There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach with your family. The warm sun, the sound of the waves, and the smell of saltwater in the air all create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. However, if you have young children, it’s important to keep them entertained to prevent boredom and keep the day running smoothly.
Beach toys are the perfect solution to keep your little ones occupied for hours. From sandcastle building to water games, the right toys can enhance the beach experience for everyone. Not only do they provide a fun activity, but they also encourage children to use their imaginations and creativity.
When it comes to selecting the best beach toys for toddlers and kids, it’s essential to choose ones that are both engaging and durable. Look for toys that can withstand the rough and tumble play of little ones, as well as being able to withstand exposure to the sun, sand, and saltwater. This way, your child can enjoy their toys all summer long, and you won’t have to worry about constant replacements.
Our Top Picks
- Best Sand Toy Set: Hape Beach Toy Essential Set
- Best Sand Funnel: Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand-and-Water Sifting Funnel
- Best For The Whole Family: Spikeball Game Set
- Best Sand Sifter: Matty’s Toy Stop Sand Sifter Sieves
- Best Toss And Catch: Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark
- Best Buckets: Foldable Pail Bucket Set of 3
- Best Sand Castle Toy: Top Race Sand Castle Molds
- Best Wagon Set: B. toys – Wavy-Wagon Toy Set
- Best Grabber: Hape Sand & Beach Toy Grabber
- Best Water Bouncing Ball: The Ultimate Skip Ball
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Beach Toys For Toddlers And Kids Picks
1. Hape Beach Toy Essential Set – Best Sand Toy Set
- Great for toddlers
- Comes with a travel bag
- Easy to clean
- Well made
- Some toys are kind of similar in the pack like there are two rectangular things
This playset is designed with soft, rounded corners and a smooth finish, specifically created to be safe and enjoyable for young hands. It is crafted from high-quality plastic that is completely free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
The materials used are of exceptional quality, and the product is painted with non-toxic, kid-safe colors, making it incredibly durable. Plus, it comes with a versatile mesh bag to put all the toys in.
2. Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand-and-Water Sifting Funnel – Best Sand Funnel
- Has a handle
- It’s durable yet functional
- Teaches cause and effect
- Great for water or sand
- It is rather bulky
Observe the cascading layers of sea creatures in this wacky tower as water or sand flows through them, creating an exciting swirling and sifting effect! Funnel Fun is perfect for outdoor play, constructed of sturdy plastic in a range of bright, fade-resistant colors. The convenient carrying handle makes it easy to take to the beach or backyard for endless hours of fun!
3. Spikeball Game Set – Best For The Whole Family
- Great game with an easy breakdown
- Adjustable difficulty
- Super easy to set up and use
- Tons of fun for kids and adults
- Overtime the net gets a little loose but you should be able to tighten it up
Why settle for the ordinary beach balls when you can spice up your beach day with a thrilling game of Spikeball? Similar to volleyball, but with a trampoline-like net and only requiring four players, Spikeball is perfect for the beach or any outdoor setting.
This game set is portable and foldable, and the net can be adjusted to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. It’s affordable, entertaining for the whole family, and perfect for kids ages 5 and up.
4. Matty’s Toy Stop Sand Sifter Sieves – Best Sand Sifter
- Great for seashell searching
- Sturdy enough to last
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- They are small sized
These heavy-duty plastic sand sifter sieves are given in four distinct colors. The open, shallow flat surface is ideal for skimming the water in a tidal pool and collecting the little fish swimming there for a closer look before releasing them once more. It also performs well near the shallow ocean’s edge, where the waves lift little crabs and shells from the muddy sand.
5. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark – Best Toss And Catch
- Help kids develop motor skills
- Waterproof
- Can be played in pool or beach
- Easy to put away
- The nets aren’t very deep
Looking for a thrilling beach game that challenges your catching skills? This game set includes two cool nets, two foam balls, and a big challenge. The whimsical design features vibrant colors and a “toothy” character that promotes hand-eye coordination, social skills, and loads of outdoor fun. Plus, it comes with play suggestions for hours of enjoyment both in and out of the beach.
6. Foldable Pail Bucket Set of 3 – Best Buckets
- Multipurpose
- Easy to carry
- Collapses well and doesn’t take up much space
- Easy to clean
- The sides are made of a thin silicone-like material
These Foldable Pail Buckets are the perfect solution to the hassle of carrying and storing traditional beach buckets. These durable toys are perfect for building sand castles and playing at the beach, and their foldable design makes them easy to transport.
This set includes three multicolored 2-liter silicone buckets that can be folded flat into 1-inch circles with sturdy plastic handles for convenient storage and transportation. Additionally, the buckets are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. With these buckets, you can enjoy a fun day at the beach without the hassle of bulky equipment.
