The Ultimate Beach Packing List for Families: Essentials, Tips, and Tricks
Planning a family beach vacation and worrying about what should be on the beach packing list for the family? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! In this post we'll cover a packing list by each family member to make sure everyone has exactly what they need - and I mean all the beach essentials needed for a stress and worry free vacation! Let’s get into this perfect beach checklist for the family!
fAMILY BEACH VACATIONS REQUIRE BEACH ESSENTIALS
Going to the beach with your family should be a memorable experience. However, it can quickly turn into a disaster if you forget to pack some essential items. Making a beach packing list can help you so you’re not stuck at the last minute without stuff you really need like sunscreen or a beach towel. Whether you’re gong with your family to the beach for spring break or the summer, your family beach vacation should be one that you remember for great times and bonding with those you love.
What do pack of the beach is always a question that’s at the top of the mind of anyone packing for their family, and that's why we've created this comprehensive packing list to help you avoid any unnecessary stress and make your beach vacation a success.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about how to keep everything organized to pack for your beach trip with the family, keep reading for more on the ultimate beach packing list for families below!
Planning Ahead for your family beach vacation
Before we dive into the family beach trip packing list, let's talk about some important factors to consider when planning for your family beach vacation.
Choosing the Right Beach for a family beach vacation
Not all beaches are created equal. Some are better suited for families than others. When choosing a beach, consider factors like the size of the beach, the water conditions, and the availability of facilities like restrooms and showers. You may also want to think about things like nearby availability of restaurants and other places to visit for the family beach trip.
Timing for family beach trips
Timing is everything when it comes to beach vacations with your family. Consider factors like the time of year, weather patterns, and peak tourist seasons when planning your trip. My family and I typically like to go right before the spring break rush. Accommodation prices are usually more competitive and it’s less crowded which means you can enjoy your family beach vacation even more!
Accommodations for visiting the beach with family
Choose accommodations that are close to the beach and have amenities like a pool or kitchenette. If you can find a spot that is beach front, you get a gold star! This will make your stay more comfortable and convenient.
Why is the beach the best place for a vacation with family?
Having a family beach vacation is important for several reasons:
Beach trips with family allow for quality time.
A family beach vacation provides an opportunity for quality time with loved ones, away from the distractions of everyday life. It's a chance to connect with each other, make memories, and strengthen family bonds.
Family beach vacations bring you relaxation.
The beach is a peaceful and calming environment that allows families to relax and unwind. It's a chance to take a break from work, school, and other responsibilities and enjoy some time in the sun and sand.
Time at the beach with family gives you some outdoor activity.
The beach offers a range of outdoor activities that are beneficial for both physical and mental health. Swimming, walking on the sand, and playing beach sports are all great forms of exercise that promote well-being.
Family beach trips give you exposure to nature.
Being in nature has numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety. The beach provides an opportunity for families to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Beach trips with the family allow you to make memories.
We finally had a chance to take our 5 year old and 5 month old to the beach and let me tell you, I will never forget it. I know our 5 year old won’t either. Our babies are young now but we know they will grow up in a flash. Spending time together now to make lasting memories is our main goal and spending time together at the beach with the family will do that for you!
How do I prepare for a family beach trip?
There are a couple of things to consider when preparing for your family beach trip before you take a look at your family packing list for the beach. You’ll want to think about things like:
The weather. Will you need to pack to dress in layers for yourself, partner, and/or the kids?
Will you be taking beach accessories like beach chairs, umbrellas, etc or renting them while at the beach?
Will you be doing any kind of extra beach activities such as deep sea fishing, surfing, or snorkeling?
Are there folks in the family that can’t swim and need extra support such as life vests, etc?
Will you be flying or driving? If driving how long will the drive be and what ages are your passengers?
Do you need to pack things like diapers, formula, or snacks/drinks that need to be chilled on the drive to your beach destination? If so, you’ll need this collapsible travel cooler while on your way.
How long will you be staying and how will you pack to save space?
Using these packing cubes help you save space while packing and stay organized the best way you can!
Who will be taking electronics and exactly which electronics and chargers you’ll be taking.
You’ll want this travel electronic and charger organizer to keep everything sorted out. I can’t tell you how hard it can be to keep track of everyone’s chargers to all of their little do hickies!
