
You can even hose off a mesh bag of sand toys when you get home without having to clean each item individually. These “allow the sand to fall out but the toys stay in,” Smyth points out. However, many parents have success with stashing their stuff in mesh bags. The best organization method is ultimately the system that works for you. The Spielstabil Small Sand Scoop is a great choice-it’s small enough for little hands to grip, but has smooth edges for sand designs. “When people are looking for a sand spade, it needs to be sturdy and durable to hold the weight of the sand, especially if they are digging in the wet sand,” she says. Ultimately, though, “spades are made for digging,” Smyth points out. Sand spades are small handheld shovels that can help with more precise tasks, like digging tunnels, filling buckets and crafting small holes. “The downside is silicone beach toys usually cost a little more than plastic beach toys,” Smyth says. For example, some silicone buckets fold into themselves to create a small square that can be tossed in a beach bag. They’re also more flexible than standard plastic toys, which makes them easier to pack, she points out. “Most silicone beach toys are nontoxic and very durable,” Smyth says. Silicone beach toys are increasingly becoming popular and with good reason. “These staples for beach play come in a variety of price points and designs and are always a great way for kids to create, pretend and explore at the beach.” Older kids-and even their younger counterparts-often enjoy games like Bulzibucket and Spikeball, which require basic hand-eye coordination or even just the ability to toss a ball.

“What beach day would be complete without some shovels, castle molds, toy boats and construction vehicles?” Smyth says. There’s a wide range of beach toys to consider, and a lot of your purchase decision depends on the age of your child. There are a lot of beach toys to choose from, and it’s understandable to have questions while you shop. This article is frequently reviewed for accuracy and was most recently updated in June 2023.

Reviews from real parents were factored in as well to ensure we had the best view of how these toys perform across a range of beach conditions and over time. I also looked at the most popular products on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like durability, quality of materials, ease of transportation over dunes and, of course, fun.

From there, I canvased fellow beach parents for their input on the toys that really shine, as well as relied on my own experience. Ganjian for his input on elements that contribute to good sensory play. To choose the best beach toys, I consulted with Smyth, an owner of popular beachside toy stores, for her take on what makes a quality toy, along with pediatrician Dr. We’ve spent countless hours playing with our own sand toys, as well as those of friends, and I’ve learned firsthand that investing in quality beach gear will save you money (and tears) in the long run. I live at the beach and spend summers and the offseason in the sand with my kids. I’m a mom of four kids, ranging in age from one to 10 years old. Contributor How We Chose The Best Beach Toys
