Summer is upon us and as the weather heats up and the kids are out on summer break, parents are looking for ways to celebrate summer vacation with the whole family. If you live by the coast or have a nearby lake or river around, chances are beach days are on the horizon for the season. Going to the beach is a great way to get the family together, and ensuring you have everything you need for a fun day in the sun is essential. We have put together a list of the must-have items to make your days in the sand a success.

Sunscreen + Sun Protection

When it comes to spending the day at the beach, chances are the temperature is going to beexceedingly hot. If you are spending that much time in the sun, it is essential to make sure you haveenough sunscreen for you and your family. Something that will work for the whole family would be great, and Healthline recommends using an option with minimal ingredients. If you have little ones, bringing sun-protective clothing like bucket hats and rash guards are also a great way to protect your child from getting sunburnt.

Beach Towels/Blankets

You just spent hours playing in the waves with your kids, now it’s probably time to sit out and dry off. A big beach towel or blanket is key for when your family is ready to chill out on the sand. If you are looking for something easy to pack and carry, we love this roll-and-go option from Anthropologie. There are also a ton of options on the market that are made for easy clean-up, meaning you can easily dust off excess sand. If this sounds like a good option for your family, we would recommend this sand-proof beach mat. It comes in a few different color options and is big enough for the family to share.

Snacks

Being in the sun all day is known to tire you out, so being sure to bring lots of snacks and water is a must for your family. Some go-to beach snacks we would recommend include fruits, crackers, power bars, veggie trays and whatever else your family loves. Packing snacks for your younger children can sometimes be tough, especially since there are not a ton of reusable options that are good for the beach. The Olababy Silicone Suction Bowl with Lid is perfect for little ones because it can hold any type of snack and can be reused again and again. We would also recommend the Olababy Training Cup with Lid + Straw to ensure your child is staying hydrated throughout the day. These products are perfect for the beach because they are lightweight, easilytransported, and easy to clean if they are dropped in the sand or water.

Sand/Water Toys

Whether your kids like to hang on the beach or play all day in the water, having entertainment options will keep everyone busy. One of our favorite activities is buildingsandcastles since you can get the whole family involved. Be sure to pack your favorite assortment of sand toys and have your family get to work on creating an epic castle. If you have older kids who like to swim, bringing a boogie board will set them up for unlimited fun all day long.

First Aid Kit

While beach days are all about fun, we always want to stress that like in any situation, safety should come first. It’s always best to be prepared, so we would recommend keeping a first aid kit in your car or beach bag. This will allow you to be prepared for small ailments and injuries that can occur such as getting stung by a bee or stepping on a sharp shell. This option comes with 100 pieces of aid materials and can be easily packed up for a family on the go.

Camera

These types of family outings are always full of fun, and capturing the moments is a great way to look back on the memories made with your family. Most people havedecentcameras on their cell phones, so it should be easy for you to take some candid and posed photos of your family enjoying their day. Take as many photos as possible and then get them printed to add to a family scrapbook or hang up on the fridge at home.