Have you ever spent a day at the beach with your precious little one? It’s one of my favorite activities, and you should definitely give it a try. While I can apply as much sunscreen as I want, I want my baby to have an extra protection layer. And if your baby is less than 6 months old, they shouldn’t use sunscreen. That’s why, if you want to bring your little one to the beach, you should also bring the best tent for baby at the beach. I was lucky enough to test some of the best options on the market. They offer a cool spot that protects our babies from the sun, and many of them also allow us to change diapers privately. And I’m sure you’ll be surprised by the extra features that they offer. Curious about our favorite beach tents? Keep scrolling to learn more about them!
Table of contents
- Joovy Gloo Portable Play Tent
- ANJ Outdoors Ocean World Beach Tent
- Pacific Play Super Duper Dome Tent
- iCorer Automatic Pop-Up Beach Tent
- Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader
- WolfWise Splitwave R10 Beach Tent
- Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent
- Sunba Youth Beach Tent
- Schylling Play Shade Pop-Up Tent
- Monobeach Baby Tent
- Hiccapop PlayPod Playpen
- Keumer Venustas Beach Tent
- Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Tents for Baby at The Beach
- Are beach tents good for babies?
- At what age can a baby enjoy the beach?
- Should you get a beach tent?
Joovy Gloo Portable Play Tent
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The first option on this list is the Joovy Gloo Portable Play Tent, one of the most reliable options. This tent is a safe spot for babies who want to spend their time at the beach for hours. With a canopy that offers UPF 50 protection, your baby will always be safe from that scorching heat. Plus, the mesh opening allows the breeze to come in.
This pop-up beach tent is available in two different sizes, and I was able to test the regular one. It’s not the biggest but is more than enough for my baby. And at only around 5.5 lbs, it was pretty lightweight. Also, I was happy to find the included travel bag, which made my trip more convenient. Though I didn’t have the chance to try it out, it’s said that this tent can be used as a travel bed for babies as well.
Pros
- There’s a self-inflating pad that allows this tent to be a bed.
- It’s machine washable.
- Setting it up is easy.
Cons
- It’s not that heavy but is heavier than its competitors.
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ANJ Outdoors Ocean World Beach Tent
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Unlike some options on the market, the ANJ Outdoors Ocean World Beach Tent actually looks like it’s designed specifically for babies. The Ocean World theme is nothing short of eye-catching, with prints of sea creatures that’ll excite babies. In addition to its adorable design, this tent is also spacious. I was surprised by how much space I had even though I had my baby along with our diaper bag backpack.
With comfort in mind, this tent also offers UPF 50+ protection, keeping our baby’s skin safe. Despite that, it’s also well-ventilated. I was able to feel the breeze and be protected from the heat at the same time. Drying the tent is also a piece of cake since it’s waterproof.
Pros
- It’s compact and can be folded into its carrying case.
- This tent offers great UV protection and is waterproof.
- It has a reasonable price with plenty of features.
Cons
- There’s only one design to choose from.
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Pacific Play Super Duper Dome Tent
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Cheap and reliable, who can say no to the Pacific Play Super Duper Dome Tent? This is one of the most amazing beach tents for babies and kids on the market. For one, it’s big enough for your baby and its favorite toys. In fact, I was even able to fit inside and accompany my little one.
In addition, the durability of this tent should also be highlighted. With fiberglass poles, this tent is stronger than many other similarly-priced tents. Not to mention, it can be used for both indoors and outdoors. And when it gets dirty, you don’t have to worry as all you need is a damp cloth and mild soap.
Pros
- Like many other baby tents, this one is easy to set up and take down.
- It’s reasonably priced without compromising features.
- It can be used indoors and outdoors.
Cons
- I was disappointed when I found out there was no setup instruction included.
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iCorer Automatic Pop-Up Beach Tent
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Easy to assemble and highly functional, who doesn’t like the iCorer Automatic Pop-Up Beach Tent? The highlight of this tent has to be its easy setup. Even I, who sucks at this kind of thing, didn’t need help setting it up. It’ll automatically self-expand in mere seconds. And I was also surprised when I saw it fold itself back also in just seconds with my own eyes.
Though not the strongest or most durable, this tent can hold itself in place pretty well. There are six stakes in total, and when I touched them I could feel they were sturdy enough. Also, this tent is perfect for one adult and a baby. It’s not the most spacious but nothing short of comfortable. Best of all, it’s really affordable!
Pros
- It has a UPF rating of 50+.
- Weighing only 2.2 lbs, it’s super lightweight.
- The nylon fabric is flame-resistant.
Cons
- May not be spacious enough for some people.
