There’s something magical about the idea of a family beach day: the smell of saltwater, little sandy footprints, toddlers giggling as they chase waves.
And it can be that – but if you have small children like me, beach day also means carrying 40 pounds of gear, while simultaneously preventing one child from licking a seashell and the other from sprinting into open water. In other words, it’s also a lot of work.
I’m a mom to two little ones – one toddler barely out of babyhood, and one enthusiastic 3-year-old. This summer, we’ve braved several beach days together. They weren't picture-perfect, but they were wonderful – and surprisingly doable with the right approach.
Here’s what I learned, and what I hope can help you too!
1. Snacks: More than just food, they’re a lifeline
Never underestimate the power of snacks. Hungry kids melt down faster in the sun, and tired parents need fuel too.
Bring a variety of portable, non-melty, easy-to-grab foods:
Bite-sized fruit (grapes, blueberries, apple slices, watermelon spears)
Crackers, chips, pretzels, with hummus cups
Cheese sticks or individually packed cheeses
Applesauce or smoothie pouches
Extra water bottles, your favorite cold beverage, and a few juice boxes as special treats
Pack everything in a small cooler or insulated bag with an ice pack to keep it fresh. If you’re out for the whole day, packing a light but satisfying, hand-held lunch is a must so you don’t get stuck in a mile-long food vendor line or have car drama from hungry tots on the ride back. Think sandwiches, grilled chicken, and pasta salad, or make-ahead quesadillas wrapped in foil.
2. Dress smart: Prep before you leave
Get everyone into swimsuits and sunscreen before you even leave the house.
Add a loose cover-up, oversized T-shirt, or sundress on top for comfort
Choose rash guards for easier sun coverage
Apply sunscreen at home or, if you have a long drive, before you leave the parking lot for the sand
Water shoes or sandals can be helpful for hot sand, sharp shells, or rocky beaches
And always bring a full change of clothes for each child and one for yourself
Having the kids pre-dressed avoids the hassle of changing in the car or sand, which is nearly impossible without someone eating it.
3. Know the tide: It can make or break your day
Before heading out, check your local beach’s tide charts online.
Low tide often creates natural shallow pools that are perfect puddle playgrounds for toddlers and younger kids. These areas:
Allow safer splashing without deep water risk
Make it easier for you to supervise
Give children a chance to explore gently lapping waves
This has been the biggest game changer for our family’s peace of mind! Planning around low tide can truly change the experience from chaotic to calm, and majorly decrease your stress levels in the water safety domain.
4. Make a “home base” on the sand
Create a shaded “base camp” using a beach umbrella or pop-up tent
Why it’s a game changer:
Offers protection from sun exposure
Provides privacy for diaper changes or outfit swaps
Creates a resting spot for tired little bodies
Keeps snacks, water, and essentials in one easy-to-find place
If possible, position your setup a bit back from the waterline – close enough to supervise, far enough to avoid surprise waves soaking your blanket.
5. Plan for naps (and use them to your advantage)
Beach naps can happen – and they can save the whole day. Some strategies:
Use a covered stroller and position it in the shade
Bring a portable pack-and-play under the umbrella
Build a cozy nap space using towels, beach blankets, and a wall of chairs and coolers to create a private, shaded nook
Bring a favorite blanket or sleep playlist on your phone for comfort
If one or both kids nap, take that time for yourself – read a book, enjoy your iced coffee or lemonade, or simply sit and breathe in the ocean air. Parenting in public isn’t always restful, but you can still find pockets of peace.
6. The sand dilemma: How to avoid bringing the beach home
Sand happens. But here’s how to win:
Keep a few dry, soft brushes or a sock filled with cornstarch in your car: before you buckle the kids into their carseats, brush the sand right off skin. (I find it’s easier to brush dry sand off than use those freshwater showers with little kids!)
Keep a plastic storage bin, laundry basket, or mesh hamper in your trunk for sandy clothes, towels, and beach toys. It keeps the mess contained and makes post-beach laundry much easier.
If the sand is super-wet and clingy, hose off if your beach has a cleaning station near the entrance.
Soft washcloths or baby wipes are perfect for final, quick cleans before loading into the car.
Bonus: If you’re not traveling solo, have your spouse, any older kids, or adults take back some of the gear to the car ahead of leaving time, and maybe even drive the car up to the entrance to avoid dragging tired, sandy babes through the parking lot.
7. Bring toys, but keep them minimal
It’s tempting to pack every beach toy you own, but less is more.
A few buckets, small shovels, and perhaps a few easy-to-clean silicone toys are enough
Nature provides the rest: shells, driftwood, pebbles, squishy sand
Enlist the kids’ help carrying toys – a 3-year-old can handle a mesh backpack with a bucket and shovel!
Pro-tip: Bring a mesh bag for wet toys so sand and water drain before you get to the car
8. Remember the bigger picture
Not every moment will be picture-perfect. There will be sand everywhere, maybe occasional toddler tears.
But a beach day with a little prep and planning is sure to bring pure joy, discovery, and beautiful moments together, and that is absolutely worth it!
