Don't forget a thing! Our comprehensive packing checklist covers everything you need for a stress-free beach vacation with kids.
Packing for a family beach vacation can feel overwhelming, but with the right checklist, you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to make memories. After hosting families for over 50 years, we’ve learned a thing or two about what you actually need (and what you can leave at home).
Beach Essentials
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ for faces, water-resistant for kids)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sun hats for everyone
- Sunglasses (pack extras for kids — they get lost!)
- Rash guards / swim shirts
- Beach umbrella or pop-up tent
Beach Gear
- Beach towels (bring extras)
- Beach chairs (or use ours by the pool!)
- Cooler bag for drinks and snacks
- Reusable water bottles
- Beach bag or mesh tote
- Sand toys for kids
- Boogie boards
- Beach blanket
Clothing
For the Beach
- Swimsuits (2-3 per person)
- Cover-ups
- Flip flops / sandals
- Water shoes (for the bay or rocky areas)
For Everything Else
- Casual shorts and t-shirts
- Light sundresses
- One nice outfit for dinner out
- Light jacket or hoodie for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk
- Pajamas
For the Kids
- Floaties / puddle jumpers
- Swim diapers (if needed)
- Favorite stuffed animal
- Books or activity books
- Tablet loaded with movies (for rainy days)
- Headphones
- Snacks, snacks, snacks
- First aid kit with band-aids and children’s pain reliever
Room Essentials
Good news: Our rooms come with essentials like towels, linens, and basic kitchen supplies (in efficiency units). But you might want to bring:
- Favorite pillow
- White noise machine or app
- Night light for kids
- Phone chargers
- Bluetooth speaker
- Board games or cards
- Coffee and favorite breakfast items (we have kitchens!)
What NOT to Pack
Save space by leaving these at home:
- Beach chairs — There’s plenty of room on our wide beaches, and we have chairs by the pool
- Heavy cooking equipment — Our efficiency suites have everything you need
- Formal wear — Wildwood is casual. Very casual.
- Too many toys — The beach IS the entertainment
Pro Tips from 50 Years of Hosting Families
- Roll, don’t fold — You’ll fit more in your suitcase
- Pack a “beach bag” you can grab and go — Pre-load it with sunscreen, towels, and snacks
- Bring a mesh laundry bag — For wet/sandy items and dirty clothes
- Photo your suitcase contents — In case luggage gets lost
- Wear your bulkiest items — Sneakers, jacket on travel days
- Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on — Especially with kids
The One Thing Everyone Forgets
After-sun lotion. Even with the best intentions, someone will get a little too much sun. Aloe vera gel is a beach vacation essential.
Ready to put that packing list to use? Contact us to book your family beach vacation at The American Inn. We’ve been helping families make memories since 1970.
Category
Travel Tips