Planning a day at the beach with kids? The right packing list can make the difference between a stressful day and a fun, easy one. Over the years, we’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way—especially when you’re heading to more natural beach destinations like Assateague Island or even busier spots like Ocean City, Maryland.
This guide includes our must-have beach essentials for families so you can spend less time worrying and more time making memories in the sun.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
1.Sunscreen and UV Protection:
Protecting your kids from harmful UV rays is crucial. Nothing ruins a trip to the beach like an awful sunburn! Pack your favorite broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and apply it generously. Remember to bring along wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and rash guards for added protection.
On days when I’ll be out in the sun for extended periods, I always reapply. For a quick touch-up, I use the COOLA Organic Sunscreen Face Mist (SPF 50). Even my husband has started using it as he burns easily.
Tip: Speaking from experience, aloe vera gel is a great thing to have on hand! Keep it in the fridge at home or your hotel room just in case an unfortunate sun burn does occur. The gel is soothing and will help with irritation from painful burns.
2. Beach Towels and Beach Blankets:
A few large towels or a sand-resistant beach blanket are essential for drying off, relaxing, and setting up a home base for the day.
We also recommend:
- Quick-dry towels
- Wet bags for storing damp items
This keeps everything else in your bag from getting soaked or sandy.
3. Beach Toys:
A good set of beach toys keeps kids busy for hours.
Our must-haves:
- Sand buckets and shovels
- Sand molds
- Beach balls or frisbees
- Kites (especially on windy beach days!)
Tip from experience: buy kites and toys before your trip. Beach shops tend to be expensive and limited.
We love this collapsible set of buckets with shovels. It saves a ton of room in our beach bags!
4. Snacks and Hydration:
Beach days always work up an appetite.
We usually pack:
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Fruit and snacks
- Granola bars
- Plenty of water and cold drinks
We’ve also learned that simple “picnic-style” lunches work best—kids are just as happy eating on a blanket as they are at a restaurant.
Our kid’s personal favorite and special treat at the beach are pizza Lunchables. We then discovered that we can pack some English Muffins, a small container of pizza sauce, and some shredded cheese for our own makeshift Lunchables. They enjoyed them just as much and it was much more cost effective. Pack your families favorites and have a delightful picnic lunch when everyone gets hungry.
5. Shade Shelter or Umbrella:
Creating a shaded area is essential for kids to rest and seek respite from the sun. Invest in a portable beach shelter or umbrella to provide a cool and comfortable spot for relaxation. Ensure it’s easy to set up and offers sufficient shade for the whole family.
We have a family of five and this cabana has been wonderful at the beach and has sufficient space for us all to enjoy the shade. It also has a pouch at each corner that is used for filling with sand. It weighs down the cabana in case the wind picks up and we don’t have to worry about it flying away.
6. Beach Bags:
A good beach bag keeps everything organized.
Look for:
- Multiple compartments
- Waterproof or sand-resistant material
- Cooler section if possible
We also love shell bags for kids so they can collect treasures without filling your main bag with sand.
7. Beach Wagons or Carts:
If you’re carrying chairs, toys, coolers, and gear (which you always are with kids), a beach wagon is a lifesaver.
We also use ours year-round for sports games and events—it’s one of our most-used family items.
8. Waterproof Phone Pouch or Case:
A waterproof phone pouch is one of those small items that makes a big difference.
It lets you:
-Relax without worrying about your phone
-Take photos in the water
-Keep sand and moisture out
9. Extra Layers or Cover-ups:
Even hot beach days can turn breezy later in the afternoon.
We always pack:
- Lightweight hoodies
- Cover-ups for kids
- Extra dry clothes for the ride home
This is especially helpful at more natural beaches like Assateague Island, where the weather can change quickly.
10. Entertainment:
Bring along some additional entertainment options for downtime at the beach. Consider packing a deck of cards, a favorite book, a journal, or a portable speaker to enjoy music and keep everyone entertained. Try bringing a watercolor set to paint shells!
What We Bring to Assateague Island and Ocean City
We use this same beach essentials list for most of our Maryland beach trips, including Assateague Island National Seashore and Ocean City, MD.
Assateague tends to be more natural and less commercial, so we always make sure to bring extra snacks, water, bug spray, and plenty of sunscreen since there are fewer shops and facilities nearby. The mosquitoes and biting flies can be especially active during certain times of the year, so insect repellent is something we never leave behind.
Planning a Maryland beach vacation? Be sure to check out our guides to Assateague Island National Seashore and the best things to do with kids in Ocean City, Maryland
With the right beach essentials packed, your day becomes a lot less stressful and a lot more fun. Whether you’re heading to a quiet natural beach like Assateague Island or a busy family destination like Ocean City, being prepared means more time enjoying the water, sand, and memories with your kids.
