It’s been so long that we’ve gone to a beach. We are Florida natives so you know we went often and nothing stopped me. My last trip to the beach before we moved states I was 5 months pregnant and took my 6, 3 and 2 year old all by myself. It’s really not that hard to do if you plan it just right and keep your packing list short to just what you need.
My kids are extremely fair skinned just like me. So sunblock and reapplying that sun block is a must have. When I travel alone with my kids I prefer the spray kind because it’s way faster and easier to apply. Just watch out for them eyes.
But since we are going to the beach soon with our kids during our vacay. I thought I’d share what we pack for our trip. These work for a day trip or an overnight trip too. So let’s get to that super simple list I pack for my family of 6. Now you might be able to omit something’s if your littles don’t burn super easy like mine.
Umbrella
I love having an umbrella on hand. When we go we stay for awhile even if it’s just a day trip. So having some shade to hide away from the beating sun rays is a must have for us. We also store our drinks/snacks under it too so they stay cool. We used to actually take a pop up gazebo but haven’t done that in a while.
Sheet
I don’t know about you but I like to have a non sandy place to sit. Especially when it’s snack time or if one of my littles wants to nap. So I always just bring a flat sheet. We actually have designated flat sheets just for beach or picnic trips. I use our other items to help hold the corners down if it’s windy out.
Sunblock
Like I mentioned above my kids are very fair. I’m a natural red head and they got my lovely burn easy tone. So I always have extra sunblock just so I don’t run out mid trip. I typically like the spray kind so it’s fast to apply. Just make sure you don’t miss any spots… because the sun will get them!
Snacks
Just like anything you do as a mother with your kids. Snacks are always involved. With every single thing. So make sure you pack sole for that beach trip. I’ve found that small packs of snacks or fruit are my kids favorites. They don’t have to share and that’s eliminates any fighting or spilled containers. So plan for that.
Drinks/water
You definitely want to stay hydrated and prevent your kids from getting sick from the heat and sun. I like to have lots of extra water on hand. Because you never know when you might need tp rinse some sand out of little eyes and salt water just makes it worse.
Beach Toys
What’s a beach trip with out the toys? Not fun that’s for sure. My kids love to play in the water but they also enjoy digging in the sand and having a blast just being little. You don’t really need a to. Of toys but I do recommend at least one shovel and bucket per kid to eliminate any fighting
Wet Bag
When it’s all said and done and it’s time to go home. Your going to need somewhere to put those wet clothes. We use a wet bag just for this. It zips up and holds all the water leaks inside. We got ours at target dollar spot pretty cheap a couple years back so keep an eye out during this time of the year.
Camera
Something cute is going to happen. So you should definitely be prepared to capture some cute beach photos. Even if it’s just the camera on your phone. Have it with you so you can capture all the cuteness!
Towels
This is pretty much a given. And one for each person if you have enough. We use a pull over hood one for our one year old so we don’t have to hold it on him and don’t have to worry about it being dragged through the dirt or wet sand.
Cooler
If you plan to spend a good amount of time at the beach your going to need something to keep your drinks cold. A rolling one is the easiest one to use so you don’t have to carry it. When I go by myself I use and oversized lunch box so I can carry it solo and don’t have to worry about to many heavy things.
One of the best things you can do when traveling to the beach with kids is to help delicate the carrying of things. My two older kids that are 8 and 5 help carry the lighter things that have shoulder straps and aren’t too heavy. And I leave the beach toys to be carried by my younger child. My one year old is usually in someone’s arms so he doesn’t really carry anything.
If your like me and are a list maker than your going to need this super simple and cute packing list. I’ve kept it blank so you can fill it in with all your beach necessities and not have to worry about crossing off anything I would add for my family. To snag it just sign up below and join my tribe. Then you’ll have access to it and hundred of other freebies I have in my vault of goodies. The. Head to your email for the info and password to snag it.
I hope this list helps you decide how to keep your next beach trip minimal and not over pack and make it harder to load up everything at the end of the day when your tired and ready to just go.
Is there anything else you’d add to this list as a must have for your family? Comment below and let me know.
Until next time, live a life you love!
Xo Jessica!