As a mom taking a trip to the beach sounds amazing! I can just imagine my skin receiving a sun kissed glow from the warm sun, a nice breeze flowing through my hair and the smell of saltwater in the air. Sand between my toes, while I lie face down relaxed taking in all the positivity from this beach trip. Yikes!, But wait I’m a mom I can’t relax I need to pack all the supplies!
Are you ready for some beach fun? Make sure to bring everything on this beach checklist so that you can make the most of your time by the water! Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to make sure you have everything you need, this list will help. From sunscreen and swim diapers to towels and sand toys, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags and get ready for some sun and waves!
Personal items for Beach:
As a mom, it is our duty to be prepared by packing everyone’s personal items to make sure that even the smallest of items are not forgotten! Make sure to check these important personal items off your checklist. Especially with a million other things on your mind, it is super important!
- Wallet
- Driver license and other IDs
- Car Keys
- Credit and Debit cards
- Cash
- Medical insurance cards
- Allergy Alert information cards
- Vehicle registration and insurance card
- Cell phones
Having all of these important informational items together in a wallet, small pouch or bag will help your keep your mind at ease in case you need them right away.
Benefits of going to the beach:
After a long week of work, there is nothing more refreshing than a weekend at the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Not to mention, spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, there are so many benefits to beach trips! For one, it’s a great way to get some Vitamin D. The sun is a natural source of this essential vitamin, and it’s important for our health. Beach trips are also a great opportunity to bond with family and friends. There’s nothing like spending time together in the sand and waves
- The beach is a great place to relax and unwind.
- Soaking up the sun can help improve your mood.
- The beach is a great place to get active and enjoy some fun in the water.
- You can spend time with family and friends while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
What clothes to pack for the beach:
Of course, you will want to bring your cutest beach outfits to show off that summer bod! But what else should you pack? There is no right or wrong to go about this! Packing multiple pieces of clothing for you and your family is the better option. It is always a good idea, that way you are prepared for any type of weather or activity.
- Athletic wear: if you want to go for a run on the beach or play some volleyball
- Sundresses: because they are flowy and perfect for a hot day
- Rompers and shorts: to show off those legs!
- Swimsuits: to take a dip in the ocean or pool
- Tank tops: for easy layering
- Undergarments: extra in case you or your little ones have an accident
- Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from the sun
- Hat or visor: to keep the sun off your face
- Towel: for drying off
- Long sleeve shirts and pants: for when the sun goes down or for little ones who need more coverage
- Rashguards: to prevent getting a sunburn
- Light jacket or sweatshirt: for when the temperature gets cooler at night
- Cover up: to wear over your bathing suit when you’re not in the water
- T-shirts: for dads when they need a quick change
- Sandals or flip flops: to walk on the hot sand
- Closed-end shoes: for going out
- Water shoes: to protect feet while getting wet
- Beach bag: to carry all of your belongings
- Wet bag: to carry all of your wet swimsuits and towels etc.
Packing all of these items will help you be prepared for anything! And you’ll be sure to have a great time no matter what you end up doing.
What essentials to pack for babies for the beach:
Knowing what essentials to pack for your baby is important and knowing if it is safe to be out in the heat with your baby at a certain age is another topic that you should educate yourself on but for now, we can talk about what to pack for baby essentials for the beach. Due to the hot weather keeping a Baby Hydrated in the heat is a major responsibility for parents. Make sure to have any of these packed from the formula, breast milk, and Pedialyte on the go! Here are the essentials to pack for your baby.
- Water or Pedialyte: Pedialyte has electrolytes in case your baby needs it
- Beach Tent/ Canopy: If you have a baby, bringing along a beach tent or canopy is a great way to provide some shade.
- Find a shaded spot: if you don’t have a tent/canopy
- Sunscreen: that is 50 SPF or higher and blocks both UVA and UVB rays, waterproof and gentle enough for babies
- Floatable device: or swimsuit with floaties
- Wet bags: to keep wet clothes in
- Snacks: easy to chew, swallow and dissolve in the mouth for your little ones
- Formula or breast milk: make sure to pack enough
- Cooler: to store anything that needs to stay cold for example food, breast milk, and other drinks
- Pacifier: If your baby uses one, it might be a good idea to bring two just in case one gets lost.
- Portable high chair or baby seat
- Beach toys: to keep them entertained while you’re relaxing!