The Ultimate Beach Packing List by family member
Now that we've covered some important planning factors, let's dive into the ultimate beach packing list for families.
Adults - Beach packing list for the family
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Sun hats and sunglasses
Beach towels
Beach umbrella or canopy
Beach chairs
Cooler or insulated bag
Water bottles
Beach bag or tote
Swimwear
Water shoes
Cover-ups
Rash guards
Water shoes or sandals
Light clothing (T-shirts, shorts, dresses)
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Tissues
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Feminine hygiene products
Contact lenses or glasses
Cell phone and charger
Portable fan or mister
Books and magazines
Board games and playing cards
Portable speakers or headphones
Cameras and chargers
Trash bags
Teens - Beach packing list for family
Here's a specific beach packing list for teens:
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Sun hats and sunglasses
Beach towels
Beach umbrella or canopy
Beach chairs (if necessary)
Cooler or insulated bag (if necessary)
Water bottles
Beach bag or tote
Swimwear
Water shoes
Cover-ups
Rash guards
Water shoes or sandals
Light clothing (T-shirts, shorts, dresses)
First-aid kit (with pain reliever, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes)
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Tissues
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairbrush or comb
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream (for teens who shave)
Menstrual products (for teen girls)
Contact lenses or glasses
Cell phone and charger
Portable fan or mister
Books and magazines
Board games and playing cards
Portable speakers or headphones
Cameras and chargers
Snacks and drinks
Frisbees or other beach games
Beach volleyball or soccer ball
Trash bags
Teens may also want to bring their own entertainment such as books, music, or games. It's important to remind them to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. With this packing list, they'll be well-prepared for a fun and relaxing time at the beach.
Kids-beach packing list for family
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Sun hats and sunglasses
Beach towels
Beach umbrella or canopy
Beach chairs (if necessary)
Cooler or insulated bag (if necessary)
Water bottles
Beach bag or tote
Swimwear
Water shoes
Cover-ups
Rash guards
Water shoes or sandals
Light clothing (T-shirts, shorts, dresses)
First-aid kit (with children's pain reliever, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes)
Insect repellent (for children over 2 years old)
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Tissues
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Beach toys (buckets, shovels, frisbees, etc.)
Snacks and drinks
Books and magazines
Board games and playing cards
Portable speakers or headphones
Cameras and chargers
Trash bags
Babies and toddlers - beach packing list for family
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher specifically made for babies)
Baby sun hat and sunglasses
Beach towels
Beach umbrella or canopy
Baby beach tent (for shade and naps)
Diapers, wipes, diapering needs
Travel diaper bag dispenser and bags
Baby powder (to remove sand)
Swim diapers (if necessary)
Rash guard (for sun protection)
Water shoes or sandals (for walking on hot sand)
Light clothing (T-shirts, shorts, dresses)
First-aid kit (with children's pain reliever, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes)
Insect repellent (for babies over 6 months old)
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Tissues
Baby food and snacks
Formula and bottles (if necessary)
Baby carrier or stroller
Beach toys (soft and safe for babies)
Blanket or play mat
Portable fan or mister
Books and toys for entertainment
It's important to keep babies protected from the sun and heat, so make sure to bring plenty of shade. A uv travel baby tent and/or a sun hat works great. (if they’re old enough for it) for hydration. Remember to pack all necessary items and enjoy a safe and fun-filled time at the beach with your little one!
Health Considerations - Beach Packing List for Family
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Aloe vera, or something similar to combat sunburn, if encountered.
Sun hats and sunglasses to protect the face, head, and eyes from the sun.
Beach towels to dry off and sit on to avoid direct contact with sand and reduce the risk of skin irritation and infection.
Beach umbrella or canopy to provide shade and protect against sunburn and heat stroke.
Beach chairs to provide comfortable seating and reduce the risk of back pain and discomfort.
Cooler or insulated bag to keep snacks and drinks fresh and reduce the risk of food poisoning and dehydration.
Water bottles to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
First-aid kit to treat minor injuries and reduce the risk of infection.
Bug spray to prevent bug bites and reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases. The candles work great too.
Hand sanitizer to keep hands clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Wet wipes to clean up spills, messes, and reduce the risk of infection.
