Whether you are flying to a beach destination or packing the car and trying to save space, here’s your guide to easy to pack beach toys. When I think of beach toys and activities, I think of loading up a wagon and pulling it down to the beach. That’s great if you are in a beach house for the week or longer but if you have to fly to the beach destination or have to pack the car with the whole family… a wagon load of beach toys isn’t an option. Giant shovels, plastic buckets and boogie boards might not fit in your suitcase but the list of beach activities for kids below will fit easily! 

Packing light is always key for me, so finding beach toys that don’t take up much space in our suitcase is the only way they’re making the cut. Inflatable toys are an excellent pick: beach balls, inflatable rings, and small inflatable pools can be easily deflated and folded into a compact size, fitting neatly into the corners of your suitcase. They’re lightweight and versatile, providing hours of fun without the bulk. Another great option is collapsible buckets and shovels. There are so many out there in different sizes. I linked our favorites below. 

Shell collecting is fun for all ages and also make for the best beach memories. So I added two easy to pack shell collecting favorites too. From the pool to the beach this list will help entertain the kids and save space in your suitcase. 

Easy to Pack Beach Toys 

1. Reusable Water Balloons 

These Soppycid reusable water balloons are the easiest water/ beach toy to pack. They take up barely any space, are super light and fun for all ages.  Soppycid also comes with a little mesh travel bag so they are 100% ready for a trip! Right now you can use code SOPPYCID07 for 10% off too! 

2. Mesh Shells Bags 

These pack flat and are so much fun for collecting shells. If you really want to save space, use these bags to store the foldable towels below intsead of the bag they come in.

3. Beach Ball

A classic beach essential that’s lightweight and easily deflatable for packing. It’s great for games like beach volleyball or simply tossing around in the water.

4. Big Ring Float 

Pack inflatable floats or tubes that can be easily inflated at the beach for lounging in the water or floating around.

5. Acrylic Shell Collecting Box 

New favorite! These are small, flat and perfect for bigger kids too. My cousin had a great idea too – add the name of the beach when you get home and save them. 

6. Mesh Beach Bag 

I have been bringing this mesh beach bag on trips for years. It folds small and flat and when you unfold it, you can fit everything you need from towels to beach toys. 

7. Foldable Buckets 

I have tried to skip bringing buckets… but they’re always missed. Glad I discovered foldable buckets! 

8. Compact Towels 

If you are going somewhere that you need to bring your own beach towels, these are key. They fold up so small, come with a little zipper pouch and are also quick dry. 

9. Seek & Find Set 

Love this set. Lots of fun and different games you can play packed in one little set that’s easy to pack flat. 

10. Travel Size Beach Toy Set 

This little beach set is small, compact and has tons of cute options for building castles. It’s the perfect amount of sand castle building fun in a small scale that’s easy for packing. 

11. Looms and Floss

Bracelet making pool and beachside is always fun. Rainbow Looms are super light and easy to pack and floss is too.

12. A Deck of Cards

A standard deck of cards is one of the easiest “toys” to pack because it takes up almost no space and works anywhere. You can play cards right on the beach between swims, bring them out at lunch, or wind down in the evening. It’s also perfect for solo downtime because you can play a variety of solitaire games with nothing but the deck.

Want to see some of these easy to pack beach toys in “action”? I made a Reel with them and you can check it out here: Easy to Pack Beach Activities.

Have a fun beach trip!