Planning a beach trip with kids in 2025? Whether you’re headed to a quiet coastal town or a busy family-friendly beach, having the right gear can make all the difference. As a mom, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) that a little preparation goes a long way when you’re trying to keep everyone safe, comfy, and happy in the sun. From sun shelters to sand toys, I’ve rounded up our favorite must-have beach essentials that make our family beach days smoother, more fun, and way less stressful.
Gorich Beach Tent Sun Shelter
If you’re headed to the beach with kids, a beach tent like this one from Gorich is a total lifesaver. It gives your whole crew a shady spot to cool off, snack, or even sneak in a nap (because let’s be honest, the sun gets intense fast). This one is super roomy—perfect for families—and has UPF 50+ protection so you don’t have to stress about sunburns. We don’t do beach days without it anymore!
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Beach Wagon
Trust me, once you use a collapsible wagon with big beach wheels, you’ll never go back. This one rolls right over sand (even when it’s packed with towels, toys, snacks, and half your house). The cup holders are a nice bonus, and it folds up easily when you’re done. It seriously saves your arms and your sanity on those long walks from the car to your beach spot!
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Surfer Dudes
These Surfer Dudes are hands-down one of our favorite beach toys. You just toss them into the waves and they ride right back to shore—no batteries, no fuss, just pure beach-day magic. Kids love chasing them, and they keep busy while you sneak a few peaceful sips of your iced coffee. Total win!
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Mesh Seashell Collecting Bag & Shovel
If your kids love collecting shells (and who doesn’t?), these mesh shovel and shell bags are a must. The mesh design lets the sand fall right through—no more hauling home buckets of beach grit! Plus, they’re super lightweight and cute, and my kids feel like little explorers hunting for treasures.
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Mesh Beach Bag
This extra large mesh beach bag is basically the mom bag of beach days. It fits everything—towels, snacks, sunscreen, toys—and the zipper and pockets keep things organized (and sand-free-ish). The mesh makes it easy to shake out the sand, and it’s lightweight even when packed full. Total game changer when you’re hauling stuff for the whole fam.
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BYDOLL Beach Blanket
A big, sand proof beach blanket like this one from BYDOLL is a total must for family beach days. It’s huge—plenty of room for snacks, toys, and squirmy kids—and the waterproof, sand-resistant fabric means you’re not constantly shaking it out or dealing with soggy towels. It folds up small but covers a ton of space and comes with 4 steaks so, it stays in one spot. We never hit the beach without it!
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Beach days with kids can be some of the best family memories—but let’s be real, they’re also a lot of work! Having these must-have essentials on hand takes the stress out and lets you focus on the fun (and maybe even relax for a few minutes). Whether you’re packing up for a big beach vacation or just a weekend getaway, these items have made a huge difference for our family—and I hope they do the same for yours. Here’s to sandy toes, happy kids, and a summer full of sunshine!
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