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Ready for a Michigan Beach Day?
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items From Great Lakes beaches to small inland lakes, Michigan offers countless opportunities for a day by the water. These are the family-friendly essentials I pack to stay comfortable, entertained, and ready to enjoy a full day at the beach.
Sections
6
Beach Gear You’ll Actually Use
Family Beachwear Favorites
Beach Safety Essentials
Beach Cookout & Picnic Gear
Play by the Shore
Books for the Beach Bag
Beach Gear You’ll Actually Use
These are the hardworking items that earn a place in the car every time. They help carry, store, shade, and organize everything needed for a full day at the beach.
Here’s an inexpensive option when it comes to beach tents for infants. This is a great choice for grandparents who may only have occasional need for one. If you are looking for something to use regularly all summer, check this list for a different op...
Monobeach Baby Pop Up Beach Tent UV Shade
Here’s why it’s time to retire that old blanket you’ve been using for the beach and replace it with one of these.
• This blanket comes in multiple sizes and can be staked in place
• It dries super fast
• Sand, heat, and water resistant
• can be us...
WEKAPO Sandproof Waterproof Beach Blanket
Imagine. It’s the end of a long day at the beach. You’re tired. The kids are tired and more than a little uncooperative and there is a bit of a hike to the car.
Trust me when I say, invest in a wagon. One that will specifically go through sand. Yo...
Timber Ridge Collapsible Wagon with Brakes
Waterproof, sand proof, can hold 4-6 beach towels, and it’s packable.
Becokan Large Waterproof Sandproof Beach Tote
If you are looking to replace your old beach towel, let me introduce you to Turkish Beach Towels.
• Super absorbent
• Sand resistant
• Dries quickly
• Packs easily
• Lots of colors to choose from
I travel with this towel in my carry on and use...
WETCAT Turkish Beach Towel Oversized 38x71
Here’s a great option for those who regularly frequent the beach.
I long ago tired of running after beach umbrellas that flew off due to the wind. This is staked down so set up once and then relax and enjoy the day
I also like having the option to...
OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent for 3-4 Person, UPF50+ UV Protection
Family Beachwear Favorites
From rash guards to cover-ups, these are beachwear options designed with comfort and sun protection in mind. Many feature UPF fabrics that help reduce the need for constant sunscreen reapplication on covered areas.
Gone are the days when baby oil was your tanning lotion of choice. 😆
Protecting our skin from sun damage is high on the list these days. Protecting our skin from cancer is even higher.
What I like about Lands End is that they offer several swimsu...
Lands' End Women's UPF 50 Elbow Sleeve Rash Guard
Gone are the days when baby oil was your tanning lotion of choice. 😆
Protecting our skin from sun damage is high on the list these days. Protecting our skin from cancer is even higher.
What I like about Lands End is that they offer several swimsu...
Lands' End Women's 5" Quick Dry Board Shorts
Another great thing about swimsuits from Lands End are size ranges that include tall, petite, full-figured, and options for those who’ve had a mastectomy.
Lands' End Women's Chlorine Resistant Sporty One Piece Swimsuit
Carters has long been a staple when it comes to children’s clothes. I like that the clothes would last through more than one kid. 🥳
This set offers rash guard and UPF protection.
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Boys' Swim Set
Carters has long been a staple when it comes to children’s clothes. I like that the clothes would last through more than one kid. 🥳
This set offers rash guard and UPF protection.
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Girls 3-Piece Rashguard Set
If going without a shirt on at the beach is no longer your thing, this swim shirt option offers a wide size range, UPF protection, rash guard, and is made with a quick dry fabric.
And, comes in a variety of prints and colors!
Kanu Surf Men’s UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard
These swim trunks come in a wide range of sizes, have UPF protection, and are made with a quick dry fabric.
And, comes in a variety of prints and colors!
Kanu Surf Mens Barracuda Swim Trunks
Here’s a unisex wide-bucket hat with UPF 50 and cooling technology that is packable and machine washable.
Note: be sure to measure your head circumference and check the measurements listed before ordering. 🙂
MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat - Unisex Wide-Brim
I prefer a lightweight cover that gets me to the beach, a hotel pool, or wherever I am swimming with the least hassle possible.
This comes in a wide range of sizes, colors, and prints.
Yincro Women Swimsuit Cover Up Tassel Shirt
These are a great price point for the support that they offer.
I also like that they have fabric between the toes, a far more comfortable option for someone like me who has fibromyalgia.
