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Jan 31, 2024

32 Products For Anyone Who Plans To Head To The Beach Or Park A Lot This Summer

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Consider this your sign to buy a clip-on portable speaker so *you* can bring the party to all of your summer outings.

BuzzFeed Staff

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I walk to the beach and the park with my baby all the time and was sick of my butt getting wet when we sat on the grass and the baby getting all sandy when sitting on towels. I decided to search Amazon for some kind of beach blanket. This blanket wasn't really what I was looking for, but it did not disappoint! First of all it's HUGE. I still haven't used it open all the way yet. It's compact and easy to carry, I love that there are pockets to weigh it down with sand, that sand rolls right off and that I can just stuff it right back in the little bag without having to fold it strategically when I’m done. I can take the baby to the beach and lay her on her tummy without worrying about sand getting on her hands and face. Great product!!" —Adriana

Get it from Amazon for $23.39+ (available in three colors).

Ring Thing Design is a woman-owned small business dedicated to creating stylish and functional products. A portion of each sale for this product is donated to nonprofits working to stop human trafficking.

Promising review: "I was unsure about this purchase. I didn't think I would use it to its full potential, but, man oh man, was I wrong. I use it every day. It's where I store my engagement ring. While at work, I put it in the Ring Thing, and after, I am free to pop it back on. It has given me the power to shut my fiancé up when I 'forget' my ring. I NEVER FORGET NOW! It's always with me. This is money well spent. Don't sleep on getting yours." —Liliana

Get it from Ring Thing Designs on Etsy for $19.95 (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "These are our new favorite folding chairs. We’ve used them at the beach, at the park, and in the backyard. My young children even used it to watch a movie in the living room (it allowed them to stretch their legs comfortably and recline). They are relatively light and easy to unfold. Folding it back is difficult the first time but once you get the technique, it's easy. The back pocket is where we usually store the bag and is still big enough to fit towels, phones, or tablets. The feet sink a little bit in the sand, but so does any chair. It is just more noticeable because the seat is close to the ground like a beach chair should be. I also love that it has cup holders that can rotate in and be hidden if you don't need it. All in all, its an excellent and well-made beach chair." —K Fernandez

Get it from Amazon for $42.99.

Promising review: "These were perfect. They were exactly what I was looking for now that summer is here. They're compact, easy to carry, lightweight — perfect for movies under the stars, music in the park, and beach days." —Sherry Ramsundar

Get them from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I LOVE this umbrella. I have used it at the beach, park, and at a random volunteer event where I fastened it to the fence! It's sturdy and easy to use. Great product!" —MummaBags

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas.

Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action.

Promising review: "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design. It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it. The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" —Taryn

Get it from Amazon for $165 (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "Like to keep your beer cold? Get this. Slow drinker but don't want to let your friends on to how slow you're drinking? Get this. Want your White Claw/Truly to stay as cold as it was when you took it out of your fridge? Get this. I kid you not, this thing keeps drinks cold like that's its job (because it is). Once I got mine and saw how effective it was, I decided all of my cold beverage loving friends and family will be getting one also. With most of my friends being Michelob Ultra and White Claw drinkers, this seems to be the perfect fit. So hard to find a can koozie that holds those slim cans! Love this product and definitely recommend!" —Brooke Stull

Get it from Amazon for $18.73 (available in 31 colors).

Promising review: "Very solid product. It does exactly what it claims to do. It easily snaps on to any can I have, then opens and closes shut again for storage in my fridge. As you can see in my pictures, it's leakproof when closed. I think it will be a great addition to my kitchen." —w_starling

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $12.55.

