One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a wagon of some sort. Unless you're in a house that is right on the beach, I'd highly recommend investing in one.

I thought these things were overkill until I had to lug all that stuff everyone has mentioned in the sun and sand. Depending on where you're going, you may be able to rent one, but we use something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/WHITSUNDAY-Collapsible-Folding-Outdoor-Replaceable/dp/B07NNQC8GW/?tag=beach-gear-20

In addition to the suggestion of multiple bathing suits, hats, etc, I'd also add the following:

-small brush for getting sand off feet at the end of the day.
-small towel for the beach. My kids often get sand on their face/arms and a small towel is best for a gentle wipe.
-soft cooler. Think about what you're gonna do for food. We typically do an easy and quick breakfast (eggs, cereals, bagels), pack sandwiches, fruits, and snacks for the beach, and have a cook out or take out with friends in the evenings.
-hats
-I'm a convert to flat weave beach towels (Teema, Sand Cloud, etc). They're light and fold up really small, easy to get sand off, dries super fast.
-a big enough bag to tote everything. In a pinch, the Ikea blue bag works really well.

A roll of doggie poop bags. They are excellent for storing your trash or wet bathing suits.

Anonymous wrote:Everything.

-leaving beach house with 6 yo today.

Yes, this.

Anonymous wrote:change of quick dry shoes

wet wipes for wiping hands before eating at the beach

plastic bag to throw your clothes in before going home so the car isn't filled with sand

HATS!

beach toys

water/sand tight containers for taking food to the beach--that way if it gets dropped or tips over in the sand you don't have sand covered strawberries or whatever.

Absolutely. Also, just to wipe sun screen off hands after applying.

Thanks all for the responses. Many helpful tips.

Lots and lots of donuts.

Everything.

-leaving beach house with 6 yo today.

change of quick dry shoes

wet wipes for wiping hands before eating at the beach

plastic bag to throw your clothes in before going home so the car isn't filled with sand

HATS!

beach toys

water/sand tight containers for taking food to the beach--that way if it gets dropped or tips over in the sand you don't have sand covered strawberries or whatever.

Plenty of video games. Because the kids won’t be going outside. Kids don’t do that anymore.

Mineral sunscreen
My kids love to go outside at the crack of dawn and hate putting on Sunscreen, so we have sun hats and long sleeved long pants bathing suits. We are fair skinned so this works well to allow them more freedom without having to slather on Sunscreen first thing in the day. Then after brunch they put on sunscreen and may wear regular store and a rash guard but sometimes choose the long pants and long sleeved ones.

Are you renting a house? Find out what the house has there that you can use. No sense in bringing chairs, boogie boards, umbrellas, etc. if they have them there. Also, if there are inexpensive beach stores nearby (or even a Walmart or Dollar Tree), let the kids pick out stuff when you get there and just toss it if you don't want to lug it home.

Rash guards so you don't have to deal with upper body sunscreen; hats; water bottles; sunglasses; sunscreen; puddle jumpers or life vests. Fine to rewear bathing suits but bring at least 2 per kid. It's annoying to lug beach toys but I would bring some shovels, which don't take up too much space. Water shoes if your kids are sensitive about their feet on rough surfaces (also the sand can get quite hot).

You probably want 2 or 3 suits for the full week. They'll get really sandy, and may not dry completely for the next day. I always hated putting on a wet suit. Same with beach towels.

I would consider getting one of those pop up tents if you're going to be at the beach all day and aren't close to where you're staying.

I know it sounds like a stupid question, but I'm not a seasoned beach goer. I'll be going with friends and our kids for a week. I've not done that before, usually I go for the day. What do I *need* to pack? What are things you never thought you'd need but were life savers? How many swimsuits for adults and kids? Is it bad if you just wash the same one and use it the next day?