First Family Vacation to the Beach - What to Bring?

I grew up by the ocean, so you are in for a treat. A few tips: Beach/water shoes will help the kids (and possibly you) . They protect delicate feet from sharp rocks, broken shells. Be aware that waves come up and go back - little ones can get swept off their feet very easily. Don't allow them to play in the ocean unless you are right there with them! Floaty toys are NOT a good idea for the ocean. Buckets, shovels and sand toys are great for buliding a sand castle or digging holes! If the beach is packed, it can be very easy to loose track of where you have your belongings, and VERY VERY easy for a child to get lost. If possible locate your self by a life guard station so if it will be easier to findyour way back if you go for a long walk to collect shells. Also, go over safety and rules with your 5 year old just in case he/she gets separated.
You might want to bring a couple of zipper bags so the kids and collect shells.
Have a good time and don't forget your camera!!

I found some 70 SPF spray at Academy the first of the summer and it works great, no sunburn anywhere on anyone !! I had been doing radiation and chemo myself and the doctor said I did not need to be out in the sun so I got that spray lotion, and it is wonderful. They have 50 spf too, and less. There are lots of different brands at the drug store just for children/babies in a cream base that's safe for children's sensitive skins. Try that. Beach umbrellas or a sheet and dowel rods pushed into the sand for a nice bit if shade works great too. I would advise that, especially the first day or two so you can see what's going to happen with the kids. Tents are not out of the question.

Looks like all the Mamas covered what I was going to suggest...so have a blast! We make two trips annually to the coast and LOOOOOVE it!!! If I do have to give you my #1 Must Have: Shade!!! We actually purchased a pop up tent (sleeps 2 -3?). I had surgery last year and wasn't about to miss our trip to the beach. So, we purchased the little tent so I could lay down and rest (funny - I never saw the inside of that thing). But the kids loved it b/c they got to eat in peace without all the seagulls hovering over. I also suggest getting them their own camera (disposable). My 11 year old still loves it when I get her one.

Make sure to bring one of those sturdy hand/sand shovels for the kids to use and a bucket.
Also, bottled water. My kids always get salt water in their eyes. The first couple of trips into the water they like to pour bottled water in their eyes to rinse the salt out. (then they adjust and don't need it, ha ha).
Be sure you take plenty of drinks in an easy to manage cooler, and some sand friendly snacks (chips/crackers/cheese sticks/apples, etc) that you can eat and toss the wrapper into the trash.

You def will want some sort of chairs for the adults. The kids won't care.
oh yeah... and your camera!

Beach umbrella/s or canopy--something for shade.
Be warned, they might not like the sand at first or at all. I never thought of that and my son HATED the sand. He's 7 and still doesn't like it too much so we go to the beach but spend a lot of time at the pool and walk on the beach too.
Water shoes, sand toys, hats, rash guard shirts, sunscreen, small cooler, books, sunglasses, beach chairs?

definitely sand toys, they'll love those. if you will get them in water, floaties, sun hats, umbrella, and swim diapers for the little one. oh and a cooler.

buckets for sand castles
beach umbrella or tent
folding lounge chairs
cooler
water shoes (easier than flip flops and you don't have to take them on and off all day)
beach blanket to lay on so your towels stay clean for actually drying off.

Your kids might enjoy having a disposable camera to take their own pictures and to document the cool stuff they find (shells, seaweed etc.).

I like having stuff to do on the beach. Books, board games, etc.

toys, buckets and shovels, kite (it's always windy at the beach!) No beachballs - they just blow away. You might want to invest in one of those sun shelters. They are like a tent, but made for the beach, wide open on at least one side. Lots of water and fruit. I like to take frozen fruit in the cooler and then at snack time it is still alittle icy. Baby powder actully helps dry wet sand on feet and stuff so that it is easier to brush off. Leave extra clothes and towels in the car in case they need to change or sit on towels because their butt is still wet.
I used to live in South Tx - Corpus Christi area. I now live in MI by Lake MI. We go to the beach tons. Feel free to ask me any other questions. I've been taking my kids to the beach since they were babies!