Our family loves beach trips. But a trip to the beach missing some important items can turn what would otherwise be a fun, frugal, and often free activity into something possibly miserable. So here is a list of some beach essentials not to forget if you’re going to the beach with a large family. And of course, make sure to pack the sunscreen!
With Summer coming quickly, you are probably planning a beach trip or two. If you have a large family, here are a few essentials to pack to ensure it is as comfortable and fun as possible.
Large Beach Tent
The first thing you need is a large beach tent. It is perfect for getting out of the sun and wind, and is also a great place for the kids to nap. You can also use it to store all your gear, hooded towels, snacks, and drinks.
Umbrellas & Canopy
Not everyone will want to spend all day sitting in the tent, and that’s why you need some umbrellas or a canopy. Both can be used to create large areas of shade, and allow you to lie on the beach, the kids to play, etc, without baking in the sun.
Large Beach Blankets
You should also be sure to bring along a few large beach blankets. Towels just won’t cut it, and the larger beach blankets can help you create a comfy area to sit and eat without everything getting covered in sand.
Cooler Boxes
Cooler boxes are an absolute must for beach trips. They keep all your drinks cold and all your meals and snacks fresh and sand-free. Be sure to have a couple as you should always have extra drinks on hand.
Snack Containers/Water Bottles
Be sure to store all your food in airtight containers. Once again, this ensures it all remains sand-free and keeps it fresh throughout the day. Also, be sure to bring a few reusable water bottles to avoid the extra trash one-use water bottles cause.
Beach Wagon
If you are packing for a large family beach trip, you are going to have a lot of stuff. A beach wagon is the perfect way to move all your heavy belongings without breaking your back and being hot and tired before you even sit down.
Multiple Beach Bags
Always bring along multiple beach bags to make moving and carrying your belongings easier. The last thing you want to do is lug a massive bag to your beach spot just to unpack one thing. Pack your belongings into separate bags, so you know what you need instantly and what you can leave in the car until later.
Wet/Dry Bags
Also, be sure to have wet and dry bags. Throughout the day, with all the swimming and playing in the sand, there will be tons of times when people want to change their clothes. Keeping all the bathing suits, for instance, in one bag will keep the rest of your clothing dry.
Group Games
Finally, a big family beach trip is perfect for beach games. Whether it is frisbee, beach volleyball, or something in between, be sure to pack a few beach games for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, bring some toys for the younger kids to enjoy.
Family Beach Trip Tips
Now that you know a few of the essentials to pack, here are a few extra tips to ensure your beach trip goes off without a hitch.
Keep A Cooler in the Car
One of the best tips for any beach trip is to keep an extra cooler in the car packed with ice and water. When the cooler is out of the sun and heat, everything stays colder for longer, and is perfect for when it’s later in the day, and you want to cool down.
A little addition is to throw a small face towel or two in there, as you can wrap them around your neck to cool down on those extra hot days.
Create a Safe Zone
When you have younger kids, the last thing you want is for them to wander off to play. Instead, create a safe zone, which allows you to keep your eye on your kids at all times, and keep everyone safe.
In simple terms, a safe zone can be created by encircling a large area with your beach tent, chairs, etc. Throw your large blanket down in the middle for the kids to play on, and you have the perfect area for stress-free relaxation.
Choose Your Spot Wisely
Be sure to choose your spot wisely. This will depend on who is with you; for instance, if you have younger kids, try to get a spot away from big crowds and close to things like the bathrooms. Getting both of those things, while staying close to your car, is a complete win.
Park Close
Speaking of cars, try to park as close to the beach as possible. When you have a large amount of beach equipment, you don’t want to have to walk for 15 minutes each way to bring stuff to your beach spot.
Additionally, if you have young kids, you want to be sure you have quick access to the car in an emergency. In more serious cases, being close to the road means emergency services can also reach you more quickly.
