Sun, Sand and Stress?
Going to the beach with kids is always a bit of a hassle. What should you bring? Did you bring too much? You either end up missing something important like shade or bringing way too much spending a lot of energy lugging it back and forth. Right?
I have been there so many times myself. I finally did a lot of searching and invested in items that make going to the beach a breeze!
Here we go! Keep in mind these are investment pieces that will be used for years and pay you back in good times and memories made!
Beach Wagon
Sun Squad Beach Wagon
$70 at Target
I saw so many people carrying heavy tent and coolers that I knew I was going to need a wagon. Lets face it…getting your kids to help is just as much work as carrying it yourself. So get the wagon!
Also your kids may actually want to pull the wagon! Not kidding. This wagon is a great beach color, lightweight, foldable, and sturdy. It rolls over sand and grass no problem.
2. A Shady Hangout
The Sun Ninja Tent
$115
for 4 person size tent
Lightweight to carry, packs down to a long skinny bag, and you can assemble it yourself!
This is a game changer!! It took me a few times of watching the video and doing EXACTLY what it said, but then mine stayed up even in windy conditions. Also, I could put it up ALL BY MYSELF!! This is key with kids, because as every mom knows, they aren’t much help once their feet hit the sand.
Bonus: it looks amazing on the beach! Like a modern exotic tent. So many people stoped to ask what it was and where to get one.
3. A floor
CGEAR Sand Free Mat
8x8 $89.99
Another game changer! I would not say completely sand free. However, a huge improvement from a towel, sheet, or picnic blanket due to its unique design that allows sand to fall through it!
So with a light brush of your hand or hand broom, you simply sweep it down through the mat!! Magical! Sand just falls through it while you stay on the mat. We love it. It is a little heavy so I wouldn’t get any bigger than the 8x8 unless you need it.
Note: Also, due to the design, do not drag it to reposition, or you will fill it with sand from the bottom. This is not a problem if you just drag a couple inches one way or another, but if changing locations, fold it up and carry it or you will fill it with heavy sand and have to shake it out. I learned this the hard way :)
4. A Cooler
Polorbox
A cute retro cooler $49.99
No more ugly heavy coolers! Thank you Polorbox.
This lightweight cute cooler comes in cute colors, will match your beach stuff, is lightweight, and has a carry strap.
The only downside I noticed is when carrying with the strap on your shoulder be careful not to flip the lip open. It is awesome for all the drinks you will definitely want while at the beach. Stay hydrated.
5. Beach Towels
SandCloud
Beach Towels Bundle $220
Obviously this is optional! You can use cheaper $10 beach towels.
SandCloud towels are a luxury to add later if you can’t now. A wonderful addition to your family beach kit in the future.
Made from 100% Turkish Cotton…SandCloud beach towels help repel sand while still working as beach towels. They are expensive. Thinner and woven different from conventional beach towels, they repel the sand, are lighter and thinner for packing, but still work to dry you off.
Although, if you are sopping wet you will miss the fluffy cheap ones.
6. Beach Toys
Blue Gingko
Silicone beach toys: bucket, molds, shovel, mesh bag $30
OUNONA
2 PCS Plastic Hand Trowel $10
You don’t need a lot. Start with the basics: a bucket and a sturdy shovel or hand trowel.
Don’t buy the cheap flimsy shovels from the grocery store that can’t take the weight of wet sand.
Get a garden trowel that is designed for digging! Kids love digging and carrying buckets of sea water! Hours of fun just with a sturdy bucket and hand shovel!
In conclusion: Get set up and go make some memories! Once you have some good beach equipment to keep you comfortable, you will be able to relax and have a blast…I promise!
I have a few other neat things I will add later for beach “extras,” but for now these are the things that I find greatly improve my beach experience. I am still researching chairs and will update the article when I find something I can recommend from experience.
I am not affiliated or compensated in any way from the companies who sell these products. These are all my own opinions.