Spending time at the beach with your family is an awesome way to enjoy the summer and make some lasting memories. However, when you have kids (especially younger ones), you also have to think about privacy, shade, and maybe ensuring that you have a place for them to nap.
That’s where a beach tent comes in. As someone whose family loves the beach, I can tell you that it’s a worthy investment. You’ll have your own private space for changing, sun protection, and a nice spot for the kids to relax or nap.
If you’re not ready to sift through hundreds of beach tents to find the right one, don’t worry.. Here, I share my 10 suggestions for the best beach tent for families, along with a guide to help you narrow down to the perfect tent for your family.
My top pick for the best family beach tent is the Outdoor Master pop-up beach tent. Keep reading and I’ll explain why I think this is the best beach tent for families, along with other recommendations that I think are worth checking out.
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The Best Beach Tents for Families Compared
Best Beach Tent
Outdoor Master Pop Up Beach Tent XL
Lightweight Beach Tent That’s Easy to Set Up
| Capacity | 4 P |
Best Budget
Coleman Sundome Beach Shelter with UV Guard
Affordable But High Quality with SPF Protection
| Capacity | 2 P |
Best for Babies
Monobeach Baby Beach Tent and Pool
Awesome Baby Beach Tent with Mini Pool
| Capacity | 1 P |
For Big Families
Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Deluxe XL
Large Family Beach Tent with Extended Floor
| Capacity | 6 P |
Best Lightweight
iCorer Automatic Instant Portable Cabana
Super Lightweight Beach Tent, Easy to Travel with
| Capacity | 65″ x 59″ x 43.5″ |
Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor
High-Quality Beach Tent Available in 24 Colors
| Capacity | 82″ x 80″ x 66″ |
The 10 Best Beach Tents That Your Family Will Love
Check out these carefully selected beach tents for a fun day at the beach with your loved ones.
1. Outdoor Master Pop Up Beach Tent XL – Best Overall
There are several reasons why the Outdoor Master is at the top of this list.
First, it’s easy to put up. A beach tent with a complicated setup process can really test your patience and ruin your day when you’re supposed to be having fun. Luckily, that’s not something you’ll have to deal with if you get the Outdoor Master. It’s easy to set up and the process only takes a few minutes.
I love that the Outdoor Master folds into a small and compact package when not in use. There’s so much you need to bring for a fun day at the beach with family. The last thing you want is a bulky and heavy tent to add to the list. This one folds into a 37” x 8” package and only weighs 8 pounds.
Once set up, the Outmaster tent measures 53” x 95” x 51” and can fit about four people. It has see-through windows for maximum ventilation so it doesn’t get uncomfortable when it’s hot. If you need some privacy, maybe someone wants to change, you can close up the tent and windows.
The tent comes with wind strings, plastic beach stakes, and a carry bag.
This would be a great beach tent for a small family.
- Fits about four people: The Outdoor Master tent is quite spacious and can fit a family of four.
- Compact and lightweight: The beach tent folds nicely into a small, compact package that you can travel with wherever you want.
- Super easy to set up: I love how straightforward the setup process is. It’s quick and not as frustrating as is the case with some other beach tents.
- Works on different terrain: This tent is not just good for the beach. You can use it on grass too.
- Folding it can be tricky: The Outdoor Master tent is easy to take down but it may take you a few tries to master the process.
Check Price of the Outdoor Master Pop Up Beach Tent XL
2. Coleman Sundome Beach Shelter with UV Guard – Best Budget Beach Tent
Beach day can still be a day of comfort and fun even though you’re on a budget.
The Coleman beach shade is low-priced compared to most beach tents but its quality is impressive. It features a PU-coated fabric with a UV guard and fiberglass poles. It’s robust and durable; you’ll be using it for many summers to come.
The sun can damage anything, including beach tents. The UV guard prevents UV rays from degrading the fabric. It will also keep the rays from penetrating through, giving your family SPF 50 sun protection.
The Coleman beach tent comes with sand pockets for keeping it grounded on the beach.
You can zip up the groundsheet to close the tent completely for privacy.
- Nice budget option: The Coleman Sundome beach tent is cheap so you don’t need to spend a ton of money to enjoy some comfort while at the beach.
- Outstanding quality: Despite being cheap, the quality of this beach tent is impressive and I’m confident it will last.
- Complete privacy: I love the fact that the ground sheet has a zipper so you can close it completely when you need privacy.
- A little small: This beach tent can only fit about two people.
Check Price of the Coleman Sundome Beach Shelter
3. Monobeach Baby Beach Tent and Pool – Best Beach Tent for Babies
If you already have a family beach tent or don’t need one and are looking at baby beach tents, you should check out the Monobeach tent.
