9 Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers, According to a Mom of 2

checked mark Fact-Checked by Leah Rocketto  | March 15, 2024
Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers

QUICK SUMMARY

The best beast toys for babies and toddlers are safe, portable, versatile and worth the price tag. 

Best Beach Toys

My family of four takes at least one beach trip a year, so you could say I’m a bit of an expert on what to pack for these sandy getaways. Obviously there are the essentials like baby-safe sunscreens, sunglassesswim diapers and a few beach toys to keep the kids entertained. 

I know what you might be thinking. “Are beach toys really a must-pack?” And the answer is yes, yes, a million times yes. As a mom of two boys — almost 6 and 3 years old — I’ve seen what happens when your child is bored on the beach. And if you don’t want to witness a tantrum in the sand (and then have to clean off said sands), you’re better off putting a few beach toys in your bag. 

There are no shortage of options when it comes to beach toys, but not each one is worthy of that beach getaway. (Or, more importantly, your money.) Over the past five years, I’ve done my fair share of browsing, buying, and playing with beach toys alongside my sons. In that time, I’ve picked some real hits (an ice cream-themed bucket set) and a few flops (a bulky inflatable pool). It’s from that trial and error that I’ve figured out what features make a good beach toy, as well as beach toys I’d happily recommend to any parent who asks — and even those who don’t. 

So if you’ve got a family beach trip on the horizon or spend your entire summer by the show, consider bringing these tried and true beach toys. Sure, you’ll still have to clean sand off your child, but at least it will be from having fun and not fussing.

How I chose the best beach toys

There’s no shortage of toy options for babies and toddlers these days, which can make it more difficult for parents to decide what’s actually best for their little ones. Again, I’ve spent the last five years buying and unknowingly testing beach toys with my two sons. In doing so, I’ve learned what features my kids and I like in a beach toy. Though I imagine others share my opinions, I wanted to be sure the beach toys I selected would appeal to kids of various ages. I turned to the What to Expect community boards to learn what factors other parents consider when buying beach toys, as well as what toys their kids have asked to play with time and time again. 

Based on the community’s feedback and my own experience, I narrowed down hundreds of beach toys to the 10 best beach toys that receive rave reviews for:

  • Safety: All of the toys featured are made from non-toxic plastic, should your child put the item in their mouth. Additionally, any toys for children under the age of 3 are free from small parts that could become choking hazards. 
  • Portability: Big toys are fine at home if you have the room, but you don’t want to add on extra weight or bulk for a beach trip. I prioritized toys that could be easily stored in a beach bag or came with a carrying case for easier transportation. 
  • Versatility: Your kids are going to outgrow most of their toys quickly, there’s just no way around it. But when it comes to beach toys, you can opt for things that will grow with your child or offer multiple ways to play. 
  • Value: There’s no need to spend a ton of money on beach toys, as they face a lot of wear and tear. Not to mention that can easily be left behind. Most toys on this list are under $25, but the few that are more are worth it.  

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Beach Toy for Baby

SwimSchool Baby Splash Mat

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - SwimSchool Baby Splash Mat
Buying Options
Pros
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Made with UPF 50 material
  • Ring toss for added entertainment
  • Simple cleanup
Cons
  • Canopy is on the smaller side
  • Fabric is thin

Age range: 6 to 24 months

Material: Plastic

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

This SwimSchool inflatable splash mat is a great option for families with younger babies. The “mat” serves as a seat thanks to a comfy backrest that helps support babies who are just starting to sit on their own. There’s also a stacking tower that further supports a sitting baby, but also provides them with entertainment: They can stack the three included rings on the tower, which helps develop their dexterity. You can also fill the pad with water to create a mini pool to help keep your beach baby cool. (If you do this, however, you should make sure an adult is supervising the entire time. And if your child can’t sit up on their own, they need to be held the entire time they’re on the pad.) 