KuaiLu Women's Arch Support Flip Flops
Beach Safety Essentials
These are the practical items that help keep family and friends safe and comfortable throughout the day, including sun protection, first aid supplies, bug repellent, and backup power for devices.
Did you know that the mosquito is Michigan’s State Bird? 😆 Just kidding!
The reality is mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks (seriously, they’re bad right now) is a reality of Michigan summers. Have spray on hand for those just-in-case moments.
Sawyer SP874 Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray 4oz
Keep baby safe from mosquitoes too!
Babyganics Insect Spray 6oz 2 Pack Plant Oils
Keep baby’s skin protected with a lotion that is gentle but effective against the sun! ☀️
BLUE LIZARD Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
We use this for kids and adults alike.
Having dealt with skin cancer, we have become far more proactive when it comes to UV protection.
What we like about this is the strong SPF protection it provides and that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Fo...
Banana Boat UltraMist Kids SPF 100 Spray 6oz
If putting together a first aid kit is not on your radar, here’s a kit that includes most of what you need.
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to add kid safe pain relievers and an allergy medication like Benadryl to the kit.
Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Waterproof Red
Lip protection for the whole family (except infants, of course).
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Sunscreen 2 Pack
Don’t let your beach day end by having to drive to the nearest store to repair or replace your phone. This is an inexpensive option for a little peace of mind.
Hiearcool IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch 2 Pack
Why not put all that sun to good use? Bonus! Airline approved!
BLAVOR 10,000mAh Solar Power Bank 20W
Beach Cookout & Picnic Gear
These practical items help keep food fresh, drinks cold, and beach meals simple, whether you’re enjoying a quick snack or grilling lunch for the family.
My group is a bit smaller these days which means I don’t need to lug a huge cooler to the beach. 🥳
This is cooler is easily portable and I really like having a shelf that keeps sandwiches away from the ice. I can pack enough in here to keep two adu...
Titan Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler
Sometimes, you just want to grill at the beach. But, hauling charcoal and dealing with dirty park grills does not even begin to sound like fun.
We have had our portable grill for years. It can be set up on a picnic table for grilling and then cools...
Charbroil Portable 1-Burner Propane Grill
A zippered tote like this is handy for hauling dry goods, plates, etc.
SCOUT Errand Boy XL Utility Tote Bag
Because, you never know what condition a park’s picnic table will be in. 🙂
RNOONY 6ft Vinyl Picnic Table & Bench Cover Set
Play by the Shore
Whether you’re building sandcastles, flying kites, or starting a frisbee game, these beach toys help make the most of a day by the water.
We found that the 6-10 yr old crowd really enjoyed this game. That said, we adults have been known to throw down a challenge or two with our group members. 😆
Ayeboovi Toss & Catch Ball Game Outdoor Kids Toy
I have a grandson who absolutely loves this thing!
Nerf Vortex Aero Howler Neon Foam Ball
Ya can’t go to the beach without a frisbee. 🤷♀️
Franklin Sports Flying Disc - 140/175g White
Yup. This is always a popular choice!
Swimways Hydro Waterproof Football, 9.25in
Unless you really hate life, don’t buy a child one of those beach kits with a million small parts.
• They’re bad for the environment
• Pieces get lost, becoming trash someone else has to clean up
• Kids get bored easy
Buy a set that lets them bui...
FUSPWEAO Beach Sand Toys Set with Bucket & Tools
These are great because one of my grandsons doesn’t like water up his nose. 😆
Kids 180° Snorkel Swim Mask, Anti-Fog Goggles
Like frisbees, kites are one of those must-do things. My grandson really loves dragons right now. 🐉
SGftre Complete Kite with Handle & Line
Helps those beginning swimmers stay above the water. 💦
Speedo unisex-child Swim Arm Bands Begin to Swim
Books for the Beach Bag
Whether you’re stretched out on a blanket or relaxing under a beach tent, a good book can make a great day by the water even better. These are books I’ve enjoyed and would happily bring along for a day at the beach.
This will make you laugh and cry! Absolutely wonderful novel.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel
Love, hate, desire, evil…Rebecca has it all. A classic novel with tantalizing twists and turns!
Rebecca
In 1968, a family of five from Detroit were brutally murdered in their Northern Michigan cabin.
Author Mardi Link examines the cold-case files in an attempt to understand who did it and why.
When Evil Came to Good Hart, 10th Ed.
Youth and love bloom along with cherries in the novel set in Northern Michigan.
Tom Lake: A Reese’s Book Club Pick
Murder and intrigue make this novel-set in 1979 Glasgow-a page turner from start to finish.
A Bad, Bad Place