- Bucket and shovel: to make sandcastles of course!
- Bottles/ sippy cups: keep your child hydrated and depends on what your baby is using at the moment
- Swim diapers: made to withstand water, and prevent diapers from swelling up making them more comfortable to wear while playing in the water
- Blow up pool: it is easy to move around and find shade/ some come with a top to cover from direct sunlight
- Swimsuit: cute swimsuits for babies, make sure they are comfortable
- Hats/ sunglasses: for babies to protect from the sun
- Water shoes: if your baby is at the walking stage
- Teethers: to keep your teething babies busy
- Blanket/ mat: baby can sit, lay or sleep on
Mommy and baby’s visit to the beach will surely be a great one as long as you pack the essentials they need to have a great beach day!
What essentials to pack for kids for the beach:
Packing your kid’s beach essentials is not that hard! They are super simple and just want to hurry up and get to the beach. Kids are so excited and open-minded about a beach day, that they will wear anything as long as it is not tight and they don’t feel insecure. Kids love floats and they usually pick their own floaties and give all the hype about using them in the water. Sunscreen is a go-to for kids because they hardly want to get out of the water. They need to be reapplying sunscreen every two hours or more if they are swimming. Make sure to put sunscreen on before they get dressed so you don’t miss any spots! These kid essentials will make it easy for you as a parent to pack and not miss a thing!
- Swimsuits: kids will obviously need swimsuits if they want to go in the water!
- Towels: for drying off after swimming
- Sunscreen: to prevent getting a sunburn
- Water shoes: to protect feet while getting wet
- Beach bag: to carry all of your belongings
- Snacks and drinks: to keep energy levels up
- Float/ boards: have fun in the water
- Tablets/ electronics: for on the go!
- Goggles/ snorkel: to see and breathe while looking under the water
- Toys and games
Packing kids’ essentials are easy. It’s also great if you pack ahead of time.
What Essentials to pack for teenagers for the beach:
Packing essentials for teens can be a bit chaotic, they worry a little more about “what will I wear?” or “what will I do?’. There are plenty of things teenagers can wear and do at the beach for fun! As a mother let me tell you they can be a little picky about what they want to wear to the beach. Let’s get real! some teens girls and boys do not feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit, we’ve all been there! so as mothers we have to understand them and not pressure them into wearing something that will totally destroy their confidence. So some great advice would be to get together a couple of days before and brainstorm on what clothing and swimsuits would be best for your teens. That way they will be confident and comfortable with what they wear to the beach.
Some quick activity ideas that teens can do at the beach are, swimming is a great way to cool off and have some fun, laying out in the sun is a popular activity among teens, just make sure to wear sunscreen! There are many games that include teens such as volleyball, tug of war, beach dodge ball, surfing and so much more! These essentials should be easy for you and your teen to pack and have some fun in the sun!
- Teen clothing: boy or girl to make sure they feel confident in what they are wearing.
- Swimsuit: Bikinis, boardshorts
- Rashguards: are always in style!
- Sundresses: for girls that way it is easy for them to change
- Sandals and Flip-flops: easy slip-on footwear
- T-Shirts: quick to layer over
- Shorts: to be comfortable
- Muscle shirts: for boys
- Sunscreen: to protect skin from the sun!
- Floats: to hang out in the water
- Earphones: to listen to music
- Cell phone: keep teens in contact with parents and friends
- Tablets/ electronics: for on the go!
- Portable charger: to keep phone battery charged
- Hats/sun hats: protect the face from the sun
- Towels: to dry off
- Large towel: to lay on the beach
- Volleyball: to be active with the whole family
- Volleyball net: for volleyball
- Large rope: tug of war
- Dodge ball: bring plenty, of fun for the family
- Beach ball: have floating while playing in the water
- Football: boys and girls love playing catch with a football
- Surfboards: to catch some waves
- Waterproof makeup: for girls
- Sunglasses: to protect eyes from the sun
- Books: to relax and read
Teens are a little picky, so making sure that they pack the perfect clothing, swimsuit, and activity items they will have a great time at the beach.
Toiletries for a beach day!:
Packing toiletries for a beach day is a big deal there are certain items you just cannot forget! Switching to travel-size toiletries is a great idea so that big bottles don’t take up too much space in your beach bag. Here is a list of toiletries you should pack for a fun day in the sun!