There’s also a removable canopy that has UPF 50 sun protection, so you can rest assured knowing your baby’s sensitive skin is protected from the sun. (Even so, you should still apply baby-safe sunscreen every 80 minutes and put them in a UPF swimsuit.) 

Parents rave over the ease of setup for this mat, which is a huge bonus when you’re setting up your spot on the beach and trying to get the kids settled quickly. Simply blow it up, add a little water and your baby will be splish splashing in no time. some water to the pool to help your baby cool off.

Community Reviews
  • “We spent last week at the beach and this was our lifesaver. LO LOVED being cool, shaded, and splashing. It's small and doesn't take any time to blow up. Plus she's sitting up but not quite on her own, especially in the water, so she really liked the independence of this seat and I could be right next to her in the sun.”

Best Beach Toy for 1-Year-Olds

iLearn Stacking Cups

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - iPlay, iLearn Stacking Cups
Pros
  • Durable material
  • Easy to clean
  • Develops fine motor skills
  • Built-in storage
Cons
  • Lots of pieces

Age range: 12 months and up

Material: Plastic

 

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Stacking cups are always a hit with parents and kids alike, given their versatility and ease of use for smaller hands. Even if you already own a set of stacking cups, it’s worth investing in iPlay, iLearn’s nesting cups castle for beach time fun. (Especially if you want to keep your home set sand-free.) 

Toddlers can stack the 11 colorful cups to create a castle on the sand, or even use the cups to build a sand castle. Meanwhile, babies can use the set to develop their fine motor skills. 

Parents praise the set for the durable pieces; even if they get stepped on they hold their shape. They also appreciate that the cups come in a convenient storage box, making it easier to take this toy to and from the beach.

In addition to the 11  cups, each set comes with five blocks of different shapes that your child can use for sand play or simply place into the shape shorter. This does mean you have more pieces to keep track of but, again, the storage box makes that easier.

Community Reviews
  • “My LO loves nesting cups! She bangs them together and chases after them when they roll away. We stack towers for her and she loves to knock it down”

Best Beach Toys for Toddlers

Top Race Ice Cream Sand Toy Playset

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Top Race Ice Cream Sand Toy Playset
Pros
  • Promotes imaginative play
  • Develops fine motor skills
  • Built-in storage
Cons
  • May entice kids eat sand

Age range: 12 months and up

Material: Plastic

Why We Love It

This ice cream sand toy by Top Race is a sweet pick-me-up for toddlers – without any of the sugar.

My own boys have this exact set and, let me tell you, it’s been a hit at every beach trip. My 2-year-old loves mushing up the wet sand to make ice cream creations, which helps his fine motor skills. Meanwhile, my 5-year-old sets up his own shop for some imaginative play. It has kept everyone busy for over an hour – and there are enough pieces for the whole family to play together!

Speaking of pieces, there are 16 pieces total, including a bucket and a top to keep everything together. Everything is made of BPA-free material, so you don’t have to worry if your child treats it like a real ice cream cone. This may, however, mean your little ones devours some sand so be sure to keep an eye on them while they play.  

Best Beach Bucket and Shovel

Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Hape Beach Basics Sand Toy Set
Buying Options
Pros
  • Durable material
  • Affordable
  • Multiple ways to play
Cons
  • No bag to help transport

Age range: 18 months and up

Material: Plastic

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Hape’s beach basics sand toy set is just that; a collection of the basic tools that kids need for hours of fun in the sand. The set comes with four items — a bucket, sifter, shovel and rake — that are made with high quality BPA, PVC and phthalate-free plastic. So not only will they be able to withstand the sand and surf, but it’ll also hold up to the inevitable gnawing from a teething child. 

Parents of younger children especially like the design of each item: The rounded corners and thick handles make it more comfortable for tiny hands to hold. how thick the hands on each item is, making it easier for their small hands to hold. The bright colors also make it easy for parents to find the tools at the end of the day because, face it, they’ll eventually end up buried beneath the sand. 

