Beach Days Done Right
Sun, sand, and zero meltdowns (almost)
Our tried-and-true formula for a perfect beach day with a toddler — what to bring, when to go, and how to make it magical.
The beach is Edison's happy place. The moment his feet hit the sand, something shifts — he slows down, gets curious, and stays entertained for hours with nothing but a bucket and some waves. But getting there without a meltdown? That took us a few trips to figure out.
Places we've been
Our honest notes from every spot we've visited — name, city, Edison's rating, and what we'd tell a friend.
Add your beach name here
Add your notes about this beach — parking, shade, tide pools, facilities, and whether it's worth the drive.
Add your second beach here
Add your notes — the vibe, how busy it gets, best time to arrive, and what Edison's favourite spot was.
Add your third beach here
Add your notes — tide pool access, sand quality, facilities, and any tips for making the most of the visit.
Our tips
Arrive before 10am or after 4pm
The middle of the day is brutal for toddlers — hot sand, peak UV, and a cranky kid who's missed their nap window. We aim to arrive by 9am, set up, play hard for two hours, then head home before the heat peaks. Afternoon sessions after 4pm are equally golden.
Shade is your most important piece of gear
We use a UPF 50+ pop-up beach tent — it takes 60 seconds to set up and gives Edison a cool base to retreat to. Pair it with a small blanket, some snacks, and a few toys and you've got a toddler sanctuary. Worth every penny.
Sunscreen: apply before you leave the house
Trying to apply sunscreen to a wriggling toddler on a hot beach while sand blows in your face is a nightmare. Do it at home, 20 minutes before you leave. Reapply every 90 minutes. We use a mineral SPF 50 stick for his face — much easier than lotion.
Tide pools beat the open water
Edison is obsessed with tide pools. Crabs, sea anemones, tiny fish — it's a living aquarium at his feet. Check the tide chart before you go and aim for low tide. Bring water shoes so he can clamber around safely.
Pack twice the snacks you think you need
Salt air and sand play burns through toddler energy fast. We bring a full cooler: fruit pouches, cheese sticks, crackers, cut fruit, and a frozen water bottle that doubles as an ice pack. Hungry toddler = beach day over.
The rinse station is your best friend
Most beaches have a rinse station near the parking lot. Use it. Strip Edison down to his swim diaper, rinse off the sand, and have a dry outfit ready in the bag. Getting into the car without sand everywhere is a game-changer for the drive home.
Packing list
- UPF 50+ pop-up beach tent
- Mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ (stick for face)
- Swim diapers (pack extra)
- Water shoes for tide pools
- Rash guard + sun hat
- Cooler with double the snacks
- Frozen water bottles
- Dry change of clothes
- Small bucket, spade, and moulds
- Waterproof phone case
- Tide chart (check before you go)
- Mesh bag for wet gear
