From boogie boards to dry bags for phones, the gear list shifts as kids get older. Here’s what makes the beach day work at every age.

Beach days get easier as kids get older, but somehow the amount of stuff doesn’t always shrink.

The good news? Kids and teens can start carrying some of their own gear. Pack the basics for sun, swimming, snacks, and comfort, then add a few things that will keep everyone happily occupied for the day.

Want to skip straight to the gear? We’ve gathered our favorite Kids & Teens beach essentials and fun extras in our Amazon storefront. Shop Our Kids & Teens Beach Favorites →

Here’s what we’d bring.

1. A Comfortable Beach Chair

Once kids are past the sand-digging stage, having their own place to sit is surprisingly nice.

Look for a lightweight folding chair that’s easy enough for an older child or teen to carry. Backpack-style beach chairs are especially convenient when you have a walk from the parking lot.

2. A Big Beach Towel

Everyone gets their own. No sharing required.

Choose an oversized but lightweight towel that dries relatively quickly. Turkish-style towels are particularly easy to pack because they don’t take up half the beach bag.

3. Plenty of Sun Protection

Pack broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and make reapplying part of the beach-day routine.

A UPF rashguard can also be a smart choice for kids who will spend hours swimming, paddling, or playing in the sun.

And don’t forget sunglasses and a hat.

4. A Reusable Water Bottle

Sun, swimming, and hours of activity can make kids thirsty quickly.

Give everyone their own insulated reusable water bottle and fill it before leaving home. Older kids and teens can be responsible for carrying and refilling their own.

5. A Waterproof Phone Pouch

Once phones start coming to the beach, keeping them protected becomes part of the packing list.

A waterproof phone pouch helps protect against water and sand while still allowing kids to keep their phones nearby.

6. A Dry Bag

For families with older kids and teens, a small roll-top dry bag can be even more useful than a traditional beach bag.

Use it for phones, chargers, wallets, keys, dry clothes, or anything else you really don’t want getting wet.

7. A Boogie Board

If you’re headed somewhere with waves, a boogie board can provide hours of entertainment without taking much skill to get started.

Choose an appropriately sized board and always consider water conditions, swimming ability, and beach safety before heading into the waves.

8. Goggles

Sometimes the simplest things are the most useful.

A comfortable pair of goggles can turn swimming into underwater exploring, diving games, and hours of entertainment.

9. Water Shoes

Not every beach has soft Lake Michigan sand.

Water shoes can be especially helpful at rocky beaches, river beaches, campgrounds, and shorelines where kids may encounter stones, sticks, or shells.

10. A Beach Game

Pack at least one thing everyone can play together.

A flying disc, paddle game, waterproof football, beach ball, or compact lawn game can turn downtime into some of the best parts of the day.

BONUS: Make It Fun

The essentials get everyone to the beach. These extras can convince older kids and teens to stay awhile.

Snorkel Gear

Clear, shallow water becomes a lot more interesting when kids can see what’s underneath it.

Skimboard

For older kids who want more action than simply swimming, a skimboard can provide a new beach challenge.

Waterproof Playing Cards

They’re small, inexpensive, and surprisingly useful when everyone needs a break from the water.

Beach Paddle Game

Easy to learn, easy to pack, and something siblings, friends, kids, and parents can play together.

Waterproof Speaker

For teens, music can instantly make a beach setup feel like their own space. Keep the volume considerate of everyone else enjoying the beach.

Sand-Free or Water-Resistant Blanket

Even kids who spend all day in the water eventually need somewhere to collapse, eat, play cards, or scroll through their phones.

Insulated Snack Bag

Older kids are hungry. Then they’re hungry again.

A small insulated bag stocked with cold drinks, fruit, sandwiches, and snacks can dramatically improve everyone’s mood by mid-afternoon.

Kids & Teens Beach Day FAQs

What should kids bring to the beach?

Start with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Add age-appropriate swimming gear and something fun to do, such as goggles, a boogie board, or a beach game.

What should a teenager pack for the beach?

In addition to the basics, teens may appreciate having their own chair, insulated water bottle, waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, sunglasses, snacks, and a waterproof speaker. Giving teens responsibility for their own beach bag also makes packing easier for everyone.

How can I keep phones safe at the beach?

Keep phones away from loose sand and water whenever possible. A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag adds another layer of protection. Don’t leave phones or other electronics sitting in direct sun.

What should kids do at the beach besides swim?

Bring a mix of options. Boogie boarding, snorkeling, skimboarding, paddle games, flying discs, waterproof cards, and simply walking the shoreline can keep older kids busy without hauling an enormous collection of toys.

Should kids wear water shoes at the beach?

It depends on the beach. They’re less important on a wide, sandy shoreline but can be very helpful on rocky beaches or anywhere kids may encounter sharp stones, shells, sticks, or other debris.

Want Help Finding It All?

We’ve done some of the searching for you.

Visit the Michigan Family Travel Amazon Storefront to find our favorite beach-day gear for kids and teens, including chairs, towels, dry bags, phone protection, games, water gear, and more.

Shop Our Kids & Teens Beach Favorites →

As an Amazon Associate, Michigan Family Travel earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.