One downside is the portability. There is no top to keep everything inside the bucket, and the bucket is only big enough to hold the shovel and rake. Some parents recommend purchasing a mesh bag to make carrying to and from the beach a little easier.

Community Reviews
  • “I took my friend’s advice and bought those cheap beach toys (small shovel, bucket, and rake), and am so glad I did! My daughter would pretty much only sit still when she could sit in the sand, but with her feet touching the water, and playing with the little rake toy in the wet sand. It was tiring of course, but honestly so much fun! I’m already planning another lake day with my little!”

  • “We have been to the beach half a dozen times with my very active baby. He is entertained by the beach chair , small shovel and bucket set. But mostly wants to walk the waterline while holding our hands. It’s not relaxing in any way but it’s a special experience."

  • “You really just need a bucket and shovel. Make lots of little sandcastles and decorate with shells that you can collect along the waters edge. Make sure you have lots of shade, snacks and drinks.”

Best Beach Sand Sifter

Vodolo Beach Mesh Shovel With Mesh Bag

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Vodolo Beach Mesh Shovel With Mesh Bag
Buying Options
Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Sturdy
  • Included mesh bag for carrying treasures
Cons
  • Single handle may be difficult for children under 18 months to use

Age range: 3 years and up

Material: Stainless steel, plastic, fabric

Why We Love It

Round sieves are a classic beach toy, but they can be a bulky pain to pack. Instead, I recommend the Vodolo shovel sand sifter, a staple in our family’s beach bag for the past few years. 

While most sand sifters are made of plastic, the Vodolo’s sand filter is made of stainless steel to ensure it lasts for years. (You will, however, need to dry it off before storing to avoid rust.)  The plastic handle is thick and features grooves to help tiny hands hold on with ease. 

But the biggest selling point is the included mesh crossbody bag, which you can use to store all the shells, stones and seaglass your child collects during their dig. (It can hold up to 15 pounds of treasure!) We’ve brought this bag on trips to Florida, Maryland and even the Caribbean. It also just makes a great bag for storing other beach toys you need to bring. 

Best Sand Castle Kit

SupMLC Beach Castle Sand Toy Set

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - SupMLC Beach Castle Sand Toy Set
Buying Options
Pros
  • 27 pieces for group play
  • Multiple ways to play
  • Comes with mesh carrying bag
Cons
  • Shovels are a little flimsy

Age range: 3 years and up

Material: Plastic

 

Why We Love It

This sand castle kit by SupMLC has it all. . . and maybe even more than that! In addition to the basic sand castle tools — four castle molds, one castle bucket and four shovels — the kit also has eight sea creature molds that kids can use to decorate their castle or set the scene. If your child’s not super into the sea, there’s also a nine-piece dinosaur bone mold they can use to create their very own Jurassic Park — beach edition.

Each item is made from BPA-free plastic and has received rave reviews for their durability, with parents saying this set has lasted for years. I can vouch for that: My kids have had this exact set for a few years, and it continues to be their favorite beach toy. (Though I have added two extra-large shovels to keep my older son happy.) I especially like that, because there are so many pieces, there is never any fighting over whose turn it is with the bucket or shovel. 

I also love that it comes with a mesh bag to help carry everything and ride the toys of sand before you go home.

Best Water Toy for the Beach

Aqua Kooky Drencher Disks

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Aqua Kooky Drencher Disks
Buying Options
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to pack
  • Multiple ways to play
Cons
  • Disks can get sticky with use

Age range: 3 years and up

Material: Foam, plastic

 

Why We Love It

For all the fun of water balloons at a fraction of the cost (and none of the mess), I present Aqua Kooky Drencher Disks. These sponge-like toys have a super soft covering that is comfortable enough for small hands to hold, and a highly absorbent sponge interior that holds a lot of water. All your kiddo has to do is soak the disk: As they toss it to a friend (or parent!) water shoots out of the super small vents in the covering. 

Unlike water balloons which are useless once they pop, the Aqua Kooky disks can be used again and again, whether it’s at the beach, pool, or even in the bath. (You got to love a multipurpose toy!) At under six inches in diameter, they lay flat and are easy to stow away in your beach bag. 