Promising review: "So, I got this because we like to go out to the beach and hike some trails needing to bring some food and drinks along the way but in a more comfortable manner. I've had other soft coolers but this one tops them so far. The material does not allow water or sand to get in any crevices you are trying to keep cool, which is awesome. I like the small stretchable side pocket to throw keys in or maybe a bottle if need be and it will grab onto it without slipping. There are other slots on the outside to add other options such as the dry storage bag. Everything inside kept cold for our entire day trips in the Florida heat! Carrying around the cooler felt great and was comfortable on my back. The padding felt great on my back and allowed great ventilation to keep me cooler than others I've used." —Chucky

Get it from Hydro Flask for $199.95 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "I am an adult who hates mosquito bites, so much so that I often will avoid going outside. I am a mosquito magnet when others I am with won't get any bites. I will itch for days to the point my bites bleed. With this, I suction the bites a few times and no more itch. If on the rare occasion it flares up a few days later, I suction again and no more itch! I love this thing. If I could give it 10 stars I would!" —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in three colors).

This device uses scent-free repellent mats using naturally occurring repellents found in plants to rid of mosquitoes.

Promising review: "It doesn't smell. It doesn't make noise. It doesn't get hot. It just clears the mosquitos and only mosquitoes! I am the person a mosquito will find from miles away even in my house. The only one they find in a room full of people. I live in a tropical climate and never have a moment's peace in my garden. I've used sprays, foggers, candles, torches, the list goes on. This is the first time I've been able to sit on my patio in peace, even the cat was safe. Already ordered another for a friend and put the refills on subscribe and save." —J&J

Get it from Amazon for $17.98.

Promising review: "This is an amazing speaker for traveling or going to the beach. It's portable, and you can hang it so it doesn't get dirty with sand or dust around you. It is very useful in hiking because it is light, which makes it easy to carry as you can see in the picture. The battery life is really good. I've used it 3 times and still doesn't need to charge, so it's about 10 hours of music. I really liked the sound quality and my friends say that they liked it, too." —Tifanny Angulo

Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "This towel gets very cool and stays very cool. Instant relief. I love that it does not drip on your clothing when you are wearing it. It would be perfect if you are a spectator at a concert or sporting event, visiting a theme park (think standing in long lines), at the beach, in a stroller for a baby to sit on if its super hot out. I've also worn it getting back in to a hot car, and it makes the ride bearable while the air conditioning kicks in. I can even see using this on someone that has a fever because it stays cool much longer than a washcloth or other fabric cooling towels." —Michelle Candocia

Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

Promising review: "This is the best invention known to mankind. I take this to the park, the beach, or on long walks. I don't have to get out the bowl, I don't waste water, and when my pup is done drinking, I just push the button and the leftover water goes back in to the bottle." —LJ

Get it from Amazon for $16.09+ (available in two colors and two sizes).

You get the net, carrying case, and three balls with the set. The game is similar to volleyball in the sense that you and a partner have three hits to spike the ball into the net. Once you do that, it's the other team's turn to return. Whoever lets the ball hit the ground first, loses that round.

Promising review: "We LOVE this game! Originally, we set out for Spyder ball, but I came across this brand for a much more reasonable price. It's the same thing! My teenage sons who are usually 'too cool for school' have spent hours playing this game in the backyard, at the park, and even brought it on vacation to the beach. They prefer the larger training ball that came with this set, and that's something that we wouldn't have gotten with the other brand. Once you figure out how to tighten the net so the ball bounces well, it's 'game on!"'" —KDG teacher

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

Promising review: "Great game for my toddlers! They actually wanted to spend more time outside playing with them and that's exactly what I wanted!" —Lili B

Get it from Amazon for $12.79.

Promising review: "This wagon is a must have!!!! I love how compact it is when folded up (it also comes with a nice carrying back making it easy to move around!), this feature is important to me as trunk space is limited when packing the family up for a day trip to the beach or park. We found this wagon to be very easy to set up. Simply pull out of the bag and unclip and fold out! Simple as that, it's now ready to use!!! I found the cargo area to be large enough to carry all of our items easily, it holds a lot and a good amount of weight, too. The wheels are great quality, easy to pull on pavement, grass even a dirt path. The front wheels swivel making it easy to maneuver. Overall, we are very impressed with the make, quality, and durability of this wagon. We highly recommend it and would purchase it again!" —Jess & Craig

Get it from Amazon for $114.15.