- Toilet paper: You might have to go #twice.
- Wet wipes: Because sometimes sand just gets everywhere
- Sunscreen: Please don’t forget this one, we want you to be safe in the sun!
- Bug spray: No one wants to come home with bites all over your body
- Deodorant: for your cute pits
- Shampoo and Conditioner: to take all the sand out of your hair
- Hairbrush: keep your hair looking great
- Body Soap/ wash: wash your body in the showers
- Lip Balm: keep your lips moist
- Lotion: to moisturize skin
What activities to do at the beach?:
Activities are a must when you’re at the beach, from building sandcastles to making a sand angel. Collecting beach shells and items is also a fun way to keep the memories alive and playing sports on the sandy beach is also a great way to keep everyone busy.
- Build sandcastles
- Fly a kite
- Play beach volleyball
- Soccer ball
- Football
- Beach ball
- Go for a swim
- Collect shells
- Walk along the shore
- Have a picnic lunch
- Roast marshmallows over a bonfire.
Beach trips are so much fun and there are endless activities.
Baby activities for the beach: What can babies do at the beach
Sometimes it’s hard to come up with activity ideas for small babies close to a year old, all they want to do is stick everything they see in their mouths. So keeping them busy is super important. Be careful and observe what they do at all times especially when everyone is surrounded by sand and shells. I find that building towers out of shells is a great way to keep them content, while they also get to explore different textures. You can use a small beach bucket or even just make a pile in the sand. For an added challenge see how high you can build it before it topples over! Another activity idea is finding colorful rocks and making patterns
- Play in the sand
- Dig for shells
- Wade in the water
- Float in a life jacket
- Make beach art with shells, rocks, and sand
- Play beach games like “duck, duck, goose” or frisbee.
As a mom of three young children five years and younger, I brainstorm and think about what activities would be interesting for babies at the beach.
Food for the beach: What to eat at the beach?
Eating at the beach can be great and messy, but definitely worth it. Here are some food ideas that won’t make too much of a mess.
- Fruit kabobs
- Veggie tray with ranch or hummus
- Sandwich wraps
- Brownies
- Chickpea salad
- Chips and dip
- Fruit salad
- Granola bars
- Pita chips and guacamole
- Cookies
- Drinks
Safety: for the family
Safety is a top priority, first aid kits are important to have with you, just in case someone gets hurt. There are a lot of things that can happen at the beach, so it’s always better to be prepared. It’s also important to keep an eye on your kids at all times. Never leave a child alone in the water without supervision. The water can be dangerous, and there are a lot of people around. So make sure you’re always prepared and aware of your surroundings, be safe, and have a great experience with your family.
Make sure to take some time to review beach safety tips with your family before heading out for the day. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to apply sunscreen often, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
- Be aware of rip currents and only swim
- Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreens and reapply often, especially if you are swimming.
- Wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- If you are going for a swim, make sure to swim with a buddy and follow the beach
- Keep supervision at all times in and out of water
- Beach umbrellas are great for providing shade and keeping everyone cool.
Benefits of life jackets and floats:
What are the benefits of having a life jacket and floats? Having a life jacket and floats on and at hand can be a lifesaver when it comes to water. Be sure to have the right sizes and enough for the family.
- They provide extra buoyancy in the water.
- They help to keep swimmers safe, especially in rough conditions.
- They can be used as a signal for help if someone gets lost.
- There are different types of life jackets depending on your activity.
- For example, there are life jackets for boating, fishing, kayaking, and more.
- Make sure to choose the right type of life jacket for your activity.
- It’s also important to make sure that the life jacket fits
First aid kit: for the beach
A first aid kit is a necessary item for beach trips. A first aid kit is important because you never know when you might need it. If someone is injured, it’s important to have a first aid kit so that you can provide proper care. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- They can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
- They can be used to treat bug bites and stings.
- They can be used to treat minor burns.
- They can be used to treat bruises and sprains.
- Always make sure that your first aid kit is stocked with the
- A first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and more.
Family Fun
A family beach trip can be so much fun, but it’s important to be prepared. With this beach checklist, you can be sure that you have everything you need for a fun and safe day by the water. So pack your bags and enjoy some time in the sun!
Now that you have everything you need, What are some of your favorite things? Do you have any items to add to our beach checklist? Share them with us in the comments!