Tissues to clean up runny noses, sneezing, and reduce the spread of germs.
Toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Deodorant to stay fresh.
Prescription medications to manage chronic health conditions and reduce the risk of complications.
Over the counter medications for things such as allergies, headaches, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.
A thermometer in case the kids happen to get sick.
Baby powder to remove sand and reduce the risk of skin irritation and infection.
Hot and cold packs for possible injuries.
Motion sickness meds. This is great for kids!
Identification documents to access medical care in case of an emergency.
Trash bags to dispose of waste properly and reduce the risk of littering and pollution.
Travel diaper bag dispenser and bags for proper disposal of diapers on the go.
Space Sanitizing and Cleanliness - Beach Packing List for Family
Antibacterial soap to thoroughly wash hands with soapy warm water.
Hand sanitizer to keep hands clean and reduce the spread of germs while on the go.
Disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces and reduce the risk of infection.
Tissues to cover coughs and sneezes and reduce the spread of germs.
Face masks to reduce the risk of infection and comply with local regulations.
Disposable gloves to handle food and trash and reduce the spread of germs.
Portable UV-C light sanitizer to disinfect items like phones, sunglasses, and keys.
Portable air purifier to clean the air and reduce the risk of airborne germs.
Laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets to wash and dry clothes and towels.
Disinfectant spray to spray down areas within your accommodation and clean beach chairs and other items to reduce the risk of infection.
Get the Ultimate Beach Packing List for Families HERE!
beach packing list for families Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your family beach vacation:
Make sure you pack at least one major credit care plus have an adequate amount of cash on hand
Remember to take along all identification documents for each person in the family
Don’t forget to include health insurance cards for the family in case of an emergency
Pack a separate bag for each family member to keep things organized.
Use packing cubes or compression bags to save space.
Choose lightweight and quick-drying clothing to avoid bulky luggage.
Pack snacks and drinks to save money and avoid hunger pangs.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours.
Use baby powder to remove sand from skin and beach toys.
While you can shop for groceries upon your arrival, I recommend packing a few items to get you through your arrival day and the following day for food, and especially baby formula/food needs
If you are taking air travel, be sure to have hard copy tickets in addition to your electronic ones on the phone. You just don’t want any challenges
FAQs on Beach Packing List for Families
What should a family bring to the beach? What should I pack for the beach with my child?
You should pack all your personal items such as clothes you’ll need, items for hygiene, electronics/charges and needed medicaiton. This post covers the ultimate beach packing list for families, so you can use it as a beach packing checklist to meet all your needs!
No matter where you plan to have your accomodations, if you’re bringing along your child(ren) make sure the place your’e staying is suitable for their needs. You’ll need to pack any of their personal items as well, and don’t forget their favorite stuffed animals and toys that they just can’t leave behind.
What should I pack for a 7 day beach vacation?
This beach packing list is perfect for everything from a short 3-day beach family vacation to an 8-day stay at the beach with family. Take your pick! The main thing is to ensure you’re prepared with enough clothing and toiletries to get you through so you don’t have to buy anything additional. My personal suggestion is to book an accomodation that has washer and dryer access - ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS! My family and I recently visited the beach in Georgia and having a washer and dryer, packing light, and just taking along washing detergent went a long way. We didn’t have a long stay, but we did do several small loads of laundry. It also helped us to already have items washed and ready to be put up once we arrived back home!
What are 3 things you should do if you take children to the beach?
So, no matter the age of your children, always be prepared for them in the right way according to their swimming capabilities. Make sure you add things to your family beach packing list like swim vests, floaties, snorkeling gear, goggles, and things like that to make sure to keep them safe if they cannot swim well or if they are excellent swimmers.
Pay attention to the warning signs when you arrive to your family beach vacation destination. Things like strong waves, high season for certain sea animals, etc. are all things to be well aware of when taking your children to the beach.
Most important of all, no matter their age or swim capability, NEVER take your eyes off your children while on your beach vacation. Be sure to have talks with them about stranger danger, safety, and also designate a meet up point and time for older children if you want to let them roam around just a bit independently.
What to bring to a multi family beach vacation?
