The Ultimate Guide to Family Beach Day Essentials

How to enjoy the beach while protecting your family with UPF 50+ gear

Planning a family beach day can feel like a small expedition. From snacks to sun protection, towels to toys, every parent knows that a little preparation can make the difference between a magical day in the sun and a meltdown in the sand. If you want to relax while your kids build castles, splash in the waves, and hunt for shells, it’s essential to pack not just light, but smart.

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your ideal family beach day with a focus on comfort, practicality, and above all, sun safety. Because yes, a beach day should be about fun and freedom, but never at the expense of your family’s skin health.

Why sun protection should come first

A golden tan might still be glamorized in pop culture, but dermatologists now agree: sun exposure without protection is one of the biggest risks for skin aging and long-term health damage. For children, the stakes are even higher. Their skin is thinner and more vulnerable to UV rays. Research shows that intense sun exposure during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

That’s why anti-UV and UPF 50+ solutions are not just accessories. They’re essentials. With the right sun-safe strategy, you can enjoy the outdoors without constant worry about reapplying sunscreen or dealing with sunburned shoulders in the evening.

What is UPF 50+ and why does it matter?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s a rating that measures how well a fabric blocks the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. A fabric with a UPF of 50 allows only 1/50th of UV rays to pass through, which means it blocks 98 percent of harmful radiation. It’s the textile equivalent of SPF for skincare.

Unlike sunscreen, UPF clothing doesn't wear off with water or sweat, and you don’t need to reapply it. That’s why long sleeve swimwear and UV protective tops have become the go-to for families looking to minimize sun exposure in a practical way.

If you're looking for high-quality, stylish options, our long sleeve swimsuits for women and bikini tops with UPF protection combine elegance and performance. For kids, our baby and toddler collections offer vibrant, soft, easy-to-wear options that are gentle on delicate skin.

Why sunscreen is still essential

Even with excellent UPF swimwear, there are always areas left uncovered. Faces, hands, feet, ears, and necks all need extra protection. That’s where sunscreen comes in.

Choose a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin and reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed. These are generally better tolerated by sensitive or young skin. Water-resistant and reef-safe formulas are best for families who care about both health and the environment.

Don’t forget to apply 15 to 30 minutes before heading into the sun, and reapply every two hours. If your kids are swimming or sweating, do it more often. Many parents forget places like the tops of the feet or behind the knees, so be thorough.

Sunglasses and hats: the must-have duo

Just like skin, eyes need protection too. Children’s eyes let in more light and are more sensitive to UV rays than adult eyes. A good pair of sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, ideally labeled UV400, is key. Polarized lenses are also helpful in reducing glare from the water and sand.

Hats complete the look and the protection. Choose wide-brimmed styles or legionnaire caps with extra coverage for the neck. At Juillet Juillet, we offer sun hats designed for comfort and long hours outdoors; perfect for beach days or backyard play alike.

Encourage children to choose their own hat and sunglasses to make them more likely to keep them on throughout the day.

Don’t forget the shade

Whether you’re spending an hour or an entire afternoon at the beach, shade is essential. The sun’s rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and having a cool retreat makes all the difference; especially for babies or toddlers who need a break from direct light.

UV-resistant beach tents, lightweight parasols, or sun canopies offer mobile shade that you can set up in minutes. Make sure the space is well-ventilated to avoid heat buildup, and position it so that everyone can take turns cooling off. Use it as a lunch spot, nap area, or simply a place to pause and reapply sunscreen.

Think hydration, nutrition, and comfort

With the excitement of playing outdoors, kids often forget to drink. Bring enough water for the whole family in insulated, reusable bottles, and keep them in the shade to stay cool. Offer water regularly, especially after swimming or sports.

For snacks, pack foods that are easy to eat by hand and won’t spoil in the heat. Think fruit slices, sandwiches, crackers, and cut vegetables. A cooler bag helps keep things fresh, but simple is usually better at the beach.

Also bring lightweight towels, extra clothes, and wipes or hand sanitiser. Sand finds its way into everything, and a little preparation helps everyone feel cleaner and more comfortable as the day goes on.

What else should you pack?

Here’s your printable family beach packing checklist, but in short: think sun, safety, hydration, and fun. Include a basic first aid kit, biodegradable wet wipes, waterproof phone pouch, and bags for wet clothes or trash. Keep things minimal, but functional.

And yes, don’t forget the toys. A simple bucket and spade set, a beach ball, or a net for rock pooling can keep little ones entertained for hours. Active kids are usually happy kids; just make sure they have the right sun protection so the only thing they bring home is good memories.

Sun-safe habits your kids will remember

Teaching children to protect themselves from the sun is a lifelong gift. By incorporating UPF 50+ swimwear into their daily summer routine, encouraging shade breaks, and applying sunscreen together as a ritual, you’re helping them build habits that will last.

Make sun protection part of the fun, not a chore. Let your children choose their favorite designs, be part of the packing process, and understand why these items matter. You’re not only caring for their present comfort but also for their future health.

A final word on sustainable choices

Beach days should leave only footprints. Choose reusable containers instead of single-use plastic, and favor brands that value ethical manufacturing and eco-conscious materials.

At Juillet Juillet, we are committed to protecting your skin and the environment. Our UPF 50+ fabrics are Oeko-Tex certified, and our packaging is designed with sustainability in mind. Because caring for your family and the planet shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

Ready for the sun, sand & smiles?

With the right preparation, your next family beach day can be relaxing, joyful, and safe. From UV-protective swimwear to reef-safe sunscreen and clever shade solutions, each item you pack is a step toward a more carefree, more conscious way to enjoy the outdoors.

Explore our UPF 50+ swimwear collections and build your own beach-ready kit, designed for sun, style, and simplicity.