Packing for a successful family beach day is like preparing for a week-long expedition. You need everything from sun cream to a full medical kit, and you’ll probably still end up forgetting the one thing you actually need!

To help you get set for sunny and sandy days, we've created the ultimate guide of beach essentials and accessories for when you're planning a full day at the beach. From what to wear to keep cool and comfortable, to simple sunshade solutions and the perfect picnic pieces – it’s the little extras that can make all the difference to family fun at your favourite beachy spot.

Beach Tent/Umbrella: You’ll need something to provide shade. Setting it up will be a test of your engineering skills and patience, but it’s worth it to avoid looking like a family of lobsters later in the day.

Suncream: You need SPF 50, SPF 30 and that special one that’s tear-free/anti-allergy/water-resistant for the kids (you’ll end up chasing them around like you’re trying to lasso a wild horse just to apply it, so it’s worth considering a spray-gun applicator and practising your aim for a few days beforehand).

Beach Chairs: For those moments when you need to sit and take a breath. Just be prepared to share your chair with sandy, wet children who think your lap is the best seat on the beach.

Towels: Bring more towels than you think you need, somehow you never have enough. Ideally, you’ll have a few large towels for the family to lie on in between swims and then some fresh ones to use to dry off.

First Aid Kit: You never know when someone will step on a shell or get stung by a jellyfish. Better to be prepared with band-aids, antiseptic, wound spray,  and maybe a small defibrillator if you have one.

Planning a family beach day is all about creating lasting memories filled with fun and laughter, and the right beach games can make it even more exciting.

From the classic beach volleyball and frisbee, to creative games like sandcastle competitions and scavenger hunts, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Packing a variety of games ensures that kids and adults alike can join in the fun, making your day by the sea unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the best beach games to pack for a day full of excitement.

Shovels, buckets, inflatable unicorns and beach balls. Bring enough to keep the kids entertained for hours – or at least 15 minutes.

At Tom & Teddy, we've got everything you need to make a splash—from matching swim shorts that keep the whole crew looking coordinated, to sun-protected rash vests that let you enjoy the

sun without worry. And don’t forget hats and flip-flops to shield your face and protect feet from the hot sand.

When heading out for a family beach day, it’s easy to remember the basics like towels and sunscreen, but some lesser-thought-of accessories can really elevate the experience!

IItems like a sturdy. easy-to-carry beach tote with plenty of compartments, a cool bag to keep drinks and snacks fresh, and even a corkscrew for an impromptu beach picnic will help make the day run smoothly.

A portable phone charger, a waterproof speaker for some tunes and a wet bag for everyone’s soggy swimmers are all small additions that can turn a good beach day into a great one.

When it comes to a beach picnic, it's all about balancing deliciousness with practicality—and a little bit of sand (inevitably).

Pack a cooler with enough snacks to survive a nuclear winter. Fruit, sandwiches, chips, and more water bottles than a marathon-race station. Bio-degradable wipes are a must for sticky fingers