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 vacationers agree. Some of the product links include affiliate codes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices listed are updated regularly, but subject to change at any time.
Hape Monster Digger
$12.99 
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
For those seeking to build a bigger sand castle, we present the Flexible Flyer Sand Mold. Measuring a giant 10" x 5" x 7", builders can stack large blocks of sand together to make a truly epic sand fort! This mold is heavy duty and kid safe. Flexible Flyer has been in the toy business for over 130 years and is known for making quality products. Remember to demolish any structures you make on the sand before leaving the beach! Holes and Castles must be flattened so they don't present an obstacle or hazard for other beachgoers.
Quut Triplet
$30.44
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
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.
16" Kids Sand Shovel with Wood Handle
$16.58
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
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 this highly-rated 16 inch sand shovel with wooden shaft. Available in bright colors, this king of kiddie sand shovels 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!
Hape Beach Scoop Rain Shovel
$4.99
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The Hape Beach and Sand Toys Rain Shovel is a delightful addition to any child's collection of beach toys, bringing an extra touch of joy and creativity to sand play. This unique shovel not only allows kids to dig and move sand but also features a fun rain shower effect.
Crafted with high-quality, BPA abd PVC-free material and sesigned with soft, rounded edges, the Rain Shovel is both durable and safe for young beach explorers. Its ergonomic design is tailored to fit comfortably in small hands, encouraging children to develop their fine motor skills while they dig, pour, and play. And, it's a super value!
Silicone Collapsible Sand Buckets
$15.98
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
These highly-rated, collapsible 7" high silicone buckets can be folded down to 2", making transport and packing a breeze. Silicone is more durable and flexible than standard plastic. The soft grip makes it easy for little ones to pour water. These little buckets are the perfect size for kiddos at 7 inches tall by 8 inches wide.
Back Bay Play 4 Piece Sand Castle Molds
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
These highly-rated, durable sand castle molds by Back Bay Play are perfect for kids of all ages. Ranging 6" - 9" per side, they encourage kids to use their imagination. Combine wall sections with corner sections and keep growing your castle as big as you'd like! Customers love the sturdiness of these molds. Some comment that they're a bit on the small side, which brings us to our next favorite toy...
Flexible Flyer Sand Castle Mold
$12.54
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
For those seeking to build a bigger sand castle, we present the Flexible Flyer Sand Mold. Measuring a giant 10" x 5" x 7", builders can stack large blocks of sand together to make a truly epic sand fort! This mold is heavy duty and kid safe. Flexible Flyer has been in the toy business for over 130 years and is known for making quality products. Remember to demolish any structures you make on the sand before leaving the beach! Holes and Castles must be flattened so they don't present an obstacle or hazard for other beachgoers.
Hape Master Bricklayer Beach and Sand Toy Set
$13.99
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
The Hape Master Bricklayer Beach and Sand Toy Set is an educational playset designed to enhance kids' beach experiences. This set includes a brick mold, a smoother tool, and a shaper tool that inspire kids to build and create any sand structure they can imagine. Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic materials and perfect for little architects and beach explorers, the Hape Master Bricklayer Set turns ordinary sand into a canvas for creativity. This set works great with the Flexible Flyer mold above!
Beach Toy Set for Toddlers 1-3 Years Old
$14.99
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
This premium set of beach toys is specifically designed for the small hands of toddlers ages 1-3. All 7 pieces are made from durable, thick BPA-free plastic. The special matte surface makes them easier to grip. The combination of molds, shovel, rake, and bucket provides a full creative experience.
Stainless Steel Beach Tools for Kids
$11.98
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
This highly-rated set of stamped and painted stainless steel beach tools is designed to last. Handles are double riveted. The set includes all 4 pieces shown: rake, spade, hoe, and wide rake. These tools are 7-8" long and perfect for active kids. A net bag is included for easy transport to and from the beach.
Quut Alto
$58.23
*Prices are updated regularly but subject to change
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!).
The best deals, events & info straight to your inbox
Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it's no wonder this...
It's easy to see why vacationers fall in love with Carova. Located almost literally off the Outer Banks map, while other towns along the barrier islands of North Carolina grew and developed over the decades and became popular East Coast tourism...
Rustic waterfront pub at a fishing pier with a large deck for seafood eats, draft beer & live music. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is THE tiki bar of the Outer Banks. Located at Mile Post 18.5 in Nags Head, we offer a view that is second to none...
Canadian Hole may be an unfamiliar term to the typical, laid-back Hatteras Islander vacationer, but to windsurfers around the world, the phrase invokes thoughts of an exact, postcard-perfect locale on the Outer Banks, where windsurfing and water...
If you're searching for great pizza on the Outer Banks, look no further than Cosmo's Pizzeria at The Marketplace in Southern Shores! We offer authentic New York-style pizza made fresh and just the way you like, using only the highest quality...
The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and...
Looking to fly a kite on the beach or atop the spectacular dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park? Kitty Hawk Kites offers the largest selection of kites, wind art, flags, games, and toys on the Outer Banks, with experts on staff to get you flying...
The Outer Banks is comprised of more water than land, as the fragile strips of terrain that make up these North Carolina barrier islands are bordered on all sides by deep blue major bodies of water.
If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on activity that the whole family can enjoy together, hop aboard Risky Business for an Outer Banks shrimping and crabbing charter. Our experienced captain and mate will show your group how to pull crab pots...
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share...
While several of the Outer Banks' most popular sports seemingly flew onto the scene in the past decade or two, like kiteboarding or stand up paddle boarding (SUP), windsurfing has been drawing water sports lovers to the North Carolina coast for...
The Outer Banks played a key role in yet another historical milestone, as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, a towering granite monument, pays homage to this history changing event, which occurred on the...