CurlCap is a Black-owned small business started by Britney Sade to create hats made specifically for natural hair with an open back and scrunchie design.

Promising review: "I absolutely love my cap. One of my buddies tagged me in a post about this one specifically because I am planning a trip to Florida this summer. I have a ton of hair, and it's hard to put it all under a traditional cap. I love this so much and even ordered another one and will probably order a few more! I absolutely love the fact that it is a black0owned company and obviously created by someone who understands that our natural curls don't always fit in all spaces!" —SimplyMarquisha

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 21 styles).

Promising review: "This product is a must-have! I absolutely love it. It holds so much food/drinks and keeps everything cold with a few ice packs. I love that it's collapsible for easy storage. My husband loves it too. It's perfect for the ball field, a lake day, park picnic, or a day on the farm chasing cattle. One of my favorite Amazon purchases!" —Baylee Akins

Get it from Amazon for $39.90 (available in eight colors and patterns).

You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected.

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a vacation to the Virgin Islands because my husband is super paranoid about leaving valuables unattended on the beach. At first, he scoffed that this little plastic thing wasn't going to stop a thief, and I had wasted my money. Then he admitted that the plastic was pretty sturdy, and it was cool that we could secure the cable to our beach chairs, a fence, or a tree (most petty thieves don't carry around cable cutters). Next thing I know, he's storing his wallet, phone, and room keys in it along with mine. He laced the cable through other things he didn't want stolen, like the bags containing our snorkel gear. Neighboring beachgoers asked about it and where they could get one, and he was quick to demonstrate its features. And when we got home, I overheard him showing it to his friends, with as much approval as he could muster. Hate to say I told you so...OK, no I don't." —Patsy

Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I used to dread wearing sunscreen because of that horrible ashy cast it gave my brown skin. Now? I actually look forward to putting this stuff on. I love how moisturizing it is and that it is completely sheer. What it is advertised to do it actually does. I layer this on top of my moisturizer. You do need to work it in a little bit but it absorbs into the skin nicely. To all my brown/Black ladies/fellas, what are you waiting for? Buy it!" —MD

Get it from Target for $15.99.

I'm very fair-skinned and typically burn with ease. I've tried many (many!) sunscreens and Sun Bum has become my go-to. It's affordable but truly works, keeps my skin protected, and smells INCREDIBLE. I also love their tinted face lotion and would 100% use it year-round.

Promising review: "Great sunscreen. The proof isn't so high that you won't get some sun and it's got good moisturizing lotion inside of it to keep skin hydrated. Also some of the better smelling sunscreen that I've used. The 3-oz. tube size is great for traveling with carry-on bags." —Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $11.49+ (available in two sizes and SPF 15–70).

Promising review: "My 3-year-old will love something one week then despise it the next, so I love that I can put several different things in there for him to choose from. It's been great for in the car and at the park! He’ll need to take a snack to preschool in a couple of months, which is why I bought this. I will be buying a couple more!" —Ashley Yon

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in two colors).

BuzzFeed editor Sally Elshorafa loves this cup: "I am normally a very hydrated person, but when I was pregnant I took it to another level. I was always thirsty, and especially for really cold water. This tumbler kept my water cold for more than 12 hours each day, like literally the ice would not melt if I kept the lid sealed. I still use this tumbler every day, and I gave birth over six months ago! It's a keeper."

Promising review: "I have only used this for ice water so far and it's AWESOME. I'm pregnant and this has helped me stay hydrated because I like my water very cold and this keeps my drink icy for hours. My favorite is when I wake up super thirsty in the morning and reach over to sip from this cup and the ice is still in tact and the water is nice and cold. Very impressed with the quality, and the color is very cute. I've already gotten lots of compliments on it." —mcs930

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in six sizes and 40 colors and patterns).

