What to Pack in Your Beach Bag for a Fun Family Day Out

One of our favourite things to do as a family is go to the beach for the day, whether that’s at one of Whitby’s beaches which we go to quite often, or one of the beautiful beaches in Cornwall or abroad; we always have so much fun.

There’s nothing quite like a beach trip on a warm, sunny day – feeling the sand between your toes, listening to the waves, and soaking up the sun. But having the right beach essentials can make all the difference between a good time and a frustrating experience, especially with kids and dogs!

Forgetting an essential item like sun cream, water, or a change of clothes can put a dampener on your day and make you want to leave your beach adventure early.

To help you pack efficiently and make the most of your beach day, here’s a comprehensive packing list of must-have items, from sun protection to beach bag essentials that will keep you comfortable and prepared for a fun day at the beach with your family.

What to Pack in Your Beach Bag for a Fun Family Day Out

1. A Reusable Water Bottle

It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but on a sunny day out at the beach, it’s even more crucial. A hot day at the beach means you’ll be sweating more than usual, especially if you’re playing games and having a swim.

Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles that contribute to ocean pollution, take an insulated water bottle with you to keep your drinks cool all day. Most places will be happy to refill them for you so if there’s a beach cafe then make the most of that. A good reusable water bottle will keep your water refreshingly cold, even under the scorching sun.

I’ve been sent this new flip-top bottle from b.box which is perfect for a day out as it’s 1L and has a carry handle so it’s easy to hold, or you can attach it to your rucksack if you have lots to carry.

I’m going to take mine on holiday with me next month because I drink loads of water usually but I forget when I’m away, so if I don’t take a large bottle with me and keep it full I just won’t drink enough! We can just take this one bottle out with us for a beach day for all of us.

This one keeps your drink ice-cold for up to 46 hours which will be so nice on those boiling hot beach days! You can also use it for hot drinks so it’s great for everyday use.

I love the pretty pink one I have, but it also comes in lots of other lovely colours including a really nice blue and yellow and a cool lilac.

I always like a drinking bottle with a straw, but I tend not to use them because the plastic straw always drives me crazy – they crack easily so don’t last and they’re not that easy to clean. However, the b.box bottle has a metal straw which is such a great idea – both because it will last much longer than plastic and it’s much better for the environment!

It’s really nice to drink from, and easy to open with the flip-top lid, and the bottle has a nice, wide mouth making it so easy to clean as well as fill up and perfect for adding ice cubes to make it really cold.

The b.box 1L flip-top bottle is leakproof and dishwasher safe which is so handy, and it really combines all of the features I love in other bottles.

Get it on Amazon here: b.box 1L flip-top bottle, currently £32.99 (make sure you click the voucher for 5 or 10% off).

Taking a cool box to the beach is great for keeping beverages and food chilled – take a smaller soft one if you have to walk a bit and don’t want to carry a bulky cooler. You can even get cool box rucksacks making it even easier to carry food and drink with you!

2. Sun Protection Essentials

A day of sun can be fun, but harmful UV rays can cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. To fully enjoy those summer days, make sure you pack these sun protection must-haves:

• Mineral sunscreen or your go-to sunscreen (SPF 30+ for broad-spectrum protection)
• SPF lip balm to keep your lips from drying out
• A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck
• A pair of sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses
• A beach umbrella or beach tent to create a shaded retreat

Tip: If you’re spending a long beach day outdoors, wear lightweight long sleeves or take a lightweight scarf for added sun defence.

3. Beach Towels

Packing the right beach towels is essential for a comfortable beach day. You’ll need two each if possible – one to lie on and one to dry off with. Consider these options:

• Absorbent beach towel – Great for drying off quickly after a swim
• Turkish towels – Lightweight, quick-drying, and stylish
• Large towels – Perfect for stretching out and relaxing on the sand

For an even better experience, choose sand-resistant beach towels to avoid taking half the beach home with you. We have one of these Dock & Bay ones and they’re brilliant and are so much easier to carry than a big bulky towel.

4. The Perfect Beach Bag

Your beach bag essentials should fit in a durable and stylish bag that has plenty of space for everything you need. Look for the best beach bag with:

• Side pockets for easy-reach items like sun cream and hand sanitiser
• A shoulder strap for hands-free carrying
• Waterproof material to protect your belongings
• A straw bag for a chic and breathable option

A perfect beach bag should be large enough to fit all your gear but not so bulky that it’s hard to carry. Take a little pouch within your bigger bag to keep all your small stuff in and within easy reach, such as your lip balm, cash and keys.

If you’re away on holiday and don’t have loads of luggage space, then these foldable Dock & Bay ones are also great to take with you for a day at the beach. I have one and it’s so handy to take with you, even as just an extra bag in case you end up coming home with more stuff.

5. Swimwear and Extra Clothes

Nothing feels better than changing into clean, dry clothes after a long swim, especially if the weather isn’t hot. Make sure to pack:

• A comfortable swimsuit for swimming or sunbathing
• A Wet clothes bag or plastic bags to separate damp swimwear
• A light cover-up or sarong for sun protection and quick outfit changes
• A spare outfit for the car ride home just in case

If you’re heading to a beachside restaurant after, having a stylish but comfortable change of clothes is a must!

6. Waterproof and Sand-Proof Essentials

Water and sand can be a pain, but these items will help keep your valuable items safe:

• A waterproof phone pouch or waterproof phone case to protect your cell phone from splashes
• A dry bag for storing electronics, wallets, and books, especially if you plan to do any watersports like kayaking where you’ll need to take your things with you.

Tip: If you love reading at the beach, opt for a good book in digital format on a Kindle or other e-reader, which is easier to carry and protects pages from getting damp.

7. Snacks and Refreshments

A beach day can build up an appetite, so pack some nutritious snacks to avoid expensive food stalls or touts.

• Fresh fruits like grapes, watermelon, and mango slices
• Granola bars and trail mix for energy
• Nuts and seeds or crisps

Make sure to bring reusable utensils to avoid unnecessary waste!

8. Entertainment and Fun

A good time at the beach isn’t complete without some fun activities. Think about taking:

• A portable speaker for playing your favourite tunes (at a respectful volume!). I love this Anker Bluetooth Speaker which is a great price and nice and compact. We use it at home in the summer too.
• A good book or magazine to unwind
• Beach games like a football, frisbee, or volleyball
• A bucket and spade or set of sand castle tools for building sandcastles with kids

For those who love water activities, don’t forget snorkel gear, a rubber ring or inflatable floats!

9. Safety and First Aid

Accidents happen, so having a small first aid kit on hand is a smart move. Include:

• Plasters (or band-aids!) and antiseptic wipes for minor injuries
• Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
• Bug spray or an insect bite pen to protect against insect bites
• Hand sanitiser for quick cleanups

Also, remember to check tide schedules and be aware of local safety warnings.

Final Tip: Leave No Trace

Respecting the environment is just as important as enjoying your beach trip. Follow these simple steps:

• Bring plastic bags or reusable rubbish bags to clean up after yourself
• Avoid single-use plastics and opt for eco-friendly reusables when you can

A beach day is about relaxation, fun, and appreciating nature – let’s do our part to keep it beautiful for future visitors!

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With this beach trip packing list, you’ll have all the beach essentials needed for a stress-free and fun-filled day by the water. Whether you’re lounging under a beach umbrella and enjoying the sunny weather, reading a good book, or splashing about in the waves, being well-prepared will ensure an unforgettable experience with your family.

What’s your number one must-have beach essential? Anything I have forgotten that is a must-have? Let me know in the comments! 🌊🏖️