21 Beach Hacks for Families

Don’t leave home without these 21 Beach Hacks for Families. Whether you are new to the beach in general or just new to beach-going with kids, this list will help you make the most of your trip (without the stress)!

I am in love with the beach. IN LOVE. I didn’t get to see the ocean for the first time until I was in my mid-twenties, and now I feel like I need to make up for lost time by going as often as possible. As a beach newbie, there were so many things that NO ONE told me about the beach. Like how sand gets everywhere, for the rest of your life (mostly kidding)!

But in all seriousness, there are quite a few things you can do to make any beach trip better!

21 Best Beach Hacks

Here are 21 of the best beach hacks I wish someone would have told me! Utilize them, pin them for later, and share them with a friend, be they a beach newbie or a veteran!

1. Pick the Best Sunscreen for You

This might be obvious, but often sunscreen is a last-minute consideration! Be sure to grab sunscreen before you leave so you can pick a brand that makes sense for your family.

For us, we choose this organic, unscented sunscreen (and it’s waterproof)! But we do have to order it in advance, so it can’t be an afterthought!

2. Sit Next to People Similar to You

Sometimes the hardest part about going to the beach is picking the perfect spot at the beach, crowded or not. Look for a spot next to people similar to you. Have kids? Park your stuff next to an open spot by a family. Just a couple on vacation? Park your stuff next to other couples.

Every single time, we have found it makes our experience so much easier. We’ve even (easily) gained friends from the people we were next to and it came in handy a few times for them and us.

3. The Main Beaches Aren’t Everything

I hate crowded, public beaches. There are no shells, the sand is packed down hard, and there are tons of people everywhere. If you’re like me, avoid the “main beaches.” I promise you, pretty much all the beaches are very similar to each other.

However, the main beaches will always be stuffed with people. This sometimes can make it hard to enjoy yourself or see/find neat stuff. We always hit up a local for advice or do a Google search to see what other beaches are nearby but not frequented by all the tourists.

We often have a much better experience and get to see neater things that haven’t been ruined by crowds of people.

4. Bring More Food Than You Think You Need

While it might seem like overpacking, bringing more food and drinks than you think you’ll need can actually enhance your beach day. The sun and activities tend to ramp up everyone’s appetite and thirst. Include a variety of hydration options like water, fruit juices, and electrolyte drinks to keep everyone hydrated.

For food, non-perishable snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars, along with a few extra sandwiches or wraps are a great way to go! This not only keeps energy levels up but also ensures you’re prepared in case your stay extends longer than planned, helping you avoid the high prices of beachfront shops.

Plus, having plenty to share can be a great icebreaker with your beach neighbors!

5. Bring Things that Have Wheels

Taking toys to the beach, with kids or not, is really fun. However, having to carry things back and forth to the car/hotel can seriously be daunting.

We use our Radio Flyer wagon, and that thing works like a charm! You can hold kids, buckets of shells ( I cannot help myself but pick them up), beach supplies, personal belongings etc. It rolled easily over the sand as well. This was also an easy way to hold our personal belongings while we were in the ocean.

We didn’t have to worry about things getting wet if the tide came in, or them blowing away in the beach wind. I’m telling you, get wheels!

6. Think Twice Before Bringing Things

I promise you, you don’t need as many things while on the beach as you think. It can really be overwhelming if you bring too much. You want to enjoy yourself, not pack up your entire house every time you go to and leave the beach.

We brought too much the first time and it really put a damper on things. We’ve learned to keep everything down to either one bag or one tote. This hack makes things easy to carry and easy to pack up. And with virtually no work involved, it’s a no-brainer for us!

7. Save Your Money on Hotels

The first time we went, we paid an arm and a leg (we still got a good deal for that place in particular) for our hotel room to be right on the beach. We found that we paid a lot of money for nothing. Now, don’t get me wrong, some places make it worth the money.

However, more times than not, unless you’re renting a beach house, (which I suggest) getting a hotel as little as 5 miles away from the beach makes the cost about 50% less and your experience isn’t changed or lessened in the slightest.

Plus, then you have more money to spend on exciting things while at, or around the beach!

More of My Favorite Beach Hacks from Around the Web

In addition to my own tried-and-true tips, these sites are sharing some great information of their own and I wanted to gather it all up in one place for your convenience!

8. Protect Your Open Drinks

There’s nothing worse than being at the beach and having your cool drink ruined. Sand flies everywhere (YUCK!). But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix!

