Free Beach Day Checklists

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These are free checklists for a Florida beach day with a baby, toddler or preschooler. Use them as they are, or copy them into a note. For a list that changes with age and weather, use the >packing list builder.

There are no product links and no email sign-up on this page. The packing guides we point to go into more detail.

Shade and setup

Beach tent, sun shelter or umbrella (and a way to anchor it)
Sand-free blanket or mat
Bucket and shovel, in a mesh bag
A way to get sand off feet (a brush, a little talc-free powder, or a portable beach shower)
Beach wagon if you're walking far — for shade, the cooler and the toys, not for riding. Many wagons aren't made to carry a child.

More detail: >Florida beach day packing list.

Sun

Kids' mineral sunscreen, water-resistant, and a plan to reapply
Hat with a chin strap (bucket or neck-flap styles work well on the beach)
UPF rash guard or one-piece sun suit
Sunglasses, if your toddler will wear them (check whether a strap is included)
A cooling towel for the walk back, on a hot day

More detail: >sun protection, >keeping a toddler cool.

Swim and water

Swim diapers (reusable, disposable, or both)
Swimsuit
Hooded towel
Water shoes
Wet bag for swimsuits
A USCG-approved life jacket or swim vest in the right weight range, if you'll use one — check the label (many arm-float vests are 30–50 lb; lighter toddlers need a smaller size). A vest is not a substitute for an adult within arm's reach.

More detail: >toddler swim gear.

Food, drink and the walk back

Refillable water cups
Familiar snacks that can handle heat
Small cooler or insulated bag
Spare clothes in a zip bag
Wipes, and a changing pad if you still need one
A plan to rinse sandy feet before you go back inside (a portable beach shower or a jug of rinse water)

How to use this page

Tick the list on a printout, or copy it into your notes. The >packing list builder will add rain or cooler-weather items if you need them. For the full beach-day walk-through, start with the >Florida beach day packing list.

These free checklists have no affiliate links and no email sign-up. For how we handle links on other pages of this site, see our >disclosure.