Weekend at the seaside with kids: everything you need to buy so nothing gets left behind

The first seaside weekend of the summer has something special about it. Children sprinting towards the water the moment they get out of the car, the smell of sun cream mixing with the salt air, buckets and spades scattered across the sand — these are images that stay with you.

But before you get to that idyllic scene, there's the packing to do. And anyone who's taken children to the beach at least once knows how long the list of things to buy can be — and how easy it is to forget something essential when there's no shop open for miles.

This guide brings together everything you need to buy before you leave, so the weekend gets off to a great start from the moment you walk out the door.

Sun protection: you can never have enough

Sun protection with children is non-negotiable. Young skin is delicate and burns far more quickly than adult skin — even when the sky is slightly overcast.

What to buy:

• Children's sun cream SPF 50+ (buy more than one bottle — it goes quickly)
• Sun spray for hard-to-reach areas like the back
• Sun stick for face and nose (practical and doesn't run into eyes)
• After-sun lotion with aloe vera for the whole family
• Waterproof sun cream if the children spend a lot of time in the water
• Lip balm with SPF

For protection without cream:

• Wide-brimmed or all-round sun hat
• UV-protective T-shirt or lightweight rash guard for children who don't leave the water
• Children's sunglasses with UV protection (with flexible arms)

Beach and sea: the kit for little ones

The beach kit for children is a world of its own. Buckets, spades, nets — they seem like small things but they're what keep children happily occupied for hours.

For playing on the beach:

• Bucket and spade set (one each to avoid arguments)
• Sand moulds
• Fishing net
• Beach ball
• Bat and ball
• Kite (perfect on slightly breezy days)
• Frisbee

For the sea and water:

• Armbands or a buoyancy vest (check the sizing for the child's weight)
• Inflatable — lilo, flamingo, turtle or whatever the child has chosen
• Mask and snorkel for older children
• Lightweight fins for those learning to swim
• Swim shoes to protect little feet on rocky beaches

For comfort on the beach:

• Large beach towel (one each plus a spare)
• Beach umbrella (if not included at the beach club)
• Lightweight folding chairs or sun loungers
• Beach tent or mini canopy for young children who need to stay in the shade
• Beach mat or rug

Clothing: more changes than you think

At the beach, children get wet, get sandy, get changed, get wet again. The clothes calculation needs to be at least doubled compared to a normal trip away.

Beachwear:

• Swimsuit (at least two — one dries while they wear the other)
• Short or full wetsuit for children who get cold or for windier days
• Shorts and light T-shirts for after the beach
• Dress or comfortable outfit for the evening
• Light hoodie or cardigan for the evening (the sea breeze gets cool)
• Sandals or flip flops
• Closed shoes for the evening

Practical accessories:

• Swimwear for the parents (often forgotten in the rush)
• Sarong or cover-up
• Large, waterproof beach bag

Food and hydration: essential in the heat

Sun and heat dehydrate children very quickly. Eating and drinking properly during a day at the beach is just as important as the sun cream.

To take to the beach:

• Water bottles (one each, refillable)
• Cool bag or insulated bag
• Ice packs
• Easy-to-eat fresh fruit — watermelon, peaches, melon, grapes
• Light snacks — crackers, breadsticks, rice cakes
• Sandwiches or rolls for a packed lunch
• Individual yoghurt pots (keep in the fridge)
• Fruit juice cartons or flavoured water for the children

For the kitchen if you have a self-catering apartment:

• Pasta, rice and basic cereals
• Tinned goods and ready-made sauces for quick evening meals
• Oil, salt and basic spices
• Seasonal fruit and vegetables
• Fresh fish (buy it locally at the market)
• Breakfast supplies — milk, biscuits, cereal, jam, bread

Hygiene and care: children need twice as much

The beach means sand everywhere — in shoes, in hair, in the folds of the swimsuit. The hygiene routine at the seaside is longer than it is at home.

For the beach:

• Wet wipes (in abundance)
• Extra towels
• Water bottle with spray cap to rinse sandy feet
• Portable solar shower if the apartment is far from the beach

For daily care:

• Gentle children's shampoo
• Detangling conditioner (salt water tangles hair impressively)
• Brush or comb
• Soap or shower gel
• Moisturising body lotion for after sun
• Nappies and wipes (for younger children — buy more than usual)

Health and safety: the travel first aid kit

Before setting off for the weekend, check your first aid kit. Minor incidents at the beach are an everyday occurrence — stings, grazes, too much sun.

What to always have with you:

• Soothing cream for insect stings or jellyfish
• Children's insect repellent spray
• Assorted plasters
• Antiseptic spray or gel
• Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen (liquid or suppositories)
• Thermometer
• Antihistamine (ask your GP for advice)
• Saline solution for eyes (salt water causes irritation)

The entertainment kit: for the quieter moments

Not every part of the day is spent on the beach. There are nap times, the hottest hours of the afternoon, evenings in the apartment. Having something to keep them entertained prevents the boredom meltdowns.

What to buy:

• Picture books or novels (depending on age)
• Compact board games
• Colouring pencils and sketchbook
• Puzzles
• Children's headphones for the car journey
• Tablet loaded with films and series downloaded offline

Travel and logistics: before you get in the car

The journey to the seaside with children is an adventure in itself. Being well prepared makes everything more relaxed.

For the journey:

• Travel neck pillow
• Light blanket
• Travel sickness bags (better to have them and not need them)
• Snacks for the journey
• Water bottles
• Books and games for the back seat
• In-car charger for devices

Organise everything with Spesary

The packing list for a seaside weekend with children is one of the longest of the year — and when it gets put together in a rush on Friday evening, something always slips through the net. With Spesary you can build your list by category, tick off what you've already bought and share it with your partner so the preparation gets divided up naturally.

Build the list once, save it, and next time you head to the beach you're already ready to go.