Packing for the Beach with Kids

So I think it’s officially safe to say summer is HERE. Even as a kid I thought that once the warm days of Memorial Day arrived, that summer was just around the corner, okay… 25 years later, yes… I still feel this way.

Although, summer now means something different to me. What used to be days of sleeping in along with non stop playing with friends and not a care in the world, I’ve now traded that in - for waking up at 7am, and playing with my own kids. (Oh the days of sleeping in… how I miss thee)

To keep busy in the summer and stay sane at the same time, I do take my kids to the beach a lot. We only live 6 miles from the coast so it’s pretty easy to get there, the second part of this equation is packing the perfect beach bag while trying not lose my cool before we even arrive. Shouldn’t going to the beach be an exciting day out? Well…..I have to admit with two kids in tow, in can be challenging at times - that’s why I’ve found some great tips to share with you, that have truly made my days at the beach a…. SUCCESS!

Here’s a few tips to pack the perfect beach bag and stay sane for a day at the beach with your kids.

Beach Day Tips

#1 - What can’t fit into my beach bag OR on my back, is NOT GOING. I learned this early on when my son was still in diapers. At that time I packed what he needed, but if it didn’t fit into 1 bag, um - it wouldn’t go. If you can leave a change of clothes for the kids in the car, this helps and leaves more room in your beach bag. Pack only what you must bring. I pack 2 sand buckets - one for each child, if I stack them together they’ll fit in the beach bag, no prob. If the kids would like to bring a chair or boogie board try to carry it together, or they can carry it on their own, if they can - of course this all depends on their age too.

#2 Purchase a carry-on backpack beach chair (sold at Costco for under $30). Okay, yes I felt like a crazy lady just thinking of carrying a chair strapped to my back, what is everyone going to think of me, right?…. Well think again, this is a true LIFE-SAVER. Not only does this free up your hands (bonus), the chair includes a zipper cooler and another zipper pouch for storage + a drink holder + a cell phone sealed carrier (double bonus). Now, if I haven’t sold you on this yet… look at the picture below and you’ll know why - it’s a must-have. It even lays flat in case someone needs a nap.

#3 Even if I’m not feeling like making it a “beach day” - try to look at the experience through your child’s eyes. I have to admit, kids are thrilled with the excitement of the beach. You remember as a kid how fun a day of playing in the water, making sand-castles, and collecting sea-shells was. So, if anything make an outing to the beach in honor of those memories you’ll be making with your kids.

#4 Pack lots of snacks and water - again only enough that will fit nicely into your 1 bag. This can calm any child who may be cranky or tired after a long afternoon in the sun.

#5 Once you arrive at the beach, set your ground-rules fast and right away. One of my rules -  The kids must stay in front of the beach chair where I can see them. Yes, I’m also a tad helicopter’ish… but this just gives me a little more sanity knowing the kids are in eye-sight.

#6 Pack lots of snacks and water - again only enough that will fit nicely into your 1 bag. This can calm any child who may be cranky or tired after a long afternoon in the sun.

#7 If you’re not up for water play, take sand buckets and get walking… Take a nature walk at your beach. So many fun things to find as you go. Seashells, rocks, sand-crabs, sea-weed, all kinds of amazing little things that’ll make any child smile ear-to-ear. This is a must for me and my kiddos at the beach (burns some energy too).

#8 Bring sand-toys and enjoy some sand play - make a fun sandcastle together or let the kids bury moms or dads feet. Sometimes I bury the kids (only up to their chin of course) always silly fun for everyone!

#9 Set a Time Limit (in your mind) for how long you’ll stay at the beach. That way you’re not sitting there thinking oh my goodness is it time to go YET? Just breathe and relax, you’ve got your inner-clock set, you’ve got this! Each family is unique some kids can last 4+ hours in the sand with no problem. Me, oh I’m more like 2 hours and we’re set. Either way, by giving yourself a time frame it will help keep some sanity - remember it’s only for a few short hours (or less, if needed).

Once you’re ready to pack up it will be easy-peasy since you only have 1 BAG + a chair

Beach days are such a treat and these precious days should be easy for moms and dads, and beach trips should be fun memories dropped into your child’s memory bank.

Packing the perfect beach bag honestly helps so much in making your beach day the best, fun, and stress-free day, which of course is the best part.

Now, are you feeling the beach fever… ready to pack up your bag and hit the sand?

Go for it, let me know how it goes this time. If it puts a smile on moms face and the kids are happy - well then your beach day is a win/win for the whole family!