If you plan on having a multi family beach vacation with your friends and/or family, make sure you cook things up. You’ll want to add thing to your beach packing list like plates, cups, ice, a nice sized cooler, grilling utensils, drinks, charcoal, hand sanitizer, paper towels/napkins to accommodate for your multi family group.
What should I bring to the beach each day we visit during our family beach vacation?
Basic things you need to bring to the beach each day include:
Beach chairs
Beach towels
Beach bag loaded with:
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
First aid kit
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Swim shoes / sandals
Cooler
Picnic basket / blanket
Dry bags for dry clothes and wet bags for wet clothes
Trash bags
Portable Speakers
Water
Snacks
Books / Magazines
Music / Portable Speakers
What are beach must haves for babies?
If you’re bringing along baby, on the day of your beach visit you’ll want to make sure you pack:
Diapers and diapering needs
Odor protecting diaper bags for disposing of diapers
Cooler for formula / breast milk bottles
Bibs / Burp Cloths
1-2 blankets
UV Infant Tent
Baby Sunscreen
Baby sunhat
Rash guard and change of clothes
Syringe
Hand wipes
Baby carrier / baby wrap
What are beach must haves for toddlers?
Beach must haves for toddlers will be very similar to that of babies. If your toddler will be tagging along, make sure you bring:
Rash guard and swim shoes
Swim diapers
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Beach towels and blankets
Beach toys
Snacks and drinks
Change of clothes
Extra diapers and diapering needs
Wet and dry bags for clothes
Beach chair for toddlers
What should you NOT bring to the beach?
The beach is a place for animals and other marine life so we want to be careful and not bring things like glass containers that could harm them. Plus, people are on the beach barefoot and enjoying the scenery. No one wants their family beach vacation ruined by a preventable injury from broken glass.
Just like glass, anything made of metal can be harmful to people on the beach as well as the marine life there. Just don’t bring it.
It should go without saying but you also don’t want to bring anything that could start a fire on the beach. Fires are generally not allowed anyway.
What should I NOT forget to bring to the beach?
Here are some important items you should NOT forget to bring to the beach:
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Sun hat and sunglasses to protect your face, head, and eyes from the sun.
Beach towels to dry off and sit on.
Beach umbrella or canopy to provide shade and protect your family from the sun.
Water bottles to stay hydrated.
Beach bag or tote to carry all your belongings and keep them organized and easy to access.
Portable phone charger to keep your phone charged.
Cash and credit cards.
Keys / fobs to your accommodation.
Your ID and health insurance cards.
Trash bags to dispose of trash.
First-aid kit in case of injuries.
Bug spray to keep the bugs away.
Hand sanitizer to keep hands clean.
Wet wipes to clean up any messes.
Tissues to wipe faces and noses.
How can I keep from overpacking for a family beach vacation?
Make a packing list: Use this ultimate beach packing list for families. Don’t leave without downloading it from here! This will help you stay organized and avoid forgetting anything important.
Pack capsule wardrobes: Choose clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This will help you save space and reduce the number of items you need to bring.
Bring no more than 3 pairs of shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, so try to limit the number of shoes you bring. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and water shoes or flip flops.
Use travel sized toiletries: Bring small sized toiletries with you or pick them up at a store at your destination.
Rent your beach trip equipment: Rent any equipment you may use for surfing or other water activities; also consider renting things like beach chairs and umbrellas. They’re usually available at a daily rate and can be delivered to you and picked up once you’re done with your stay.
Be prepared for the weather: Check the weather forecast for your destination and and pack appropriately to avoid packing any unecessary items.
Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you stay organized and maximize space in your luggage.
Focus on the essentials: I’m one who will pack anything under the sun if you let me, but I learned when packing for my family beach vacation that focusing on the essentials and what each family member needed was most important and efficient.
Final thoughts on Beach Packing List for Families
After lots of trial and error with family beach vacations, I’ve created this ultimate beach packing list for families from a place of experience. If you’re visiting the beach, especially with kids, this is the list for you! Make sure you keep this Ultimate Beach Packing List for Families close to you as you plan your next family excursion to the beach. Don’t forget to get the printable list!
So, what did you think of this post on beach packing list for families? I hope it gives you all the intel you need to make your next beach vacation a success.
Great stay home date night ideas for fall.