This baby beach tent has a mini pool so your toddler can also enjoy playing with water. The fabric offers UV protection to keep the baby safe and comfortable all day long.
The Monobeach tent has an automatic popup setup process that takes seconds. It folds back into a small package that you can take anywhere and it has its own carry bag. Folding it back up can be a little hard initially but it comes with instructions.
If you have been hesitant about going to the beach with your toddler, the Monobeach tent will help. It is one of the best baby beach tents around. The child can play in it or nap–all while being protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Mini pool: This is such a cool feature because your baby can still have fun with water without having to go out into the sun. The mini pool means you can bring the water to them!
- Setup in seconds: The Monobeach baby tent pops up in seconds so it won’t stress you out, which is an important feature when fun (not stress) is meant to be first on the agenda.
- Comes with a carry bag: I love that the tent comes with its own carry bag as it makes it easier to travel with.
- Only suitable for babies: The beach tent is only suitable for toddlers and they’ll soon outgrow it.
Check Price of the Monobeach Baby Beacht Tent and Pool
4. Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Deluxe XL – Best for Large Families
Big family? No worries! You can still enjoy a hot summer day at the beach without getting fried.
The Easthills is large, measuring 99” x 53” x 57” with a 53” front porch. Your entire family will have a shady spot to chill and have fun.
It may be big but the Easthills is easy to set up; the process takes just a few minutes. It’s straightforward but the manufacturer still includes step-by-step instructions in the package to help you out.
The extended front floor zips up to let you close the tent completely when you need privacy. You’ll also love the four internal mesh pockets that provide a place for you to store small personal items.
There are three large windows for air circulation to keep the tent comfortable even when it’s hot.
This tent weighs eight pounds only, despite being big. It also folds down to a much smaller package that is easy to transport.
- Large with a front porch: The Easthills tent is bigger than most beach tents and is spacious enough for bigger families. So you can bring all the kids and pets.
- Easy setup process: The step-by-step instructions in the package are really helpful and they make the setup process super easy.
- Internal mesh pockets for storage: There are four pockets inside the tent for you to store towels and other personal items.
- Folding it requires some practice: The process can be frustrating, especially when it’s windy. But it gets easier once you learn how to do it.
Check Price of the Easthills Outdoors Beach Tent
5. iCorer Automatic Instant Portable Cabana – Best Lightweight Beach Tent
The iCorer pop-up tent only weighs 2 pounds. It’s an excellent beach tent for families because it’s easy to carry along with all the essentials you have to bring, more so if you have kids.
The nylon material used to make the iCorer is tough and does a good job of protecting you from UV rays.
The iCorer beach tent pops up in seconds and is a perfect option for people who don’t like a long setup process – plus it’s also easy to fold, making the whole process smooth and stress-free.
If you intend to travel with your beach tent, you’ll love the iCorer. In addition to being lightweight, it folds into a package that is almost the size of a laptop. You can go with it wherever you want.
The beach tent has a large mesh back window for ventilation.
- Remarkably lightweight: The iCorer beach tent only weighs two pounds and you won’t struggle to carry it. I think this is a very important feature for things like beach tents – as you won’t want anything heavy or cumbersome to carry to your destination (or to haul around while you find the perfect spot on the beach)
- Folds into a really small package: I love how the iCorer folds into a small portable package – meaning you can easily travel with it anywhere.
- Quick and easy setup: Setting up the iCorer tent is quick and easy–you’ll have shelter in a minute or two.
- Folding instructions are not helpful:While folding it once you’re done is not hard, it takes some time to master the steps and the instructions don’t help much.
Check Price of the iCorer Automatic Pop Up Beach Tent
6. Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
The Pacific Breeze is a popup tent and setting it up is as easy as it gets. You’ll be done in three simple steps and it only takes a minute or less.
The Pacific Breeze beach tent is made using water-resistant polyester and fiberglass. The material is durable and lightweight, weighing only 4.4 pounds.
One of the factors that make the Pacific Breeze a good beach tent for sunny days is that it offers UPF 50 sun protection. It also has large windows that facilitate airflow. You can close the windows for some privacy.
Note that this tent is completely open at the front and there’s no way to close it – so if you were planning on using your tent to change your clothes inside, then this probably isn’t the one for you.
The Pacific Breeze comes with sand bags that you fill with sand to keep it secure when it’s windy – a small detail that I think works very well!
- Tough but lightweight construction: Made using breathable polyester and fiberglass, the Pacific Breeze tent is super tough but still lightweight and easy to carry.
