less with you but then they want wetsuits, boggy boards and surfboards. I need a trolley to get to the beach!
#maternitymondays
I've been looking at those this summer, but haven't got around to buying any. They'll be on my list for next year!
Good tips – I like our lightweight towel poncho as it's a good cover-up as well.