Genius Beach Gear that Makes Family Trips Even More Fun
Image credit: Shutterstock/VCoscaron
The Best Beach Gear for Families
The following sections feature several affiliate links or ads, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Please see our privacy policy for more details.
Prepping for a day at the beach is no easy task, but you can take some of the guesswork out of planning when you choose the right beach gear. From handy folding chairs to innovative collapsible toys for sand castles, this list has all the beach accessories you need to enjoy your day of fun in the sun as a family!
This Rolling Beach Cart That’s Built for Sand
Carrying all your gear to the perfect spot on the beach is easy when you use this RollX balloon-wheel beach cart. The unique wheels roll effortlessly over sand, and the comfort grip handles are easy to hold. This cart features a heavy-duty steel frame for lasting use and folds away for convenient storage. The mesh bag keeps items neatly tucked away while still allowing for ventilation. An included pump inflates the balloon tires quickly. With a 100-pound max weight capacity, this cart lets you carry beach snacks, toys, drinks, and other essentials needed for a fun day in the sun.
Cozy Kids’ Hooded Beach Towels They Can Actually Wear
Help kids dry off and stay comfy while at the beach with these hooded beach towels. The unique two-button design also provides cover so kids can change quickly as needed. Soft construction and the extra-roomy fit keep little ones warm after leaving chilly water. These towels are crafted from 100-percent cotton for easy fabric care and lasting durability. Perfectly sized for kids ages 5-12 years, these towels are great accessories for visits to the beach, pool, water park, or splash pad.
Baby Beach Tent that Doubles as a Mini Pool
Little ones might be too scared to go into a big lake or the ocean, but they can still splash around with this baby beach tent that doubles as a mini pool. The thoughtful design provides shade from the hot sun, while the integrated pool can be filled in with just a bit of water to create a comfortable place for baby to play. Simply dig out the sand where you’ll be placing the tent so the pool can fill up. You can also use this tent without the pool option for a shady place to build sandcastles. With a simple pop-up design and carrying case, this tent is easy to set up and take down. Parents will appreciate the 50+ UV protection it gives little ones.
Beach Shell Bags That Don’t Collect Sand
Collecting shells at the beach usually means collecting a lot of water and sand too, but these beach shell bags solve that problem. The mesh design lets water and sand drain away, and the unique expandable design holds all the shells you and your family find throughout the day. A zippered closure keeps everything securely tucked inside, while the adjustable shoulder strap lets you find the perfect fit for everyone in your group. These bags fold easily for convenient storage and come in three-count or four-count packs to suit your needs.
Beach-ready Drink Covers That Keep Out Sand and Bugs
These innovative drink covers might be designed for protecting drinks at bars and clubs, but they also make great beach accessories. The fabric construction means you can reuse them easily, and they’re dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning. They fit over the top of cups or cans, creating a barrier against sand, bees, and other beach pests. Each cover has a built-in straw hole, so everyone can enjoy their favorite refreshing beverages while relaxing on the beach. An assortment of five different colors also makes it easy for everyone in your group to identify their drinks.
Collapsible Foot Bath that Keeps Sand Off Beach Towels
Prevent wet sand from taking over your beach towels with this collapsible foot bath. The collapsible design offers space-saving storage, while the convenient shape is perfect for rinsing off your feet before you rest on your beach towel. It’s also a great addition to the ladder of your backyard swimming pool, as it lets you remove dirt and grass from your feet before heading in for a swim. Crafted from sturdy plastic and silicone, this collapsible foot bath stand sup to frequent use.
A Beach Umbrella that Doubles as a Tent
Protect your family against harsh sunlight and the occasional drizzle with this Sport-Brella sun umbrella. The UPF 50+ UV protection provides added peace of mind, while the sturdy stainless steel construction offers lasting durability. The center pole anchors into the sand, and the unique setup lets you use this umbrella as a standalone shade or sun shelter. Included stakes keep the umbrella securely in the ground when in use as a tent. Use the internal pockets to hold snacks or toys. With zippered windows, this umbrella offers plenty of airflow and resists tipping with gusts of wind.
Portable Beach Table that Has Lots of Extra Storage
Set up drinks, snacks, or a whole meal for the family with this portable beach table. Four cup holders keep everything from sippy cups of juice to cans of soda secure and away from the sand. A built-in storage basket holds extra snacks and treats, while the folding design makes setup and takedown easy. Sturdy construction and leakproof material stand up to the elements. This table is also ideal for camping trips, tailgating, or anywhere else your family sets up for fun.
Beach Chair that Keeps the Sun Out of Your Eyes
Enjoy the beautiful beach views without worrying about the glare of the sun when you lounge in this adjustable beach chair. The SunShade canopy can be pushed back when you want to soak up the sun, and the four-position seat makes it easy to sit up or recline. This portable beach chair folds into a backpack, so you can easily transport it while carrying your other gear. A mesh backrest and cushioned head pillow offer added comfort, while the integrated pouch offers storage for essentials. This bag weighs just over 9 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to carry.
Baseball Hat That Holds Your Messy Bun in Place
Keeping the sun out of your eyes and your hair out of your face at the beach is a challenge, but this ingenious baseball hat answers both needs. A unique criss-cross design with elastic bands in the back lets you secure your high, low, or mid ponytail, and it also holds buns securely in place too. The mesh back allows for extra airflow to keep you comfortable on hot, sunny days, while the traditional baseball hat front offers sun protection for your eyes and face. An adjustable closure allows for a custom fit. Crafted from cotton and polyester, this unique baseball hat is a must-have for your summer wardrobe.
