The Best Beach Toys for Kids This Summer
While your dream beach day may be all about relaxation, a toddler’s ideal outing looks very different. Your little one will want to explore the terrain as much as possible by splashing, digging and building creations in the sand. So how can you enjoy a moment (or two) of peace and quiet? Beach toys. Not only will they keep your little one entertained, they also offer an array of social, educational and developmental benefits. Ready to shop for standout toys with sunny summer vibes? Below, browse our favorite beach toys for kids, toddlers and babies.
Beach toys are all about fun and games, but they can also offer opportunities for kids of all ages to build on an array of developmental skills. For babies, playing with beach toys can improve motor skills, build hand-eye coordination and strengthen muscles, says Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. For example, using a small shovel and touching sand will nurture fine motor skills and sensory exploration.
When your child reaches toddlerhood, beach sand toys can encourage open-ended, independent play. Plus, they can help kids build on their blossoming social skills by prompting them to problem solve, share and communicate—and that’s not all. Phillips-Walker adds that beach toys can introduce little ones to mathematic and scientific concepts, like volume and weight, from an early age. Moreover, playing with sand can enhance a toddler’s sense of touch, while also teaching them about pressure and temperature.
Beach toys come in all shapes, sizes and colors, meaning there will always be a perfect option for even the pickiest of kiddos. But there are a few standards you should consider when shopping for a new plaything for your little one. Keep the following tips in mind to find the most stimulating (and safest!) beach toy for your child:
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Durability. It’s no secret that sand toys (just like outdoor toys) need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Phillips-Walker suggests picking playthings made out of durable materials when adding to your beach toy collection. What’s more, Phillips-Walker advises parents to avoid options that have electronic components.
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Avoid small parts. For younger children, beach toys with small parts could pose a choking hazard. But you may want to steer clear of them even when shopping for older kids. This is because they can easily get lost in the sand or left behind when the beach day is over.
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Toys for all ages. Beach days provide ample opportunity for family fun. Choose toys that can be used by a variety of ages so the whole crew can get involved.
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Portability. Lastly, opt for beach toys that are simple to transport, suggests Philips-Walker. Some even come in handy buckets that small hands can easily carry to lighten your load. Pro tip: You could even pick a beach toy set that comes in a mesh bag, so that sand easily pours out of it.
Now that you know what to keep an eye out for, you’re probably ready to pick out some standout playthings for your little one. Here, browse the best beach toys for kids, from versatile buckets and stacking toys to too-cool trucks and diggers.
Sand-baking set
- Unique baking-themed set
- Includes seven sand toys
- Some reviewers say that the lid doesn’t stay on well
Does your little one love to lend a hand in the kitchen? Then this beach toy set is sure to catch their interest. Inside the turtle-themed mixing bowl, your little one will find measuring cups, a whisk and a measuring spoon, so they can sift and mix sand and water to their heart’s content.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 14.4 oz.
- Measures: 12” x 12” x 4”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Water-pouring truck
- Spout feature for water play
- Convenient carrying handle
- Ideal for toddlers
- Truck can be heavy when filled with water
Next up on our list of the best beach toys for kids is this two-in-one truck. Thanks to the container and spout, your kiddo can transport water to their nearest sand creation. This way, they can easily create a moat, a puddle or anything else they have in mind.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 1 lb.
- Measures: 8" x 5.5" x 6.5"
- Age rating: 18+ months
Nine-piece beach playset
- Nine-piece set fits into bucket
- Easy for tiny hands to hold
- Affordable price point
- Parents say they wish the lid locked into place
On the hunt for affordable sand toys for kids? Look no further than this vibrant nine-piece playset. For less than $13, you’ll get a bucket, a sifter, a rake, a shovel, a mini truck and three sea-themed molds and a pinwheel—talk about bang for your buck! Better yet, all these beach sand toys can fit into the bucket complete with a sturdy handle for your little one to carry.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 1.3 lbs.
- Measures: 10" x 8.75" x 8.2"
- Age rating: 24+ months
Mesh bag for seashells
- Adjustable strap and zipper top
- Comes in a set of three
- Sand easily pours out of the mesh bag for simple cleanup
- Reviewers say the bags are smaller than expected
Does your little one love to collect seaside treasures? Then this next beach toy is sure to be a hit. Whether they’re wading through tide pools or sifting through sand, they’ll be able to keep their findings safe with these mesh bags for shells. With this set, you’ll get three durable, waterproof bags in a variety of cute colors.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 4.8 oz.
- Measures: 9.84” x 9.84” x 0.79”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Toy dump truck
- Versatile toy can be used inside or outside
- Made from 100 percent recycled plastic
- Dishwasher-safe
- Suitable for younger tots
- Some reviewers say it doesn’t always roll smoothly
Eco-conscious parents will love this sand toy for kids; this durable dump truck is made from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers, and can be used inside or outside. Your little one will be captivated as they figure out what they can transport in their truck, encouraging imaginative play. When the beach day is over, it can even be placed in the dishwasher for a deep clean.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 9.9 oz.
- Measures: 10.24” x 0.71” x 7.48”
- Age rating: 12+ months
Cute, stackable buckets
- Five colorful buckets with different water effects
- Can also be used as a bath toy
- It makes for a suitable beach toy for babies
- Drain and air dry before storing
While these buckets may technically be bath toys, they’re perfect for outdoor play as well. With this beach toy set, your tot can explore cause and effect by filling the buckets up and watching as the water sprinkles out. When not in use, they can be stacked for straightforward storage.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 8.8 oz.