7. Top Race Sand Castle Molds – Best Sand Castle Toy
- Great beach castles that release well when the sand’s packed tightly
- Good solid quality
- Great size
- Sturdy
- The molds are the same
This set is perfect for building sandcastles and collecting seashells. The buckets come in a variety of colors and are made of strong, durable plastic that can withstand prolonged sun exposure. They are also BPA-free and safe for kids to play with. Plus, with their sturdy handles, they are easy to carry to and from the beach.
8. B. toys – Wavy-Wagon Toy Set – Best Wagon Set
- There are multiple choices for creating sand shapes
- Made of a thick plastic material that holds up to toddler abuse and sun abuse
- The wagon is nice and sturdy
- The stacker cups have animal shape imprints and holes in the bottom
- Some of the included toys are basic
This wagon set is perfect for transporting your child’s favorite beach toys with ease. It can carry all 11 molds and accessories provided from the car to the beach effortlessly.
You’ll love it too because the various shapes keep them engaged in making new patterns in the sand for hours. The set also includes a small sifter for collecting seashells, and each nesting cup has holes in the bottom for sand and water play. Kids can even use the wagon to bring their seashell collections home.
9. Hape Sand & Beach Toy Grabber – Best Grabber
- Well designed toy
- It’s pretty sturdy
- Can grab most small items
- Entertaining
- Can’t pick up larger items
The Hape Grabber is a perfect tool for picking up sand, soil, and other important things with ease. With its squeeze-powered mechanism, children can dig deep tunnels and move sand and water to create new structures.
This grabber is designed with soft, rounded corners and a smooth finish, making it safe and comfortable for little hands to play with. Made of high-quality plastic, it is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates, ensuring that children can play safely in the sun for long periods.
10. The Ultimate Skip Ball – Best Water Bouncing Ball
- Well-made
- They do skip across the water when thrown hard with some spin
- Fun for all ages
- Interactive
- They are not very big
These water-absorbing balls are a delight to throw and catch, as they have just the right amount of weight when soaked with water. They are perfect for a fun family beach game where you can toss them back and forth on the sandy shores. Every time you catch one, you will experience a refreshing spray of water, making them ideal for a hot summer day at the beach.
Related: Best Bath Toys
11. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Play Set – Best For Bakers
- The pieces are nice and the tools are pretty sturdy
- The bowl and utensils work well
- Great for pretend play
- Adorable
- The lid is a bit difficult to get on
You can now make delightful mud pies and sand cakes with this marine creature-themed “baking” kit. The seven-piece set includes an octopus whisk, a mixing bowl, a crab mixing spoon, and three measuring cups shaped like shells. The turtle cover on the mixing bowl doubles as a sifter and a lid. This novel approach to beach toys offers a unique combination of mixing, sifting, and baking elements.
12. SINGARE Large Octopus Kites – Best Kite
- Easy to unpack and set up
- They go right up with very little effort and are very easy to maneuver
- They look great
- Bright design
- Only usable when there is wind
Experience the trendy and stylish design of this mollusk kite, perfect for flying at the beach or in the park. It requires no assembly, so your child can start using it right away. With easy handling, the kite flies smoothly, providing your children with a sense of excitement and confidence as they successfully fly it.
13. Click N’ Play Beach Toys – Complete Beach Toy Set
- Easy to sift the sand off all the toys
- Light enough for a kid to carry themself
- Complete accessories
- Nice variety of toys
- There are a few of the same pieces in different colors
Keep your children entertained for hours with this 18-piece set of beach toys. Made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic, these toys are perfect for use at the beach, pool, garden, or anywhere else your child likes to play. With a bucket, sifters, molds, and other fun sand toys, this set has everything your child needs to build a variety of structures and sculptures using their imagination.
14. Green Toys Dump Truck – Best Dump Truck
- Easy to clean up
- Recycled plastic
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- Smooth edges
- It’s just a truck
The Green Toys Dump Truck is an excellent option for your children because the beach is essentially a giant sandbox. They can use it to construct roads or obstacle courses for their other toys and transport sand around for building sandcastles.
Made entirely of recycled plastic and free of small parts, this truck is safe for kids. The best part is that it can go directly from the beach bag to the dishwasher.
15. HABA Dinosaur Sand Glove – Best Sand Digger
- A great quality toy that can be used in the sand or indoors
- Adjustable for the smallest or largest of hands
- These are made of sturdy, bright tennis-ball-green plastic
- Easy to spot on the beach
- It might scare your toddler
The Baudino Sand Glove Dinosaur is a versatile toy that allows for unrestricted role-playing with its flexible dinosaur head. It’s perfect for fun sand-digging activities. Start by burying the dinosaur’s head, then dig it up like a real archaeologist. Wear it like a glove as you continue digging until it’s fully uncovered, making digging more enjoyable and effortless.
16. GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set – Best Cornhole
- Comes with its own bag
- Fairly easy to set-up
- Fun to play
- The product is colorful and has everything you need
- The targets are very light, probably lighter than a bean bag
Taking the classic game of cornhole to the beach is effortless with this portable set. It comes with a convenient storage container for easy packing and is sturdy and waterproof. Despite its durability, the PVC frame of this set is surprisingly lightweight, making it an excellent alternative to bulky options. The special tear-proof fabric also adds to its longevity.
17. Funsparks Paddle Ball Jazzminton Game – Best For Teens
- Easy to use
- Simple game
- Great for active play
- The set comes with two types of birdies. One is slower than the other
- Must not be windy at the beach
Jazzminton is an entertaining and convenient paddle game that provides hours of fun for teenagers at the beach without requiring a net. It’s a unique blend of paddle ball, badminton, ping pong, and tennis.
This affordable game includes two paddles with comfortable foam grips and four birds, two red ones for slow play and two yellow ones for faster play. The birds are perfect for use near water because their feathers are attached with water-resistant adhesive. To play, simply hit the birds back and forth, trying to keep them in the air as long as possible.
18. Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set – Best Water Fight
- Great for all ages
- Sturdy
- Matching colors make for a great team
- Easy to use
- May need to refill fast
The Max Liquidator offers an enjoyable way to have water battles at the beach! These floating water blasters have a unique design inspired by pool noodles. To use, simply pull back the handle to fill it with water and then push it forward to shoot water at your target.
With their moderate weight and portability, the Max Liquidator is perfect for family outings to the lake, ocean, or pool. These water toys come in bright and colorful designs and can shoot water up to 30 feet away.
19. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set – Best Ice Cream Set
- Great for pretend play
- The material is not flimsy
- Cones and tops make great shapes for traditional sand castles
- The seahorse scoopers are easy for little hands to grasp
- Don’t let your child eat the ice cream
The Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set is an innovative toy set for creating sand “ice cream” at the beach or in the sandbox. The set includes a bucket with a cover, two scoops, two cones, and a sprinkles shaker, all adorned with charming seahorses and shells.
Additionally, the kit fits snugly inside a convenient bucket that doubles as a sand mold. Children can be even more imaginative with their ice cream creations by using the bucket to transport water from the shoreline to their play area.
20. Monobeach Baby Beach Tent – Best Splash Tent
- Offers great sun protection
- Durable
- Great for solo play
- Easy to setup
- Not good for windy days
Introducing your baby to the water can be a gradual process, and this splash tent is an ideal tool for this purpose. Suitable for babies and toddlers 7 months until age 3, this mat offers a spacious cover and a 50+ UPF rating for protection.
To use it, simply dig a small hole and place the tent over it, creating a safe and comfortable play area for your little one. The mat also features a two-way zipper, stability pegs, and a storage section for small objects. Everything comes conveniently packaged in a carrying bag, making it easy to transport to the beach.
More: Kiddie Pool Toys
How To Choose The Best Beach Toys?
- Durability: Beach toys need to be tough enough to withstand exposure to sand, saltwater, and the sun. Look for toys made from sturdy materials that can handle rough play and exposure to the elements.
- Age-Appropriate: It’s essential to consider the age range for which the toys are suitable (1). You don’t want to purchase something too complicated or with too many pieces for a baby or young toddler, but at the same time, you don’t want to give a teenager something that they’ll quickly become disinterested in.
- Portability: Beach toys should be easy to transport to and from the beach. Consider the size and weight of the toys, as well as any carrying cases or storage options.
- Safety: To prevent any unpleasant incidents, you should choose toys that can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without becoming too hot or brittle. Toys made of thin plastic or dark-colored metals, in particular, can be dangerous in such conditions, as they can heat up quickly and cause harm to your child.
How Do You Store Beach Toys?
Before storing your beach toys, rinse off any sand, salt, and debris to prevent corrosion and mold growth. Allow the toys to air dry completely before storing them to avoid moisture buildup. Consider using mesh bags to store toys that have sand on them, as the mesh allows the sand to shake off and prevents it from collecting in the storage container. You can also consider purchasing a toy organizer.
How Do You Clean Beach Toys?
Different materials will require different methods of cleaning beach toys:
- Plastic Toys: Rinse plastic toys with clean water to remove sand and dirt. Then, use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to clean them (2). You can also use a disinfectant solution to kill any germs on the toys.
- Wooden toys: You can use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to clean them, and scrub them gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the toys thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry. You can also apply a coat of wood polish or sealant to protect the toys from the sun and moisture.
How Do You Get Sand Out Of Toys?
Mesh toy carrying bags are a popular item for a reason – not only do they help you transport your toys to and from the beach, but they can also assist in removing excess sand. After a long day of fun in the sun, simply pack your toys into the mesh bag and give them a vigorous shake. The sand will fall out of the bag and off of the toys.
Once you’ve removed as much sand as possible, rinse the toys thoroughly with a hose, in the bathtub, or in the sink when you return home. It’s important to make sure the toys are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or mildew growth.