Promising review: "I own an English bulldog who overheats very easily. I bought this for a (very short) trip to the beach, and it worked fabulously. Easy to use and super cute!" —Ciara

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three sizes).

Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phone while lounging in the sun. The shades attaches to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays.

Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can't use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun." —Hayley Place

Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $16.98 (available in six colors).

Plus, when you flip back over, there's a pillow that covers the hole to keep your head comfortable.

Promising review: "Perfect for the beach. I absolutely love it. It's easy to carry and unfold. One of the best things I have bought for the beach. I would definitely recommend to anyone. And super cool to have the hole to put your head to lay on your stomach. I love it!!!" —Love hot reads

Get it from Amazon for $62.71 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "I've now purchased two of these tables (both in large), and they are simply wonderful! They are light, compact, and easy to transport. Most importantly, they are sturdy: we've had one of ours for over four years, and it is still going strong — well worth the higher price in comparison to other tables. We used them at the beach to keep phones, food, speakers, etc. up out of the sand, and they are the envy of the beach! We also use them when we are camping or just sitting around a campfire. The table itself has an accordion-style top with two strong elastic straps at each end to hold it in place when it is folded. It easily unfolds by sliding the straps off the ends and letting gravity do the rest. The base spreads apart like a scissor-jack, with two top pieces that snap into a groove to keep the entire base rigid. Finally, the top snaps into two grooves on each side of the top and you are done — 60 seconds or less after you get used to doing it." —Eclectic Mom

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain.

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly also loves this pouch:

"I buy these for every water-adjacent vacation (so mostly warm-weather trips like Croatia and Greece). But! As soon as I booked my flight for Iceland, I bought one of these to take along to The Blue Lagoon. It survived rain, hail, and all kinds of steam rising off the water.

With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. So, for a trip, I'll buy two to three, except for this one where I just knew I'd be in the water at The Blue Lagoon. And while I'm on the subject, check out a TikTok I made using the phone case! On the day I went, we had to duck and run inside because of rain. And it was hailing on us when I was in the water, so I had to face a certain way to keep from getting pelted in the face. But, when in Rome! Then, we went inside and at lunch at the Lava Restaurant, and it was GORGEOUS and clear outside post-lunch. So, this case worked well taking pics in both bad and good conditions (as you can see from the two pics for comparison). I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So, I really trust these!"

Get it from Amazon for $7.19 (available in 13 colors).

Promising review: "Maaaannnnnn, I bought these for Cancun, and they’ve been used and abused here in the saltwater pool and beaches, but they are worth the money in my opinion! Yes they feel a tad bit cheap, but hey, they’ve opened so many bottled beer and sodas, and I like how they look. I’m happy with my purchase! Will be buying more to keep in my car and in my work truck." —Erik Perez

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "What a brilliant idea! This chair is super compact and lightweight, and EXTREMELY easy to inflate. You don't need any pumps, and you don't need to blow it up with your breath, yet it inflates in a few seconds. All you have to do is spin your body 360 degrees once while holding the chair out. It really is that easy and it really works! What's more, the chair holds the air in — no leaking — for days, and it is incredibly comfy!!!! I have a very bad back and almost no chairs are comfortable for me to sit on, but this chair is amazingly comfortable. It creates no pressure points you because it is filled with air. You can sit upright on it or lounge on it, depending on how much air you put in and where you place your tush. I thought there had to be a catch, and that it would be difficult to fold up again and get back into the carrying case, but it wasn't. My only advice is to cut off the attached metal bottle opener, as that could hit someone and hurt them when you spin around to fill up the chair." —Elizabeth Schiff

Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in two colors).

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.

Promising review: "I bought this before I went on a cruise. We stayed in a hotel for a few days prior and I got a little toasty by the sun. Used this and it helped drown down the burn feeling and helped heal my skin within days. By the cruise I was fine with no pains from the burn. Continued to use it daily while on vacation. Works like charm. Love it! Smells great too! Its not a loud smell or anything. Would totally recommend and buy again!" —Victoria Ramsey

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.