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After what felt like a very long winter, my almost-3-year-old, Misha Moon, has zero interest in spending any time indoors. His go-to place is a sandy stretch where he can throw rocks in the waves, find seaweed to eat (it’s high in iodine, right?), and store incomprehensible amounts of sand in his swimsuit. So now that summer is almost officially here, I plan to squeeze in as many beach days with him as possible. And having the right gear—from hardwearing enamel dishes to a perfectly proportioned cooler to a game-changing sunshade—is key to having low-stress, high-rewards fun.
Snack in Style
Unbreakable, colorful, and easy to clean—I’m a forever fan of classic enamelware, and these trays make picnic setup a breeze.
Fam Jam
Sorry, beach blanket neighbors! Raffi is on the playlist. (Almost as indefatigable as a toddler, this waterproof speaker can go for 13 hours.)
Hang Ten
A cute foldable stool is handy when it’s time to dust sand off those wiggly toes.
On a Roll
Snoopy skateboarding is our family’s beach vibe and yet another example of needing kids’ clothes in my size.
Paddle Out
Lo-fi fun that doesn’t require a bunch of pieces to track down. (It’s a bit of a splurge, but flimsy plastic versions never last.)
Do the Wave
I love this supersoft velour-terry combo in a pattern that’s forgiving of spills.
Cabana Cool
This do-it-all design complete with a dry line for hanging wet swimsuits lets you zip up the extended floor piece to create a fourth wall (the opposite mesh side can be a window/door or wall depending on if you want ventilation or privacy). And—presto!—you have a changing room, nap station, and all-around base camp.
Life Aquatic
Keep everyone hydrated during the afternoon, then store small shells and other collected treasures for the ride home.
Big(ish) Chill
The taller size fits all your snack essentials but is slim enough to slip into that awkward space behind the driver and passenger seats.
Super Spoked
Is there anything better than cruising along the boardwalk on an ice cream mission?
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