With the summer sun high in the sky, you know what time it is. It's time for amazing family outings at the beach! Some people wait all year long just for the ideal beach weather. If you're planning on taking your whole family for some summer beach fun, make sure you pack all 20 of these essentials so that everything goes smoothly.
1. Sunscreen
If there's one thing you should never forget at the beach, it's sunscreen. Nothing like a bad sunburn to ruin your day! Make sure you grab one that has at least SPF 30 so you can really protect your skin from those harmful UV rays. Don't forget it's not a one-and-done deal either - reapply every couple of hours, especially if you've been in the water or are sweating a lot.
2. Beach Tent
To make yourself at home at the beach, come prepared with a handy dandy beach tent that will become your sanctuary for the next couple of hours. It's the perfect shaded spot to relax, snack, and maybe even take a nap in. No one wants to sit under the hot sun for the whole day, so a beach tent is the best way to keep yourself refreshed and away from the heat.
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3. Insulated Cooler
What's a beach trip without some cold drinks and snacks to eat throughout the day? The only way to keep your goodies cold is to bring along a trusty insulated cooler. There's nothing like a cold drink and cold watermelon after soaking in the sun, so make sure you don't forget to bring one along.
4. Beach Toys
If you want to ensure your family has the most perfect beach day, make sure you come prepared with plenty of beach toys for your kids. Buckets and shovels are necessary for building the best sandcastles, and beach balls are a great way to keep the kids entertained.
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5. Waterproof Camera
Capture this amazing day with a waterproof camera you know you can trust. Whether you're snapping photos of the stunning views, the kids playing in the sand, or the family taking a dip in the water, a waterproof camera will be your best friend for ensuring nothing goes wrong.
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6. First Aid Kit
Always be prepared for the worst. Bring along a fully stocked first aid kit that will be right on hand should the situation ever call for it. You never know when a sneaky little crab might pinch you or a broken, sharp shell might give you an unwanted cut.
7. Beach Chairs
Beach days are full of fun and games, but also quiet relaxation. To really live your best life lounging in the sand, bring some beach chairs you can fully recline and relax in. It's the most comfortable way to take in the views, read a book, or take a nap.
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8. Large Beach Towels
You can never have too many beach towels on hand when you're at the beach. The larger the better! These serve a multitude of purposes such as drying off after a swim, lying down for a sun tan, or simply used as a picnic blanket for the entire family.
9. Wide-Brimmed Hats
Look stylish and beach ready with wide-brimmed hats that are not only fashionable, but also serve a practical purpose. Helping you protect your face from those dangerous sun rays, it ensures you won't be getting a sun burn on your neck and face anytime soon.
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10. Portable Speaker
Complete the beach vibe by bring a portable, charged speaker you can play your music on. It's the final step to creating the perfect beach atmosphere after all. Ideally, buy one that's waterproof and sandproof so it doesn't break down on you.
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11. Mesh Bags
You'll likely be carrying around a lot of things as you head to the perfect spot on the beach, and to make things easier on you, mesh bags are the way to go. While mesh bags may seem impractical, they're actually great for the beach. Just watch all that sand fall through the holes instead of piling up at the bottom of the bag.
12. Flip Flops or Sandals
No shoes allowed on the beach! Do you really want your runners getting wet or sandy anyway? Come prepared with your favourite comfiest pair of flip flops or sandals. Protecting your feet from unwanted rocks and shells, the openness of these shoes make them easier to clean and dry once they get wet and sandy.
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13. Snack Containers
An entire day at the beach calls for plenty of snacks to keep you full and satisfied. The best way to bring them along is in snack containers that keep the food fresh, separate, and safe. It makes it easier to grab and eat while you're there too.
14. Baby Powder
You're probably wondering why baby powder is a must-bring item to a beach outing. Here's our secret tip: baby powder is surprisingly good at helping you remove sand from your skin without irritating it. Just sprinkle a little bit on your sandy hands, feet, legs, and wherever, and just watch all the sand come off with ease.
Austin Kirk, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
15. Beach Umbrella
If you don't have a beach tent or wide-brimmed hat, another great option for keeping the rays away is a beach umbrella. Not only do they look great, they're an easily moveable source of shade that you can place anywhere you want.
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16. Reusable Water Bottles
Remember to stay hydrated! As you run about in the water and sand having a blast, don't forget to drink plenty of water. Bring reusable water bottles that you can keep filling up, ensuring that no one gets dehydrated. Our pro tip is to fill them up with plenty of ice in the morning before you leave so that as it melts, you're left with ice cold water ready to drink.
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17. Picnic Blanket
If you've got a lot of members in the family, chances are one beach towel won't be enough for everyone to sit on. That's where the picnic blanket comes into play. Creating a much larger, sittable surface for everyone to gather on, it's a must-bring item so everyone can have a comfy seat without sitting on the sand.
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18. Sunglasses
Not only are sunglasses a great fashion statement, but they also protect your eyes on a hot, bright day out. While sunscreen helps protect your skin, don't forget about your sunglasses that help protect your vision.
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19. Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are the unsung hero of every beach day. Perfect for helping you clean sticky hands or faces after eating, or sandy feet and fingers after playing in the sand, wet wipes come in clutch every time.
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20. Spare Change of Clothes
After spending a day in the water and rolling around in the sand, you don't exactly want to head home in the clothes you came in. Especially if you've got a wet swimsuit on. No one wants to be uncomfortable on the ride home! Always bring a spare change of clothes so you can feel refreshed after a long day.
