The 9 Best Beach Toys of 2023
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- Beach toys can take quite a beating, so it’s important to buy toys that will last.
- Allowing your child to scoop, dig, and pour in the sand develops the small muscles in their hands.
- When children pick up buckets of sand, push dump trucks full of sand, or dig with large shovels, they exercise the large muscles of their bodies.
Our family of 7 loves the beach. It only takes one day of warm weather at the end of winter for me to start planning our next beach vacation. As soon as the first sign of summer emerges, we pack our bags and head to the shore.
With our children ranging in age from under 1 to 11, we try to pack a variety of things for entertainment. My favorite beach bags for moms are often loaded with snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and of course the best beach toys for our large family.
Beach toys are a must-have when bringing little ones to the shore. A long day in the sun can lead to exhaustion. A beach tent for shade and toys for entertainment are some of the beach essentials for babies and kids I always pack.
We all think of the classic pail and shovel when it comes to sand toys. However, there are many other options on the market that will make your beach trip a splashing success.
I’ve rounded up the best beach toys for kids, so you can start packing for your trip to the ocean.
Table could not be displayed.Our Choice: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set
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My girls love to play “ice cream shop” at home. This is why I bought the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set.
This adorable sand toy set is perfect for kids who like to scoop and serve. My kids spent hours serving me “sand cones” and “ocean shakes” using this set. Even my two-year-old was able to easily scoop and create desserts.
I love the cute bucket that comes with the set. It’s perfect for creating an ice cream table with wet sand. When we take it on our next beach trip, I’ll be able to load all the pieces back into the bucket and throw the whole thing in with our beach gear.
This ice cream set includes 2 scoops, 2 cones, and a sprinkle shaker inside a bucket with a lid and handle. The sprinkle shaker is such a fun idea that I wouldn’t have thought to include in an ice cream sand set. My girls loved shaking dry sand over their cones when they were finished scooping.
There were plenty of other ice cream sets for beach play online, but I chose this one for its durability. The plastic is sturdy, unlike other sets. The only thing I wish it had was more pieces for ice cream creations.
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Best Basic: Click N’ Play Beach Toys for Kids 3-10 – 13 Piece Sand Toys
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If you’re on the hunt for kids beach toys that are perfect for building sand castles, this might be all you need. The Click N’ Play Beach Toys for Kids 3-10 – 13 Piece Sand Toys is an inexpensive set that will get your little one building.
The basics of sand play usually include plastic shovels, buckets, sand molds, sand sifters, and rakes. This set includes at least one of each of these. Your child will have all they need to exercise their fine motor skills while creating a masterpiece.
What I love most about this brightly colored set, is the large mesh backpack that it comes in. You’ll be able to throw all the sandy toys into the bag after you rinse them in the water. There’s no need to buy an extra beach bag just to store them in.
Your child will have a variety of options when designing a sand castle. This set includes 5 castle molds, 4 molds of sea creatures, and a castle bucket. The shovel and watering can are perfect for creating a moat around the castle.
Parents of large families might find that there aren’t enough toys to share. However, for 1 to 2 children it’s just the right amount.
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Best Collapsable: RACPNEL Collapsible Sand Bucket and Shovels Set with Mesh Bag
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Beach toys can be bulky and take up a lot of room in the car. The RACPNEL Collapsible Sand Bucket and Shovels Set with Mesh Bag is a space-saving option for sand toys.
This sand toy set includes a silicone bucket that folds down flat and stores away in the included mesh bag. This prevents parents from having to store a bulky bucket. The other items are not collapsible, but they are much smaller than the bucket.
This beach toy set includes 6 different castle molding tools. With the bucket, shovel, and rake, your child will stay entertained creating sculptures for hours. There are even tiny flags to place in the sandcastle for added fun.
I was so pleased to know that the high-quality plastic used in this beach toy set is BPA-free and durable. I’ve had plenty of sand toys in the past that cracked and broke almost immediately. This plastic is more durable than most.
I only wish there were more buckets included in the set. Since they fold down so nicely, it would be great to have a few of them.
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Best Catch Game: Ball Catch Set Game Toss Paddle
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When your child is tired of building sandcastles, send them out for a game of catch by the water. This Ball Catch Set is perfect for both older and younger kids who love sports.
When we head for the beach, we usually pack a ball of some sort. I absolutely love the idea of a set that uses velcro. Most beach balls end up blowing away in the wind.
The velcro is secured onto the paddle tightly, so it doesn’t come off. The balls stick nicely to the pads when caught, but also pull off easily enough for a small child to do. You can also adjust the velcro grips to fit your child’s hand.
When you’re all finished, the two balls and paddles all fit inside the storage bag. This is the perfect size to throw in your bag for beach trips.
It would be nice if the set included more than just 2 paddles, so the whole family could play. Larger families could either buy multiple sets or just play tournament style, one match at a time.
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Best Beach Balls: The Ultimate Skip Ball – Water Bouncing Ball
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Beach balls are popular beach toys that have stood the test of time. My next pick is a beach ball set that breaks the mold. The Ultimate Skip Ball – Water Bouncing Ball is a ball that won’t blow away across the sand.
This set will keep kids busy for hours as they play a game of “water ball”. Unlike other balls, these actually bounce across the water and float. This makes a game of catch more exciting and will likely draw the attention of other beach-goers.
The balls are constructed with sturdy stitching and can withstand normal play. Some parents noted that the balls split with rough play. However, the company is quick to respond and send replacements when that happens.
