Planning a family beach holiday and already dreading the packing? Don’t worry! Packing with kids is admittedly a bit more complicated than without them, but with good preparation and the right packing list for holiday, you can handle it stress-free. The whole family can enjoy a seaside getaway — you just need to think ahead about what you’ll need and make sure you don’t forget the essentials that keep children comfortable and safe. So let’s take a look at what to pack for a beach holiday with kids.
TL;DR
The most important things you must not forget:
- Travel documents for everyone (including the youngest children),
- sunscreen with SPF 50+ and after-sun cream,
- two swimsuits per child and sun hats,
- a first aid kit with basic medicines and a thermometer,
- UV clothing and water shoes,
- beach toys and swimming aids,
- enough clothing for all types of weather,
- for babies additionally: nappies, baby food (bring plenty of baby snacks — for example, certain baby cereals can be hard to find in Italy), dummies, a travel cot, pushchair, and everything for nappy changes.
Read also: Things to Do with a Toddler in Prague
Best Destinations for a Beach Holiday with Kids
The ideal destinations have gently sloping beaches, clean sea water, and good access to medical care.
For families with young children, Poland’s Baltic coast is a great option as it doesn’t get too hot in summer and has excellent facilities for kids. For older children, the Spanish Costa del Sol or Costa Brava are perfect, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly hotels with children’s pools and kids’ clubs. Greek islands like Corfu or Zakynthos offer beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and a welcoming atmosphere for children. Croatia is another excellent choice thanks to its proximity and clean sea.
For more adventurous parents with older kids, more distant destinations like the Canary Islands or Malta are also worth considering — you’ll enjoy not only gorgeous beaches but also interesting day trips and the chance to explore new cultures. If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation in any of these destinations, we recommend checking Booking.com for family rooms and apartments with kitchens.
When choosing your destination, don’t forget to check whether any vaccinations or special visas are needed for children. Also look into the quality of local drinking water and the availability of children’s food.
Beach Holiday with Kids: Complete Packing List
If you’ve got a family holiday coming up, we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list for holiday at the beach with kids.
Documents and Travel Papers
Every child, regardless of age, needs their own travel document. For travel within the EU, a valid passport or national ID card will do. For destinations further afield, a passport is essential. Arrange documents well in advance — processing can take several weeks. Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and travel insurance for the whole family (we recommend SafetyWing).
As a precaution, make copies of all important documents and store them separately from the originals. It’s also handy to have photos of your documents saved on your phone in case of loss or theft.
Sun Protection
Children’s skin is far more sensitive than adults’, so invest in quality sun protection. Sunscreen with SPF 50+ is an absolute must — bring enough for the entire holiday. Children under one year old should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
Besides sunscreen, don’t forget head coverings — hats, caps, or legionnaire-style caps with neck protection are ideal. Sunglasses with UV protection will shield your children’s sensitive eyes. For long stays at the beach, UV clothing is a brilliant investment — shirts and suits with UPF 50+ protection that work instantly without the wait after application.
Swimwear and Beachwear
Pack at least two swimsuits per child. After swimming, it’s important to change out of wet swimwear so your child doesn’t catch a chill or develop a urinary tract infection. For girls, a mix of two-piece and one-piece swimsuits is practical; for boys, both board shorts and fitted trunks are useful depending on pool requirements.
UV swimwear or neoprene suits are especially good for longer periods in the water or in areas with intense sunshine. Along with swimwear, add a light cover-up or beach dress for walking between your accommodation and the beach.
Footwear for Every Occasion
Children will need several types of shoes. Flip-flops or rubber slides for the beach and pool, sandals that can get wet for everyday wear, and sturdy water shoes to protect feet from sharp rocks or hot sand. For nature excursions, don’t forget walking shoes, and for restaurant dinners, pack something a bit smarter.
Clothing for All Weather
Even by the sea it can get chilly, especially in the evening or during bad weather. Pack for both scenarios:
- For warm weather: light t-shirts with both short and long sleeves, shorts, summer dresses and skirts for girls, lightweight trousers in breathable fabrics.
- For cooler moments: a hoodie or jumper, warmer trousers, a windbreaker for excursions or weather changes. Bring a scarf or light blanket on the plane — air conditioning can be surprisingly cold.
First Aid Kit and Medicines
A well-stocked first aid kit can save your entire holiday. The basics include fever and pain medication containing paracetamol or ibuprofen, oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea and vomiting, and cough and cold remedies.
For a seaside stay, sunburn treatment products are essential — such as Panthenol spray, cooling aloe vera gel, or after-sun cream. Don’t forget insect repellent, bite relief cream, and basic wound care supplies including scissors and antiseptic.
Any medication your child takes regularly should be packed in sufficient quantities with extra to spare. Include the original boxes and leaflets too.
Read also: Šumava with a Pushchair
Toiletries and Hygiene
It’s better to bring children’s toiletries and hygiene products from home, especially the products your kids are used to. Shampoo, shower gel, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, and towels. For the littlest ones, don’t forget nappy rash cream, talcum powder, and everything for nappy changes.
For girls, pack hair elastics, clips, and headbands — hair exposed to sun and salt water tends to tangle much more easily.
TIP: If you’re short on space or flying, try waterless travel toiletries
Baby Essentials
Travelling with a baby requires special preparation. Beyond the basics like nappies, wet wipes, and a changing mat, you’ll need baby food in sufficient quantities (you’d be surprised, but in Italy for instance it can be hard to find certain baby cereals, and the selection of pouches and other items is limited), bottles, dummies, and bibs.
A travel cot or at least a large muslin cloth for putting down on surfaces. A pushchair will be appreciated even for children who don’t use one at home anymore — in the heat and during long walks, it’ll be a lifesaver. Don’t forget a mosquito net and a blanket.
What Toys to Bring on Holiday
Sometimes less is more, so don’t overdo it. Let the kids pack their favourite cuddly toys and anything they can’t fall asleep without. For the beach, bring sand moulds, spades, a bucket, a ball, or a frisbee — though you can buy all of these at your destination, so if space is tight, you can skip them.
The most important toys are for the journey itself. Colouring books with crayons, storybooks, or a tablet loaded with films and games. Board games can entertain the whole family during shared evenings.
Swimming Aids
Water safety is a top priority. Pack armbands, swimming vests, or rubber rings depending on your child’s age and swimming ability. Even for children who can already swim, it’s good to have some kind of flotation aid for longer periods in the water.
Don’t forget a snorkel and swimming goggles. In some destinations, water shoes are essential due to sharp rocks or sea urchins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many swimsuits should I pack for kids?
At least two per child. After each swim, it’s important to change out of wet swimwear into dry ones so your child doesn’t get cold.
Do young children need travel insurance too?
Absolutely yes. Children are more prone to accidents and illness, and quality travel insurance with an assistance service can save not only money but also a lot of stress. We recommend SafetyWing.
Can I buy children’s toiletries at my destination?
It’s better to bring tried-and-tested products from home, especially sunscreen and products for sensitive skin. You may not find the same brands or formulations at your destination.
At what age does a child need their own travel document?
From birth. Every child, regardless of age, must have their own passport or ID card for travelling.
Is it safe to travel to the seaside with a baby?
With proper preparation, yes. Babies under 6 months should avoid direct sunlight and crowded places. Consult your paediatrician about the suitability of travel and any vaccinations needed.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
