What Should You Pack for a Beach Trip With Kids?
For a beach trip with kids, pack sun protection first: broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, hats, UPF swimwear and a source of shade. Then add two swimsuits per child, water shoes, a simple beach bag kit, and buy bulky toys and extra sunscreen when you arrive.
On this page
travelingwithchildren.com/packing-list/beach/
The checklist (87 items)
Built for: baby, toddler, kids, teens · flight or road trip · warm climate · 1 week. Tags show when an item only applies to some trips. Quantities assume one week.
Documents 10 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
Clothing 16 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 7 pairs | ||
| 2 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 10 |
Health 15 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 2 packs | ||
| 2–3 days' worth + buy there | ||
Gear 24 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | ||
Entertainment 13 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
Snacks 9 items
| Packed | Item | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | ||
How to use this list
This checklist is for warm-weather and beach trips with children of any age. Use the “Print this list” button at the top of the page and pack from it 3–4 days before you leave.
Cross out items your kids have outgrown, like swim diapers. If you’re staying in a rental with a kitchen and washer, you can pack even lighter: plan on washing swimsuits and towels every two or three days instead of bringing extras. For a list tailored to age, trip type, climate and length, use the packing list generator.
The sun-safety kit
Sun protection is the one category you should never cut. Children burn quickly near water and sand, which reflect sunlight, and a bad burn can end a beach week early.
Pack this as one kit and keep it in your beach bag:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- A stick sunscreen for faces and ears, which is easier with wriggly kids
- Wide-brimmed hats with a chin strap for younger children
- Long-sleeve UPF swim shirts or rash guards
- Kids’ sunglasses with UV protection
- A beach umbrella, pop-up sun tent or rented shade
Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply at least every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Plan shade for the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest.
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun. Use shade, light long clothing and a hat, and ask your pediatrician about sunscreen before the trip. The CDC’s travel site has more on sun safety abroad.
What people over-pack and forget
Families over-pack beach toys, towels and outfits. Many rentals and hotels provide beach towels, so check before you pack four. A mesh bag with a bucket and shovel covers most sandcastles. Beach days need little more than swimsuits, cover-ups and one outfit for dinner.
What people forget:
- Water shoes for hot sand, rocks and shells
- A second swimsuit per child, so one can dry
- Swim diapers, which regular diapers cannot replace in the water
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel
- A reusable water bottle per person, since kids dehydrate fast in heat
- A wet bag for swimsuits on the way home
- Baby powder, which helps brush sand off skin
Carry-on vs checked
Your carry-on should hold one swimsuit per person, hats, sunglasses and a small sunscreen, so you can hit the beach before your bags arrive. Liquids including sunscreen must be 3.4 oz or less per container in your carry-on. Check tsa.gov for current rules.
Checked bags hold full-size sunscreen, the rest of the clothes, water shoes and any gear. Bulky items like umbrellas, boogie boards and coolers are often cheaper to rent or buy at your destination.
Driving instead of flying? Our road trips with kids guide covers the car. For ways to keep costs down, see family travel on a budget. For everything else, start with our complete guide to traveling with children.
Frequently asked questions
What sunscreen should kids use at the beach?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it about 15 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. For babies under 6 months, keep them out of direct sun and ask your pediatrician about sunscreen.
Can babies go to the beach?
Yes, with care. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight, so use shade, a sun tent or umbrella, light long clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Watch for signs of overheating and offer frequent feeds.
How many swimsuits should kids bring on a beach vacation?
Two per child is enough for most trips, so one can dry while the other is worn. Add a long-sleeve swim shirt or rash guard for sun protection. Swim diapers are needed for children not yet potty trained.
Can I bring sunscreen in my carry-on?
Yes, in containers of 3.4 oz or less that fit in your quart-size liquids bag. Larger bottles go in checked bags. Many families bring one small bottle for the first day and buy more at their destination.
What beach toys are worth packing?
A mesh bag with a bucket, a small shovel and a couple of molds is enough. Mesh lets sand fall through before you get back in the car. Bigger items like boogie boards are often cheaper to buy or rent locally.