9 Essentials for Creating Your Very Own Backyard Beach

You can’t have a beach without sand, so obviously step one is to invest in a sandbox. This 6.5-by-7-foot octagon design has plenty of room for the kids to build castles, plus space for you to set your beach chair up if you so choose. And we love that it comes with a cover to keep the sand clean and dry all summer long.

When it comes time to fill your sandbox, this sand is the best of the best. Case in point: It has more than 1,000 five-star reviews (for sand! Sand!). Parents say Quikrete’s Play Sand is soft, clean and easy to clean up, which totally has us sold. Just keep in mind that it’ll probably take more than one bag to fill a large sandbox like the one above.

In this case, an inflatable pool is the next best thing to the ocean. And thankfully, this 7.8-by-4.7-foot one is big enough for the whole family to take a dip in. One reviewer even goes so far as to say that she loves it just as much as her three and five year olds. It’s also made from safe, durable material that’s 50 percent thicker than most inflatable pools on the market, ensuring that it won’t pop on you after the second use.

Since you don’t actually have to lug your chairs down the beach, you might as well opt for a full-on lounger. These zero-gravity reclining chairs from Best Choice Products were practically made for sunbathing in the backyard. Sold in sets of two, they even come with detachable holding trays to store your drink, phone and current “beach” read.

Secure this huge umbrella in a stand next to your chair if finding shade is a challenge in your yard. The 9-foot diameter is wide enough to keep two people cool, or create a little cover from the sun for kids to play outdoors. Just set up a beach blanket and some of their fave toys, and you’re good to go.

Without that cooling beach breeze, laying out might get a little sweaty. This portable mist stand will help remedy that. Just hook it up to your garden hose, stand it next to your chair and flip it on when you need a little cooling relief. The body is pliable, so you can adjust the angle and shape as you’d like.

You’ve definitely seen this popular game set up on the sand before—but it can totally be played in the grass too. Teams of two take turns trying to get the frisbee into their opponents’ goal. The first team to 21 points wins. Expect things to get competitive, fast.

Want to really feel like you’re at a beachfront resort? Add this rattan daybed with a built-in umbrella to your backyard beach sitch. Sink into it with a piña colada in hand while the kids are splashing around in the pool and revel in how much you’re saving on travel expenses. Aaah.

OK, so this is definitely an investment piece. But considering the strong wooden frame and PVC roof, we’re confident you’ll be able to use it for backyard parties for years to come. Our suggestion? Make it a snack bar for the kids during the day, then use it to mix up cocktails after bedtime.