Beach Essentials for Families with Kids

by Lindsay
Kids at the Beach in Serifos

Last updated 2 Feb 2024

What do you need for sweat-free family beach trips in Greece? From ingenious water bottles to foldable umbrellas, we’ve rounded up the must-haves to make your outings with kids a lightweight breeze. And from the experts in summer holidays, we’ve also included Greek brands (Sun of a Beach, Terra Nation and Aelia Anna) we love. Remember, going to an “organised” beach (as they say in Greece, offering sunbeds, shade, and possibly refreshment), will greatly lighten your load (but limit your adventures). So research those options if you prefer not to drag an entire haul of paraphernalia.

Sunday Afternoon’s sunhats fit securely (with an adjustable chinstrap) even in gusty winds, has a large rim for ample sun shade, an extension at the back to cover little necks, and air vents for breathability. They also pack flat for travel.

In the blaze of the Greek summer sun, we prefer long-sleeved swimwear for maximum sun protection. RuffleButts rash guards (or RuggedButts for boys) provides full-sleeved UPF 50 protection, zips down, and has bottom button snaps for easy diaper changes. Australian staple Cotton On is another favourite with long-sleeved rash guards in the pretty prints for boys and girls.

Reusable swim diapers from iPlay keeps major messes in, with side snaps for quick removals.  Providing UPF 50+ protection, it also meets STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® for product safety.
Beach towels and ponchos
To throw on the sand or sunbed, the perfect beach towel is thin, light, absorbent, sand repellent, and dries quickly. Proudly Greek, Aelia Anna’s towels fit the bill and can be found in many stylish island boutiques. If you’re tight on space, Decathlon’s compact microfiber towels does the job too. And for little ones, bathrobes and ponchos stay put on wiggly bodies better than towels do. Greek brand Sun of a Beach has ponchos for kids 3 and older that are plush, bright, and beautiful.

Beach sandals
On the beach, open-toed sandals and flip flops are the best options for allowing sand and pebbles to slide through. Crocs Kids’ Bayaband sandals are quick-dry, easy for kids to put on independently, and often seen in island shops in Greece. Otherwise, enjoy a barefoot feeling with swim shoes by Slipfree. Protecting small feet from burning sand, pebbly shores, and pool decks, it’s also useful for hotel room lounging.
sunnies and goggles
Sunglasses are especially necessary in the Greek sun. Roshambo Baby sunglasses are Italian-made, unbreakable, polarized and free from BPA, phthalates and lead. Also high on style and with a slightly sturdier feel are Babiators.
For swimming adventures in the sea, mask-type goggles like the Aquasphere offers 180 degree panoramic vision to facilitate underwater explorations.

Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket
Most floatation devices (swim floats and vests) are designed for the pool. In the open water, use a coast guard approved life jacket so they can swim confidently as the seabed drops.
Bumkins wet and dry bag
Bumkins dry/wet bags with heat-sealed seams for true water proof performance have two compartments – one for clean, and the other for wet and dirty. Ikea’s Rensare wet bag also deserves a special mention, and should fit a small family’s wet swimwear.

Lunch bag
The day before your beach trip, wash and put a selection of juicy fruits (e.g. peaches and plums) into the fridge. Pack into an insulated lunch bag (or not) along with other favourite snacks to tide the family through long beach afternoons.
water bottle
If you’re travelling to an island, a water bottle may be redundant as you are likely to have to purchase bottled water for your drinking purposes anyways. Otherwise, avoid ingesting more microplastics with Owala’s stainless steel Freesip bottle. Insulated (keeps water cold without sweating outside) and truly leakproof, it has a hygienic push-button lid to keep sand out. The best bit when you’re sharing bottles with kids? A too-cool spout allows you drink from it in two ways – take a swig from its wide-mouth opening, or allow little ones to sip upright from a built-in straw. It’s magic.
Beach toys
Packing light? The Scrunch Bucket is a roll-able silicone bucket you can squash into your suitcase and build sandcastles with. Belgian brand Quut also makes durable and ingenious beach toys with small footprints. Cuppi and Raki rake and scoop (pictured here) fit into the Scrunch bucket for a basic play set worth hours of fun. 
Beach Mat and Umbrella
The beach umbrella is very necessary if you’re going to a beach that: 1) doesn’t have umbrellas or natural shade, 2) may have umbrellas, but is so popular you need backup, or 3) charges ridiculously for umbrellas (e.g. Mykonos). Greek brand Terra Nation has a three-fold model that folds down small enough for a large suitcase. Otherwise, consider a beach canopy that packs smaller and lighter like Otentik. Otherwise, just pick up a beach parasol from the island mini mart.
Don’t forget a beach blanket – quick-dry, sand-proof, lightweight and compact, Grand Trunk’s parasheet blankets have stake loops and sand anchor pocket corners to make sure they stay put.
Sunscreen and antiseptic
Thinkbaby is an excellent SPF 50 mineral (Zinc Oxide based) sunscreen that glides on easily with minimal (to no) white cast. Otherwise, for a clean chemical sunscreen, Supergoop’s Play Everyday SPF 50 all-over face and body gel-textured lotion is good for kids and adults alike. French brands Mustela and La Roche Posay sunscreens should also be readily available in Greek pharmacies.
And for the really prepared, an antiseptic pocket spray for accidents mists on for pain-free applications.
Portable Potty
I must admit, I still struggle with finding the best way to deal with toilet requirements for beach trips. And while bulky, I find the portable potty pretty essential. OXO Tot’s model is particularly well designed. Sturdy and comfortable, open and lock its legs in a flash to save you from messy accidents.

Spending more than a week on the beach? We’ve also put together an adventure kit to make the most of an unforgettable Greek summer.

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