- Large windows: The windows are large and nice, perfect for air circulation. I love that you can close them when you need to.
- Three-step assembly: It only takes three simple steps to set up the Pacific Breeze beach tent and you’ll have it ready in seconds.
- You can’t close it completely: The front opening doesn’t close.
Check Price of the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
7. Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent
The Oileus sun shelter has a spacious design that will offer your family a nice place to relax at the beach.
It features breathable polyester material that provides you with maximum protection from harmful UV rays.
The Oileus is spacious and has two large windows for ventilation. It’s comfortable enough to chill in for hours even when it’s blazing hot outside. I love that you can close the windows when you need some privacy. You can also close the main opening–a great feature if you plan on using your beach tent for changing.
More importantly, setting up and packing up the Oileus is super easy.
The tent has internal pockets for storing small personal beach essentials. It also comes with sand bags for windy conditions.
The Oileus is available in six colors for you to choose from, so there’s likely something to suit everyone’s taste..
- Proper UV protection: The breathable 210T polyester blocks 99% of the harmful sun’s rays and protects your loved ones from sun damage.
- Large windows for ventilation: The two windows on this tent are large and ensure that you have a cool spot for relaxing. You can close the windows, and the main opening too, for some privacy.
- Internal pockets: There are pockets inside the tent so you have somewhere to store your stuff.
- Spacious but not for four people: The Oileus is smaller than it looks and it can’t really fit four people. Maybe two adults and two kids.
Check Price of the Oileus X-large Beach Tent
8. Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent
This is a nice beach tent for two adults and a couple of kids and pets.
The Lightspeed tent is big enough, measuring 54” x 96” x 48” with a 48” porch. There’s enough room for your small family to relax and for the little ones to play, meaning that your kids can escape into the shade without getting bored or restless if the sun becomes too intense. .
The fabric offers UPF 50 sun protection and there are three large mesh windows for ventilation. You can still have fun at the beach even on the hottest of days with the Lightspeed beach tent. You’ll have a cool resting spot, protected from the harmful rays of the sun.
The windows can close for privacy.
The PE floor is tough and durable–you don’t have to worry about your kids or dogs causing damage while playing, the floor won’t become scuffed or ripped. Just be aware that the front porch doesn’t close like some of the other pop-up beach tents here, so if you want an enclosed tent for privacy, this might not be the best option for you.
- UPF 50 protection: The Lightspeed tent offers UPF 50 sun protection so you can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Three big ventilation windows: There are three large mesh windows that do a great job of facilitating air circulation so it doesn’t get too hot and uncomfortable in the tent. You can also close them if you like.
- Super tough floor: I love the PE floor and it’s perfect for people who like to bring their dogs with them to the beach. They can’t damage the floor while playing.
- Front doesn’t close: You can’t enjoy complete privacy with this tent because the front porch doesn’t close.
Check Price of the Lightspeed Outdoors Beach Tent
9. WolfWise UPF 50+ Easy Pop Up 3-4 Person Beach Tent
The Wolfwise beach tent is one of the easiest tents to set up.
It pops up in seconds and folds down just as fast. If the idea of trying to figure out what goes where when setting up a beach tent doesn’t appeal to you, try this one.
One of the best things about the Wolfwise tent is how small and portable it is when folded. It comes in a nice bag that you won’t have a problem carrying around and only weighs 4 pounds. But when you set it up, the tent is spacious enough to hold two adults and two kids.
The polyester used to make the Wolfwise beach tent is water repellent and will protect you temporarily from light rain. It also blocks up to 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
In addition to that, the tent has amazing ventilation, thanks to the circle bottom mesh that promotes airflow. There are also windows for added ventilation and storage pockets for your small belongings.
The tent comes with four sand pockets and wind ropes for extra stability, especially in windy conditions.
- Pops up in seconds: The WolfWise doesn’t require any assembly and you’ll have it set up in seconds. Folding it is also as easy and the instructions are clear–no stress at all.
- Amazing ventilation: In addition to having large windows for ventilation, this beach tent has a circular bottom mesh and a full-size rear door. Your family can fully enjoy the cool beach breeze without getting burned in the sun.
- Small and portable: The WolfWise folds into a small, compact package that you can carry anywhere. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.
- Can’t close completely: You can’t close the front for privacy.
Check Price of the WolfWise Easy Pop Up Beach Tent
10. Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor
Color may not be an important factor for most people when buying a family beach tent. But if you want to have lots of color options, you should check out this beach tent.
The Neso canopy tent is available in 24 colors. There are muted colors, bright colors, and patterns–something for everybody.