Parents will need to be in the water with younger children as they play with this toy. Unlike sand toys, you won’t be able to sit back in your beach chair while your child digs in the sand. However, many parents found themselves having just as much fun as their kids playing with it.
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Most Entertaining: Surfer Dudes Classics Wave Powered Mini-Surfer and Surfboard Beach Toy
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If you’re looking for a toy that’s going to draw a crowd, the Surfer Dudes Classics Wave Powered Mini-Surfer and Surfboard Beach Toy is it.
Who wouldn’t stop to look at a tiny surfer riding in on the waves? This miniature surfer on a board really surfs. All this beach toy requires is a toss from your child.
The design of the board ensures that the little surfer flips right-side up each time you throw it into the water. The motion of the waves naturally pushes the surfer back to your child. This means your child can safely stand in the shallow water and toss the surfer again and again.
I love all the variations of this beach toy. This comes in both boy and girl surfer versions, and some include animals on the board as well. Multiple children could select their own designs so they could race them without mixing them up.
The only drawback is that these are a little pricey considering how small they are. If you’re looking to purchase several, it could add up quickly.
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Best Cooking Set: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set
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Do you have a little chef at home? If so, the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set is a beach toy set they’ll love.
My two-year-old loves to pretend to cook and mix. I knew this would be a set she’d love. With shell-shaped measuring cups, an octopus whisk, a crab mixing spoon, and a mixing bowl, there’s plenty to play with.
All of the items are sea themed and feature cute shapes and animals. The lid to the mixing bowl is an adorable turtle, that can also be used as a sand sifter. Just add a bucket of water to really get the creativity going.
Some parents noted that the lid doesn’t stay put on the bowl. If you plan on throwing this sand toy set into your beach wagon or beach bag to carry, it won’t be much of an issue.
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Best with Wheels: Green Toys Dump Truck
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If you’re an earth-loving parent looking for green toys to take to the beach, this is for you. The Green Toys Dump Truck is friendly to the environment and safe for your kids.
This sand toy is lots of fun for kids who love wheels. It’s perfect for both water play and sand play, as kids can wheel it back and forth to the water. Kids can fill the truck with sand and dump it over and over again.
The plastic used is recycled and free of BPA and PVC. The truck comes in a variety of colors but doesn’t use any harsh chemical paints. This makes it safe for your child to play with again and again.
Kids will love playing with this dump truck as its large, chunky wheels easily maneuver over rough terrain. It’s perfect for climbing over sand hills. Though this toy isn’t as large as other trucks, the dump container is big enough to haul a load to the other side of a sandcastle.
Since there aren’t any metal axles, this is the best sand toy with wheels. You won’t have to worry about the truck rusting over time.
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Best Beach Doll: Cabbage Patch Kids Beach Time Tiny Newborn
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My girls have always loved playing with babies in the water. The Cabbage Patch Kids Beach Time Tiny Newborn is the perfect doll to take to the beach.
This doll was made for water. She comes ready to play in a swimsuit with a floatie, pail, and shovel. Your little one can use the pail and shovel to play in the sand with the baby nearby.
My favorite part about this doll is that she’s made to dry out quickly. You won’t have to worry about the water collecting inside her body, causing mold to grow. Her body contains holes that easily drain the water.
I’d love it if she came with more accessories. An extra outfit as a towel could make the drive home fun as well. However, for the price, it’s a great beach toy for little ones who love dolls.
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Recommended Accessories
When you pack all the toys for your next family trip to the beach, consider bringing along these items to make the trip more enjoyable:
The Benefits of Beach Toys for Child Development
Sand play with beach toys is a great activity for children. Not only does it spark creativity, but it also improves several skills necessary for proper development.
Improves Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are necessary for things like eating, dressing, coloring, and other activities that require the use of the smaller muscles in your hands. Finding fine motor activities for infants and toddlers is a great way to improve these skills while your child plays.
Sand play is one of these activities. Allowing your child to scoop, dig, and pour works the small muscles in their hands.
Improves Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are skills used by the larger muscles in the body. This includes running, jumping, skipping, and other large movement actions. Gross motor activities help encourage children to achieve gross motor milestones.
When children pick up buckets of sand, push dump trucks full of sand, or dig with large shovels, they are exercising the large muscles of their bodies.
Improves Tactile Perception
Tactile perception is the ability to receive information that’s received through touch. You use this skill when you touch a hot stove, dig in the soil to find the roots of a plant, or feel the skin of an alligator. Sensory activities for infants and toddlers can improve tactile perception.
As your child digs in the sand and squishes it between their fingers, they are using tactile perception.
Choosing the Best Beach Toys for Your Child
When choosing the best beach toys, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Beach toys can take quite a beating, so you’ll need toys that can last. Here are a few items to look for when shopping:
- High-quality plastic or silicone that won’t easily break
- Toys that promote creativity and have multiple play options
- Items that pack up and store away easily
- Toys that won’t rust or mold
- Quick-drying items with a storage bag to contain all pieces
FAQs
How should you clean beach toys?
Most beach toys can be cleaned with soap and water. We’ve found that rinsing them in the ocean before leaving the beach keeps them from collecting sand. After rinsing, we throw them in a mesh bag so they can dry on the way home.
If you have toys that mold due to water left inside them, you can soak them in vinegar and water. After soaking, scrub off the mold and rinse clean.
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