Must-Pack Beach Accessories for Families

Kristy Pepping:  My daughter and I were looking for beach buckets we could pack for an upcoming vacation. We came across these cool beach pails. The interesting part is they are collapsible and fold completely flat! So they are perfect to stick in a suitcase or in an already overloaded pool bag. These buckets come in a set of three colorful silicone options that are dishwasher safe. The buckets hold half a gallon of water and each has a handle.

Kelly R:  A Bogg Bag is the perfect companion for a trip to the beach, the pool, or anywhere else that requires a load of stuff. The bags are made from a durable and sturdy material that is easy to rinse off, and the design allows it to sit upright without tipping. The original size is big enough to fit everything from sand toys to beach towels, and includes smaller interior pouches that keep small stuff like phones and cash separate and dry.

Amy S.:  I tried one of these suits for my two year old last summer on a recommendation. This summer, it still looks brand new (and it still fits!). Coolibar makes high quality UV protective clothing, and the fabric is really comfortable. I appreciate their full coverage styles—my five year old wears the full bodysuit; and my three year old years the hooded full bodysuit. Nobody complains about how little sunblock we need to put on! (They make great stuff for grown ups too.)

Shila:  Wet/dry bags are useful after a day at the beach. The concept of the design features two waterproof compartments, one for transporting your dry clothes and the other for storing your kid's wet bathing suit. These are handy accessories for a pool day or while at summer camp, too!

Beth Wood:  We take this every time we go to the beach. It is super lightweight, rolls up easily into its own carry pouch, comes with 4 plastic stakes and corner sand pockets to hold it down securely in the sand and is heat resistant so it doesn't hurt to walk or sit on it after it's been in the sun. It shakes out very easily to avoid sand getting everywhere!

Shila:  My family did a lot of research on this 9-lb beach umbrella before purchasing not one, but two of them! I'd definitely recommend this product as good beach gear to have for frequent use. It features durable footing in the sand, withstands strong winds, is easy to transport (e.g., in the car, over the shoulder) and offers easy assembly. To assemble, by the way, requires no tools except its provided sand gopher shovel to dig down a small hole. Its unique design uses the weight of a sand bag (that you fill) to firmly hold the pole in.

Shila:  These quick dry towels by ECCOSOPHY are must haves for the beach. Its unique microfiber is engineered to be 3x more absorbent than any regular beach towel, yet its lightweight design allows for a very thin fold. There are many trendy designs to choose from.

Shila:  This 1-pound safe comes in very handy while at the beach or anywhere outdoors in public! Its impenetrable, 3-digit combination key design helps keep your valuables from getting stolen or lost while you're off playing or in the water. Use its steel cable to wrap it around something much larger, like your beach chair, to discourage any drive-by pocket thieves from taking the entire thing. The box safe is waterproof, too.

Shila:  These stackable cup holders are good beach accessories to keeping your drinks off the sandy ground. They have spikes that dig in, so they're less likely to get knocked over, as well. Parents might enjoy the built-in bottle openers underneath, too!

Shila:  Our family uses this knee-high table for picnics, concerts, and every time we are at the beach for the day, too. It's so easy to assemble with the legs screwing in (no tools needed), and the tabletop rolls out flat. Everything folds back in the carrying bag after the day is done. Other tables of similar design come in a variety of sizes that will fit your family's eating or card playing needs.

Katie G.:  Head to the beach in style (and comfort) with the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch. It is lightweight, packable and only takes minutes to fill with the ocean breeze. It can be used as a couch and fit three people or as a bed for one person to lounge. With many colors to choose from, you are sure to be cool and comfortable next time you're at the beach.

Shila:  I personally prefer to sit on a chair while at the beach, but I'd also recommend these 4-pound mats for smaller children to lounge and lay around on. I like when kids have their own space to stretch out and take some time for themselves in between play. I also appreciate how these sturdy, yet lightweight mats stack and store flat while not in use. A convenient shoulder strap allows for easy transport while carrying this beach gear around to your favorite spot.

Shila:  These waterproof bags wrap around your waste to help keep your valuables close to you at all times. Not only is this product excellent for a day at the beach (including for use IN the water), these multifunctional bags can offer convenience for a day at the pool or a waterpark. It can easily hold your cell phone, money, and tickets too.

Shila:  This may not be the fanciest bag to tote around, but it does the trick for me and my family to keeping all of our sand toys for kids in one place. I try not to encourage kids beach toys or pool accessories to mix with our overall, regular beach bag (which generally carries non-waterproof and/or personal items like a good beach book, snacks, or sunscreen), so having separation between sandy and non-sandy gear is essential to keeping things clean! I also like how this over-the-shoulder toy bag is made from mesh, so any extra sand eventually filters out.

Shila:  These rather expensive, high end coolers by Yeti receive high marks for their long-lasting internal refrigeration capabilities. It's a popular brand used by backcountry campers, boaters, and rock climbers alike. Consider this investment for your family's next full day at the beach and enjoy cold food and refreshing drinks all day long.