Setting up the Neso tent is fun and easy; anyone can do it.
This beach tent fabric is made of high-quality nylon and lycra blend while the frames are built using rust-proof aluminum poles. It can withstand being exposed to the sun for long. It also blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
The Neso tent is lightweight, weighing only four pounds, and easy to transport.
- Available in 24 colors: You have 24 colors to choose from and there’s something for everyone, whether you like muted colors or bright patterns.
- Easy to set up and pack away: The Neso tent is a canopy, not really a tent, and the setup process is straightforward so you won’t be frustrated trying to figure it out.
- Quality construction: This tent is lightweight but it feels tough and durable. I love that the poles are made using rust-proof aluminum and you don’t have to worry about them getting corroded.
- Can move in the wind: Strong winds can easily blow this canopy away. However, you can solve that by filling the sand bags with sand and then burying them. The tent won’t move.
Check Price of the Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor
How to Choose the Best Beach Tent for Your Family
Are you wondering which of these 10 beach tents is the right beach tent for you? Or maybe you have a few options of your own and are wondering which one you should pick.
Here are some key things to consider.
Factors to Consider When Picking Out a Beach Tent
1. Size of the Tent
The last thing you want is to have your family cramped up in a small beach tent on a hot day. You also don’t want to have an unnecessarily big tent that’s hard to carry around.
Don’t forget to look at the tent’s size before you buy. If you have a small family–maybe two kids–a three- or four-person tent would be enough.
2. Ease of Setup
This is a big one. A beach tent that is hard to assemble can be frustrating, especially when the weather is really hot and the kids need a shady spot to chill in.
Most of the beach tents here are pop-ups and won’t give you any trouble. You should make sure that the tent is easy to fold back up too.
3. Material
You will be using your tent outside so it has to be tough. It should be able to block the sun’s rays as well.
It’s also important that the material is breathable for comfort when it’s hot.
Polyester and nylon are some common materials used to make quality beach tents.
4. Portability
A good beach tent should be lightweight and it should also fold into a package that you can carry easily. So while it is nice to have a large, spacious beach tent, consider how you’ll transport it. This is especially important if you plan on flying with it (as it may not be suitable to pack in your luggage, or it may just take up valuable space.
You also want a tent that comes with its own carrying bag. This makes transporting the tent easy and it will help you keep the pieces together and not lose them.
5. Design
There are other features that you should consider for your comfort. For instance, having windows allows for ventilation. And if you can close them, you’ll have privacy when you need it.
You should also check to see whether you can zip up the front to completely close the tent. Some people may not mind. But if you plan on using the tent for changing, then you may want one that closes.
Lastly, interior pockets are other nice design features to have. They make it easy to organize small items that require easy access like sunscreen.
Optional Accessories for Your Beach Tent
In addition to a beach tent, there are other optional accessories you may want to bring for an even more fun and comfortable beach day.
For instance, folding beach chairs would be a fantastic option for the parents. You can sit in comfort, sipping your cold drink as you watch the kids.
Speaking of cold drinks, a beach cooler is another accessory that you will probably need to keep your drinking water and beverages cool.
Other beach accessories include an air mattress, beach toys for the kids, beach towels, and a first-aid kit. And to help you carry all these, you should consider getting a beach cart.
Best Beach Tent for Families FAQs
Are Pop-Up Tents Good for the Beach?
Yes, pop-up tents are good for the beach. They are easy to set up and you’ll have a shady spot for your family in a minute or two.
Is a Beach Tent Worth It?
Yes, a beach tent is worth it, especially if you have kids. They will be protected from the sun and the tent can also double as a private changing space.
Are Beach Tents Waterproof?
Most of the beach tents above are water-resistant. They will offer temporary protection from light showers but you’ll want to find another shelter because they are not waterproof.
Final Thoughts
When you finally get yourself a beach tent, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Your family will be able to stay at the beach for as long as they want. The kids will have a place to relax, shielded from the sun, and even nap.
The Outdoor Master pop-up tent is my top pick for 2023. I love its simple setup process and how spacious it is. Despite being big enough for four people, it’s not heavy and you won’t have trouble carrying it around.
You can close the Outdoor Master completely–the front and the windows–for added privacy.
If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider the Coleman Sundome beach tent. It offers SPF 50 sun protection and its strong but flexible fiberglass poles will ensure you have shelter even in windy conditions.
For large families, I’d recommend the Easthills Instant Shader. It’s big enough for several adults plus kids. It’s also lightweight and easy to set up.
So, which of the above beach tents are you picking for your family?
