7 Family Beach Bag Essentials

The sun is shining, and the waves are crashing–it's time to hit the beach! Learn what to pack in a beach bag for a safe, enjoyable day near the ocean today!
Red and white beach bag on a picnic table

The Ultimate Family Beach Bag Essentials List

The sun is shining, and the waves are crashing, so you know what time it is, it's time to hit the beach! A day at the beach is the perfect way to enjoy some quality time with the family. There's so much to do, from building sandcastles to playing in the waves to gathering shells along the shore. And, of course, no trip to the beach would be complete without a picnic lunch!

However, while a beach trip is a great way to relax and have fun, it's important to be prepared before heading out for a day in the sun. That’s why we’ve put together this family beach bag essentials list for you! Learn what to pack in a beach bag for a safe, enjoyable day near the ocean. 

7 Beach Bag Essentials for Family Fun All-Day

There are certain beach day essentials you don’t want to forget. So, without further ado, here are our picks for what to pack in a beach bag for the family.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is number one on our family beach bag essentials list because protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is a top priority. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it liberally to exposed skin. Don't forget to reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

baby sunscreen

2. Sun Hats or Visors with UPF

Sun hats not only keep the sun out of your eyes, but they can protect other vulnerable areas like your neck, face, and ears. At UV Skinz, we offer a wide selection of sun and swim hats for the whole family, including wide-brimmed hats, sun visors, and caps for even the littlest beach-goers with a UPF 50+ rating, the best sun protection you can get. 

Woman in a Sun Hat

3. Beach Towels and Cover-ups

It’s super uncomfortable sitting on the sand after spending time in the water, so be sure you have enough beach towels and cover-ups for everyone to get dry. A cover-up also shades your skin from the sun when you need a break from the harsh UV rays. Check out our baby blanket covers made with UPF 50+ sun protection for your little ones!

Sun Tips Beach Towel

4. Sun Umbrella

While it’s nice to feel the sun on your skin for a little while, a sun umbrella is one of the best beach day essentials because too much sun exposure is not good for anyone in the family.

A beach umbrella or sun canopy will help keep everyone cool and protected from the sun's harmful rays. Plus, you can stay outdoors longer without spending extra time in the sun with a sun umbrella on your family beach bag essentials list!

White sun umbrellas

5. Snacks and Drinks

Don't forget the cooler! A cooler packed with healthy snacks and cold drinks will come in handy when everyone starts to get hungry. Some great ideas include a fruit salad, ice-cold water, sandwiches and chips, pretzels and crackers, and celery and nut butter. Keep everyone fueled throughout the day with these beach bag essentials for the family.

Watermelon snack

6. Toys and Games

While the beach is enjoyable on its own, it can’t hurt to add some toys and games to your list of beach bag essentials for the family. Bring a couple of buckets and shovels to build a sandcastle or a frisbee or beach football to pass back and forth. You can also pack a book and some music if your goal is to have a relaxing beach day.

Baby with beach toy on grass

7. Swimsuits

Last but not least, swimsuits seem like a “no-brainer.” However, you’d be surprised how many people don’t put this on their list of what to pack in a beach bag, and someone ends up at the beach without swimming clothes. So, add swimsuits to your list to ensure nobody in the family forgets theirs! At UV Skinz, we have UPF 50+ swimsuits for men, women, kids, and babies to keep everyone’s skin protected while in the sun.

Woman in a long sleeve swimsuit with UPF

Shop All Your Beach Day Essentials at UV Skinz

Grab a beach bag large enough to fit all of these beach bag essentials for the family, plus any additional beach gear you might need to get ready to head to the ocean. But don't forget to pack your sense of adventure too! The best memories are often made when we let go and have a little fun.

At UV Skinz, we make shopping for what to pack in a beach bag easy with our large selection of SPF 50+ sun and swimwear. Shop today!