Cupcake liners are small and easy to throw into a bag without taking up space, use them to protect your drinks! As One Crazy House says, be sure not to use this tip with kids young enough to think it’s an actual lid (messes will ensue!)

Of course, you could just bring bottles to refill, but if you want to have cups or open cans, this is a great tip!

9. Beach Towel Backpack

I love the idea of the kids being able to carry their own goodies to and from the beach! This idea would be especially helpful for things that wouldn’t need to be brought back in the backpack (snacks, juice boxes…)

This backpack unfolds into a completely useable, full-size beach towel! Get the free tutorial for making this beach towel backpack today!

10. Netted Toy Box

I’ve been ranting about the sand, but for those of you who have been before, you know I’m right! If you take toys or larger items to the beach, use a netted laundry holder! Keeps the sand out and the items in. Tip from: The Idea Room

11. Protect Your Phone

We all have phones with us constantly, but the beach is one place you need to take extra precautions to keep it safe! This could be as easy as putting your phone inside a waterproof bag… or as difficult as leaving it at home completely! Here are even more ideas for protecting your phone at the beach.

12. Turn the Beach Into a Workout

Can you believe that running in the sand burns that many calories?! You don’t even have to feel like you’re working out, just do something fun on the beach like a game and get your cardio burn on. Here are some fun beach workouts for the whole family!

13. Know the Flow of the Ocean

It can be scary being in the ocean for the first time, or even the 700th time! It’s also important to respect and understand how powerful the ocean can really be. Here are some tips for rip current safety to keep you and your family safe.

14. Aloe Vera Ice Cubes

Sunburns can suck the fun out of beach life! But thankfully, Aloe Vera is amazing for sunburns. These DIY ice cubes will work even better than just using the gel since they have the added benefit of being cold themselves. Plus they are super easy to make! Make your own aloe vera ice cubes before your next beach trip!

15. Baby Powder For Removing Sand

We’re back to the fact that sand seriously is a bummer. However, bring along a little bit of baby powder and say goodbye to that pesky stuff. Sand just wipes off when you use it, and it smells nice too! On this list of the 21 best beach hacks, this one is one of my favorites! Tip from: Salty Mama Mo

16. Prepare for Beach Games

While classic beach games like building sandcastles or flying kites may spring into your mind with ease, this list of 40 additional beach games is clutch for keeping kids entertained! I like to look at it before a trip to refresh my memory and grab any extras that might be needed (like a kite or treasures to bury).

17. Temper Your Expectations

I know this one is hard for us moms. Every trip we think, “oh I’ll bring a book and just relax”. Well, that’s probably not going to happen! So, instead of building it up in your mind, just know that you’ll get to enjoy your kids, watch their smiles, and take a lot of photos! Those memories are great too!

Then make an appointment to your favorite spa/salon for the week after your trip so you can have some downtime of your own to recharge.

Lindsey from Where the Birds Fly talks more about her own experiences with beach trip expectations that I found really helpful!

18. Make Your Keys Float

Whatever goes in the ocean, that isn’t attached to you, stays in the ocean. I’m talking sunglasses, hair ties, hats etc. Taking your keys to the beach is often necessary, so how can you avoid losing them in the abyss that is the ocean?

Just use this easy trick to make your key float! You’ll thank us later.

19. Juice Box Slushies

Everyone likes something cold when you’re in the sun on the beach! Freeze Capri Suns (or any juice box) and make it a slushy treat for while you’re there! We like to do a mix of flavors and I freeze them for a full 24 hours to make sure they are SOLID before we head out for the day. Tip from: The Girl Inspired

20. Eat Smart Before Going to the Beach

Did you know that foods like tomatoes, if eaten before going out in the sun, add extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays? Tomatoes aren’t the only things.

My dad SWEARS by kefir. When he drinks a cup a day he never sunburns! Check out this list of foods that help protect against sun damage.

21. Bring Your Own Shade

Lastly, don’t count on there being shade at the beach. Sure, some beaches have chairs, umbrellas, and even cabanas! But more often than not, the beach is just going to have sand and water.

I really like this tent-style shade as it protects from more than just the direct overhead sun, and it’s more secure than a simple umbrella.

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Have any other tips you’d like to add to our 21 Best Beach Hacks? Comment and share, so everyone can have the awesome info! Enjoy your trip to the beach, and remember, the sand will always be with you!

More Ideas for Your Next Beach Trip

• How To Take a Florida Vacation on the Cheap!
• DIY Sea Glass Christmas Tree (collect now and make it later!)
• Santa Seashell Ornament (a great way to remember your trip even when it’s cold outside!)