The Best Beach Bags for Kids to Carry All Their Summer Musts

Some moms carry entire lives in their bags. If you've ever reached into yours and pulled out a half-melted crayon, three granola bar wrappers, and a shell collection from last weekend’s beach trip, you’re in good company. Now imagine that, but mini-sized. That's why finding the best beach bags for kids isn’t just cute, it’s borderline essential.

At Lola and the Boys, we’re all about giving our kids their moment to shine in the fashion department, bags included. These little trendsetters deserve something that’s more than a last-minute toss-in tote. The perfect kids’ beach bag? It’s got to hold sunscreen, sunnies, and all their big summer energy. And yes, it has to look fabulous doing it.

Let’s talk about how to pick the best beach bags for kids, ones that can keep up with sandy snacks, splash fights, and mini fashion moments.

What Makes the Best Beach Bags for Kids Actually “The Best”?

Not all bags are created equal, especially when you're shopping for a stylish little one with very big opinions. Here’s what we moms at Lola and the Boys always look for when choosing the best beach bags for kids

• Durability:Kids aren’t exactly gentle. A good beach bag needs to survive being dragged, tossed, and occasionally stepped on.
• Easy to clean:Spilled juice box? Melty popsicle? No problem, if you can wipe it down and move on.
• Roomy but not ridiculous:It needs to fit the essentials, like sunglasses, snacks, a towel, and their favorite toy, but not be bigger than the kid carrying it.
• Style-forward: Because our little fashion icons aren’t hitting the sand with a plain canvas bag. Please.

We keep all that in mind when curating styles we’d actually want our kids to carry (and trust us, they have thoughts). Luckily, our shop has some serious standouts, more on that in a bit.

Kids’ Beach Bag Essentials (That Their Bag Better Handle)

Before you pick your favorite from our bag collection, let’s quickly go through what that perfect summer beach bag will need to carry:

• Towel: Nothing worse than a soggy seat on the way home.
• Swimwear: Just in case your kiddo insists on changing into a different one halfway through.
• Snacks: Always, always snacks.
• Sunglasses:A total fashion and function win. Try our Cool Rainbow Kids Sunnies with UV protection.
• Water Bottle:Hydration is the vibe.
• Goggles or Toys: Because beach fun = underwater missions.

So yes, the best beach bags for kids must fit all that without looking like a hiking pack. Function meets fashion, and that’s exactly our lane.

A Look at the Cutest Picks on Our Site

We know we said we wouldn’t recommend, but if you’re curious, we do carry some options that match all the beach bag dreams:

• Pink Jelly Bag ($38.00): Total Y2K vibes, waterproof, and ridiculously adorable.
• Mini Metallic Tote Bag ($48.00): Shiny, durable, and fits all the must-haves.
• Heart Sequin Crossbody Bag ($42.00): Sparkle-obsessed littles are gonna love this one.

Don’t worry, these aren’t grown-up hand-me-downs. Each bag was picked with kids’ sass, style, and actual summer needs in mind.

Match the Bag to Their Style, Because Personality Packs, Too

Every kid has that one thing they latch onto. Unicorns. Rainbows. Dinosaurs doing ballet. So when you’re looking for the best beach bags for kids, why not lean into what they already love? A bag they choose to carry is a bag that won’t end up in your hands by noon.

Some fun pairings we’ve seen work like a charm:

• The Glitter Lover:You know the one. If it doesn’t sparkle, it doesn’t count. Our Sequin Rainbow Mini Backpack screams "look at me!" in the best way.
• The Animal Obsessed:Pair their favorite critter-themed swimsuit with something like our Unicorn Crossbody Bag. It’s pure magic.
• The Cool Kid: Think metallics and mini street-style. The Mini Metallic Tote with some retro sunglasses and a graphic tee? Insta-worthy.

Matching their beach bag to their look isn’t about being extra; it’s about making them feel seen. And confident. Because when kids feel good about their style, they stand a little taller (even if their bag’s bigger than their torso).

Tips for Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own Bags

Look, we’re not saying this is foolproof, but involving your child in the packing process can make them feel more independent and more likely to actually carry their bag. Shocking, right?

Here’s how we get our little ones into it:

• Give them a checklist:Keep it visual with little drawings or photos.
• Make packing fun: Play music, turn it into a race, or let them add one “just for fun” item (but no, sweetie, not the entire shell jar).
• Use pouches or compartments:Helps keep things in order and teaches responsibility for what goes where.
• Limit the overload:Teach them what’s essential and what can stay at home. They’ll thank you when they’re not dragging a 10-pound glitter-filled sack across the sand.

And hey, don’t stress if it takes a few rounds of trial and error. Every mom knows that a kid’s definition of “essentials” includes rocks and three different goggles.

Travel-Ready Tips

Heading out of town this summer? You’re not alone. A well-packed kids’ beach bag can double as their plane or road trip carry-on, and it saves you from overpacking your own bag.

Here’s how to make the best beach bags for kids, road-trip approved:

• Swap the towel for a lightweight blanket
• Add snacks that travel well:Think trail mix, granola bars, and fruit pouches
• Include headphones and a small toy: Quiet time = peace time
• Pack extra undies and wipes: Because…accidents
• Stash a coloring book and markers: No screen? No problem

The best part? Once you arrive, the same bag becomes their beach tote. Efficient, right? You’re officially one step closer to vacationing like a seasoned pro, even with toddlers in tow.

Quick Mom Cheat Sheet: What to Pack in Every Kid's Beach Bag

Still overwhelmed by what goes in? We’ve got your back. Here’s our tried-and-true essentials list. Tape it to the fridge. Screenshot it. Send it to your group chat. It’s the holy grail of summer sanity:

Essentials Checklist for Every Bag:

• Swimsuit (in case they’re not already wearing it)
• Towel (lightweight if possible)
• Extra change of clothes
• Flip flops or slides
• Water bottle (with ice if you’re fancy)
• Easy snack (think squeeze pouches or pretzels)
• Sunglasses – Rainbow Kids Sunnies are mom-approved and adorable
• Small toy or beach game
• Travel-size sunscreen
• Wet bag for damp items (or a plastic bag in a pinch)

Stick to this list and you’ll avoid 95% of “Mom, you forgot…” meltdowns. The other 5%? Well, that’s just parenting.

Find the Cutest Summer Bags (and Outfits to Match!) at Lola and the Boys

Here at Lola and the Boys, we know the best beach bags for kids do more than carry stuff, they carry memories. From sandy sandwiches and first sea shell finds to surprise naps in the backseat, those bags come along for all the moments that make summer feel like magic.

And if we can make those bags stylish and functional? Even better.

So as you plan your next trip to the beach, the park, or the backyard sprinkler setup, give your little one a bag they’re proud to carry, and that makes your life just a little easier.

Head to lolaandtheboys.com and shop our newest arrivals, because style starts young, and we’ve got everything you need to keep your little trendsetter shining.