Here is a list of some of our favorite beach toys for kiddos. We gravitate to unique, high-quality toys that inspire creativity. Some of these toys are classics, and some add a twist.

We were not provided with free or discounted products to review. These recommendations were not influenced by manufacturers. We did, however, heavily consider customer reviews at retail websites when deciding which products to feature. We like these products, but we took care to make sure other customers agree. Some of the product links include affiliate codes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Quut Alto

Quut makes high-quality, fun, educational toys. The Alto is a set of three stacking molds. Separate the molds and pack them with sand, then stack them on top of each other to make a three-tiered tower. This is the kind of durable, simple toy that kids love to experiment with. They will find several uses (we’ve seen them turn into hats!).

Quut Triplet

Quut Triplet

Another favorite from Quut is the Triplet beach toy. It’s a rake. It’s a scoop. It’s a siv. It’s a shovel. It’s a funnel. All in one simple, well-designed tool. Multiple Triplet tools will stack. This unique sand tool for kids is durably made and will last several seasons. Kids can use it to dig holes, build sand castle foundations, carve moats, hunt for sand crabs, remove shells and create designs in the sand. We love the Triplet for its quality and the creative ideas it sparks.

Toysmith Sand Shovel

Toysmith Sand Shovel

There isn’t much that kids enjoy more than digging on the beach. Tiny, cheap plastic sand shovels just don’t get the job done sometimes. We like the highly-rated Toysmith Sand Shovel with wooden shaft. Available in each of the primary colors, this king of kiddie sand shovels measures 25 inches tall and features a sturdy plastic spade/handle on a wooden shaft. It floats in the surf and it’s very affordable. We think this is a pretty good option for 6-12 year olds. Remember the rules of our local beaches – all holes must be filled in before you leave the beach!

Miniland Scoop

Miniland Scoop

Need something a little smaller? Check out the Miniland Scoop. Much better than a cheap plastic kids shovel, this scoop is virtually unbreakable. It is made of thick plastic and is designed to stand up to rough play. This scoop is perfect for sand castle construction, sand crab hunting and digging for buried treasure. The Miniland scoop is 9 inches long and available in multiple colors.

Miniland Bucket

Miniland Special Bucket

Here’s another upgrade over standard, cheaply-made beach toys. Miniland makes tough products designed to last through the abuse of many beach outings. Combine this bucket with the Miniland scoop for a durable sandcastle construction set. Collect seashells, move sand, or carry water back to your spot to cool hot sand. The thick, sturdy handle is just as tough as the bucket body.

Miniland sand set

Miniland Baby Sand Set with Bucket, Scoop, Rake and Shovel

Very small children will love this Miniland Set. This is the classic combo of bucket, scoop, rake and shovel, but produced with much higher quality. Miniland products are very durable and made with thick plastic. This tool set is made especially for tiny hands. Each tool is approximately 4 inches long, and recommended for ages 10 months and up.

Sand Castle Molds

Sand Castle Molds

Here’s another classic, must have beach toy. These durable plastic molds help create magnificent castles in the sand. Four molds are included in the set. These molds are rated at ages 2+, but we sure see a lot of adults “helping”! With the help of these molds, sand castles can be constructed more quickly, and with the right mixture of sand and water, your forms will stay crsip for hours.

Hape Sand Digger

Hape Hand Digger

For an alternative to the classic shovel or scoop, check out the Hape hand digger. This small, excavator-style bucket is durable, affordable and highly-rated.

American Pie

American Pie

Discover the best homemade ice cream and authentic made-from-scratch New York Style pizza the Outer Banks has to offer at American Pie in Kill Devil Hills. An Outer Banks favorite for lunch, dinner or a delicious scoop of scrumptious ice cream after a day at the beach.

 

It was 1978 when Eddie and Lou Miller first opened Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse. As a teenager, their son Brian spent his summers working in the restaurant, getting familiar with the family business. After college, Brian and his wife Beth came back to Kill Devil Hills and began working together at Miller’s. Brian and Beth officially purchased the restaurant from Eddie and Lou in 2007. A few years later they opened American Pie together, and both restaurants now carry on the Miller family tradition of quality, excellence and hospitality.

 

“I learned everything about the restaurant business from my parents,” Miller says. “They ran the business together for all those years, and now my wife and I are doing the same. “Throughout the summer, we’re feeding around 2,000 people a day in our two restaurants. It’s a challenge we embrace every season, and we get a lot of fulfillment from making it all work.”

 

The Millers focus on two main specialties: high quality foods and unparalleled service. Seafood at Miller’s is fresh and locally caught, and they serve high-quality Angus beef, fresh pastas and homemade desserts. At American Pie, guests enjoy hand-tossed pizzas and homemade ice cream.

 

“We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the products we bring in are top-notch,” Miller says. “Our customers know that when they visit our restaurants, they’ll be getting the quality and consistency they’ve come to know and love.”

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