- Measures: 2.9” x 3.4” x 3.6”
- Age rating: 9+ months
Pyramid sand molds
- Teaches little ones about creativity, problem solving and geometry
- Also works as a snow toy
- May require help from parents at times
Building sand castles can be challenging for little hands sometimes, which is where this inventive beach toy for kids comes into play. The set comes with three sand molds that fit together to create a perfect pyramid; just fill each with sand, and you’ll have a standout structure in no time. Pro tip: During colder months, this plaything can also be used in the snow.
Specs at a glance:
- Measures: 8.9” x 8.9” x 3.5”
- Age rating: 18+ months
Star-shaped stacking cups
- Perfect for baby to explore sand or water
- Made from 100 percent recycled plastic
- Compact, lightweight design for easy portability and storage
- Dishwasher-safe
- Some parents say it can be challenging for little ones to separate these cups
Stacking toys are classics for a reason. They’re versatile, often affordable and help little ones build their fine motor skills, while also teaching them about counting and sorting. This star-shaped set comes with six colorful pieces that offer endless play opportunities. They can be stacked, filled with water or sand, used as a mold—the list goes on. Plus, the compact design makes them easy to carry and store.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 6.3 oz.
- Measures: 5.75” x 5” x 8.25”
- Age rating: 6+ months
Dino-shaped digger
- Unique digging toy to inspire imaginative play
- Adjustable interior straps to fit hands of all sizes
- Suitable for older tots and kids
Have a dino-obsessed kiddo at home? Then you can’t go wrong with this dinosaur-inspired sand toy. Your little one can wear it as a glove to scoop and dig through sand like a prehistoric pro. Another fun idea: Bury this beach toy somewhere in the sand, and send your child on a scavenger hunt to find it!
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 3.52 oz.
- Measures: 6.77” x 5.35” x 8.82”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Sand and water sifting toy
- Allows tots to explore cause and effect
- Convenient top-carrying handle
- Can also be used in the bath or the backyard
- Some reviewers say it’s bulkier than expected
- Works best with dry sand or water, rather than wet sand
Encourage your little one to explore cause and effect with this colorful funnel. The underwater-themed beach toy consists of several layers that tilt and spin as water or sand is poured from above. What’s more, it features a convenient top handle so your child can carry it with ease.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 1.3 lbs.
- Measures: 15” x 7” x 6”
- Age rating: 24+ months
Splash balls
- Lightweight design floats on water
- Affordable price point
- Not suitable for toddlers under 4 years old
This affordable beach toy is ideal for water babies. If your kiddo loves splashing, this set will be a surefire winner. It comes with two lightweight balls that float on water so your little one can easily access them.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 2.5 oz.
- Measures: 3.25” x 3.25” x 3.25”
- Age rating: 4+ years
Easy-to-fly kite
- Fun for all ages
- Colorful design
- You’ll want to keep away from pets
- May require help from parents
Your child is sure to be fascinated by this beach toy. While it may require a bit of help from parents, the easy-to-fly kite offers a fun experience for families to enjoy together. The colorful design is complete with six ribbons and a 300’ string so it can soar far above you and your little one.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 3.53 oz.
- Measures: 17.6” x 5.16” x 1.26”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Versatile sand tool
- Innovative, three-in-one sand toy
- Simple to store and clean
- Unique design may not be engaging for all kids
If your little one simply can’t get enough of sand, this beach toy is bound to catch their attention. The three-in-one design can be used as a shovel, rake or sifter, and has an ergonomic shape that’s easy for small hands to hold.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 3.2 oz.
- Measures: 7.2” x 6.8” x 9.6”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Tide pool-themed toy set
- Seven-piece playset for tots and babies
- Made from recycled plastic
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
- Older kids may lose interest
On the hunt for beach toys for toddlers or babies? This set will check all of the boxes on your list. With it, you’ll get seven sea creature-inspired playthings that little ones can use to explore water. When playtime is over, simply store everything in the convenient carry bag. And did we mention this pick is also made from 100 percent recycled plastic and is dishwasher-safe?
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 14.1 oz.
- Measures: 10” x 5” x 9”
- Age rating: 3+ years
Beach ball
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price point
- Some reviewers said the material was thinner than expected
When planning a beach day, you can’t go wrong with a classic beach ball. Your kiddo will love playing catch with you and showing off their throwing skills (how cute!). Best of all? It’s less than $2.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 3.04 oz.
- Measures: 14” x 14” x 14”
- Age rating: 2+ years
Stackable boats
- Can be played with in the bath or at the beach
- Promotes hand-eye coordination, counting and other skills
- Affordable price point
- Older kids may lose interest
Another classic beach toy: Boats. This floating fleet can be played with in the water or on land, and can be counted on to teach your kiddo about hand-eye coordination, sorting and other skills. Link the boats together to create a little train, then use them to scoop, strain or pour water. This versatile pick is also suitable for babies 4 months or older.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 5.28 oz.
- Measures: 1.5” x 2” x 2.3”
- Age rating: 4+ months
Four-piece beach toy set
- Nurtures gross and fine motor skills
- Unique design encourages imaginative play
- Four-piece toy set nests for easy storage and portability
- Designed for tiny hands; some reviewers say it’s smaller than anticipated
The best beach toys for toddlers are those that allow little ones to build on their blossoming gross and fine motor skills. Take this sand bucket scooter, for instance. The four-piece set comes with a bucket on wheels, a sieve, a sand car mold and trowel. Watch as your child lights up as they discover how to scoop, sift and transport the sand—plus, the vehicle aspect of this plaything is great for imaginative play.
Specs at a glance:
- Weighs: 11.1 oz.
- Measures: 8.11” x 6.06” x 6.06”
- Age rating: 2 to 4 years
We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable plaything that will meet your family’s needs.
To decide which beach toys are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.
To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and useful, we chatted with a pediatrician to understand developmental benefits, essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and look for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
About the experts:
Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, is a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. She earned her medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens.
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