Foldable Beach Loungers that Let You Rest in the Sun
If you feel most comfortable enjoying a beach read in the sand, these foldable beach loungers are just the thing to keep you cozy. The padded design and adjustable back rest provide plenty of comfort while also letting you choose the perfect position for reclining. Lightweight construction and a folding design let you carry each lounger as a backpack, so your hands are free to grab the rest of your gear when you’re ready to head home for the day. Sturdy steel frames stand up to wear and tear, and a convenient two-count pack means there’s plenty of seating for your beach trip.
A Beach Cooler that’s Made Just for Cans
Keep soda, sparkling water, and other tasty beverages chilled for your day at the beach with this insulated cooler sleeve. The low-profile design takes up minimal space in your car, while the adjustable shoulder strap allows for comfortable carrying. This cooler sleeve holds up to six 12-ounce cans and keeps them cold for up to 5 hours. Crafted of durable polyester, this zip-top cooler sleeve stands up to plenty of wear and tear.
A Mesh Beach Bag that Lets Water and Sand Escape
Packing up your beach gear at the end of the day often means bringing extra sand and water back to your car, but this mesh beach bag helps prevent that problem. Breathable mesh construction is perfect for stashing damp towels, and plenty of side pockets keep sunscreen and other essentials neatly organized. The extra-large capacity design holds up to 6 beach towels, making this tote a great choice for families. A padded shoulder strap offers added comfort, and the reinforced waterproof bottom adds durability to withstand frequent use.
Waterproof Phone Cases that Protect Against Damage
Don’t worry about leaving your phone behind when you head into the water; you can use these waterproof phone cases to keep your device close at all times. The IPX8 waterproof rating offers defense in waters up to 30 meters deep, so you can splash around or go for a quick swim without worry. The simple design makes it easy to store your phone, and the TPU construction lets you take pictures or send texts without removing your device. Each case comes with an adjustable neck lanyard for hands-free carrying. These cases are sized to fit smartphones measuring under 7 inches for versatile use.
An Extra-Large Beach Blanket that’s Waterproof and Sand-proof
Set up the perfect spot for your family with this extra-large beach blanket. The generous dimensions accommodate up to 8 people, while the included stakes and reinforced anchor loops keep all four corners secure on the sand. Crafted from durable parachute nylon, sand and water slides easily off the surface for convenient cleanup at the end of the day. This beach blanket comes with a handy carrying bag for effortless transport to and from your ideal beach spot.
This Ballast Inflatable Beach Pillow that Stays Put in the Wind
Rest your eyes and relax with this ballast inflatable beach pillow. The soft fabric offers luxurious comfort while wicking away moisture, and the padded top adds extra support for naps on the beach. Best of all, it won’t blow away if you get up to take a dip in the water. Simply add sand to the inner pouch to create a weighted bottom that keeps this pillow securely in place throughout the day. This pillow is easy to inflate for quick setup and features a thoughtful contoured design to cradle your head and neck. Use the included carrying case to pack it away when you’re ready to head home.
Fun Beach Toys that Collapse for Easy Storage
Encourage your little ones to dig for seashells or build castles in the sand with this set of fun beach toys. The collapsible buckets save space in your beach tote for easy packing, and the included shovels make it easy to move sand wherever your kids want to explore. The shovels hook onto the bucket handles for convenient organization. Each piece is crafted from nontoxic, non-BPA materials for added peace of mind. This set of collapsible beach toys comes with a mesh bag to store all the pieces in.
A Portable Baby Seat that Doubles as a Toddler Booster
Give your little one a cozy place to enjoy snacks at the beach with this portable baby seat. The folding design is easy to set up and pack away, while the included removable tray provides the ideal surface for serving up meals and snacks. An included carrying bag offers convenient storage and transport. This seat features a 3-point safety harness and is sized for children ages 6 months to 3 years. With its space-saving design and versatility, this portable baby seat is perfect for use at the beach or while on vacation.
A Portable Beach Cabana that Comes with a Privacy Wall
Create your own little corner of paradise with this portable beach cabana. Built-in sandbags keep it securely in place, even on breezy days, and the sturdy frame features a center pole to hold up the roof for maximum shade. A handy set of hooks lets you hang towels and other beach gear to dry. The privacy wall offers added protection from the sun and features a mesh panel for added airflow. The simple design makes setup easy, and a carrying bag offers convenient storage at the end of your trip to the beach.
These Beach Cup Holders that Keep Drinks Away from the Sand
Keep frosty beverages close at hand with these genius beach cup holders. The stakes at the bottom anchor into the sand (or even grass and dirt) securely, and the unique design offers space for cups, cans, or water bottles. A second compartment provides a spot to stash your phone or sunglasses while you soak up the sun. This set features an assortment of colors, so you can assign one to each member of your family. Crafted of durable plastic, these beach cup holders offer lasting use.
How to Pick the Best Beach Gear for Your Family
As you look for the best beach gear, consider what your plans are for your day at the beach. If you prefer to lounge and soak up the sun, plenty of beach towels and chairs will be needed. For a day building castles in the sand and swimming in the water, a cabana and beach toys might be just the things you need. Consider how much each person can carry and look for beach gear that comes with carrying cases, rolling wheels, and other features that make transport easier. If you’re gearing up for more family adventures beyond the beach, we’ve got you covered with travel tips and ideas too. From choosing the right gear in The Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trip Gear to fun ways to keep little ones happy during hotel breaks in Easy and Entertaining Toddler Activities for Hotel Downtime, and even planning a relaxing One-Day Getaway: The Hotel Pool Vacation — these resources make the most of every family trip.