Best Beach Game

Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Game

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Game
Buying Options
Pros
  • Made of waterproof padding to extend life
  • Improves hand-eye coordination
  • Great for group play
  • Easy to store and transport
Cons
  • Some parents complain about quality of the balls

Age range: 3 and up

Material: Plastic, Velcro

 

Why We Love It

This Toss & Catch set is perfect to help kids burn off some energy, while also working on their hand-eye coordination.  Not to mention it's a great toy to encourage parent-child play. Simply strap the pad to your hands, and you're ready for some ‘90s-style catch. 

With four paddles and two balls, up to four people can play at once, making it a great choice for families. Each piece has waterproof paddings and strong stitches to ensure it can withstand the beach elements and last for years. The Velcro material also makes it easy to stack and keep everything together. But if you like a little extra organization, the set comes with a mesh bag to hold everything. 

Best Beach Toys for Travel

Joyin Collapsible Sand Buckets

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Joyin Collapsible Sand Buckets
Buying Options
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Multi-purpose
  • Folds flat for suitcase storage
  • Great for travel
Cons
  • May not make the best sand castles

Age range: 12 months and up

Material: Plastic

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

There’s nothing more classic than a bucket and shovel for a day at the beach, but when it comes to traveling, minimalism is key. That’s why this collapsible bucket set will be your new favorite. The set  comes with three colorful buckets that collapse and set up with a simple push, as well as three shovels, making this a great option if you have multiple children. Everything comes in a mesh bag that’s light enough (under 2 pounds!) for your toddler to carry. Not to mention the mesh fabric helps drain all the sand when your kids are done playing. 

Because of the low price point, parents tends to stock up on this bucket and shovel sent. One even bout a set just to keep in the car, ready for any impromptu beach or park trips with their kids.

Keep in mind that since the material is more flexible, it might not be the best for building sand castles. That’s not to say it’s not possible, but it may require some more effort. 

Community Reviews
  • “If you haven’t traveled with baby yet a few of my favorites are a travel bottle washing kit, collapsible bucket, stroller fan, blanket and jacket for plane, car seat backpack if taking car seat, suction spinner toys for plane, cup for water, hat, sunglasses, lots of babies favorite snacks. Have so much fun!”

  • For toys I’d bring a few things along but don’t go crazy. Maybe a coloring book or water painting. Whatever sort of small packable toys they’re into (cars, animals, or action figures) and then a small amount of beach toys (collapsible bucket, shovel, etc), a pool swim float that’s appropriate for their age.”

Best Bag for Beach Toys

Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote

Best Beach Toys for Babies and Toddlers - Hoxis Mesh Beach Tote
Buying Options
Pros
  • Interior pocket
  • Designed to remove sand
  • Roomy but lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
  • No closure
  • Straps can dig into shoulders

Material: Mesh, nylon, polyester

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

A mesh beach bag is a must-have, especially for parents carting toys on top of all the other beach necessities. Although there’s no shortage of beach bags – in every design and pattern – the Hoxis mesh beach tote is a best-seller for a reason. 

With nearly 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this beach bag is parent-approved for its size, quality, and performance. Parents love that the sand falls right through the tiny holes, instead of weighing you down. There’s also a zipper pouch for items that may need extra protection from the elements. Although it doesn’t appear massive, this tote actually holds a ton: One parent said it easily holds a couple of beach towels, sunscreen, and some beach toys. Just be mindful that the more you add, the more the shoulder straps may dig into you. 

With 14 color options, you can choose which fits your vibe best or, because of the affordable price point, order a few to match your mood!

Community Reviews
  • A net bag/ mesh laundry bag can be helpful to put beach toys in and then shake off excess sand."

  • “[I love this] mesh neutral Beach Bag that has been all over IG for days when I don’t need a full diaper bag, I like to toss a few essentials in this cute bag.”