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Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader
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The Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader is a fantastic option for families who want to spend time on the beach with their babies. Designed for two to four people, this tent is only 5 lbs. Sure, it isn’t the most lightweight option on this list. However, based on my experience, I was able to carry it from my car to the beach by myself without any problem. Plus, setting it up was a breeze. That’s because this tent comes with a comprehensive step-by-step instruction manual.
Furthermore, I appreciate the extras that it offers. For one, this lightweight tent is water-resistant. In addition to that, it can block up to 97.5% of harmful UV rays. I also found four internal mesh pockets, which I used to keep my essentials. And when I needed some privacy, all I had to do was to zip the front door.
Pros
- This tent is simple and easy to use.
- It has a lot to offer without breaking your wallet.
- The floor can be extended.
Cons
- It’s a bit hard to put it back in the included bag.
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WolfWise Splitwave R10 Beach Tent
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Parents who want to enjoy the beach with their babies but also want to avoid the sun should take a good look at the WolfWise Splitwave R10 Beach Tent. This pop-up tent is a genius! With a huge entrance, this has to be one of the best-ventilated options. While my baby and I were sitting inside, we never sweated at all. That’s because the tent has a silver-coated surface that can effectively reflect the hot sunlight.
In addition to that, I also appreciate the privacy this tent offers. When I was about to change my little one’s swim diaper, all I had to do was to close the door for some privacy. And from inside, I was able to observe what was going on out there through the mesh windows. And as a pop-up tent, the setup process is nothing but a breeze.
Pros
- This spacious tent can accommodate up to four people.
- The fabric is water-repellent.
- It comes complete with a carrying case.
Cons
- If you anyhow store it, you can potentially damage the poles.
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Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent
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Best UV Protection. If you’re looking for the best tent for baby at the beach that offers great UV protection, look no further than the Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent! Why? Well, based on the official product page, this tent claims to have a UV rating of 50+. This means it can effectively protect your baby’s skin from harmful UVA and UVB.
Apart from UV protection, I also like how easy it is to use this tent. I kid you not, I was able to set it up in I think less than five seconds. What’s more, with enough headroom, my baby was able to stand up without hitting the ceiling. Not to mention, this tent weighs less than 2 lbs.
Pros
- There’s a mosquito net to protect babies from insects.
- It comes complete with a carrying case.
- This tent is highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
- The net doesn’t block sand from entering.
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Sunba Youth Beach Tent
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At such an affordable price, the Sunba Youth Beach Tent is a must-have for families who love to have quality time on the beach with their precious babies. Though cheaper than some, this tent doesn’t skimp on quality or space. I found it particularly tall, and I didn’t feel cramped when I was sitting inside.
Another thing that I like about this beach tent is its size. Once I folded this tent, I was able to store it inside a small bag. Because of that, I also think it’s a nice choice if you plan to travel for a beach vacation.
Pros
- Assembling this tent is a piece of cake.
- Though lightweight, it’s still spacious.
- It’s more affordable than many of its competitors.
Cons
- Folding it back can be a hassle.
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Schylling Play Shade Pop-Up Tent
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Easiest Setup. Sometimes, our babies just don’t know when to rest. If that’s the case, you may want to consider the Schylling Play Shade Pop-Up Tent. This product is big enough for bigger babies and toddlers along with their toys. It’s 51″ wide and 39″ deep, and I was impressed by how big it was when I was first handed this tent. My little one was able to play inside the tent without running out of space.
As you can see from the picture below, the front flaps can be tied so kids can enter and leave the tent whenever they want. But when I was going to change my baby’s diaper, I tied the flaps closed to give me more privacy. Best of all, this tent is easy to set up. In fact, I was able to set it up with only one hand.
Pros
- Weighing only 2.2 lbs, this tent for kids is ridiculously lightweight.
- The interior is more spacious thane expected.
- The front flaps can be opened and closed easily.
Cons
- I’m not sure whether it can withstand strong winds or not.
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Monobeach Baby Tent
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Most Innovative. Not all babies love to play in the water. But if your precious one enjoys it, I bet he or she will love the Monobeach Baby Tent. As shown in the picture below, this tent has two parts, which include a done as well as a base. To fully utilize this tent, simply dig a hole and place the bottom part over it. Then, fill it with water to make your baby feels like they’re in the ocean.
That’s not all, though. When I took a closer look at the tent, I found a side pocket that could be used to store small stuff like sunscreen and toys. And at just 1.15 lbs, this is one of the most compact and lightweight tents on this list.
Pros
- This tent has its own built-in pool.
- It’s compact and lightweight.
- Setting it up is a breeze
Cons
- Folding it back up is rather difficult.
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Hiccapop PlayPod Playpen
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Best Versatility. Though technically not a tent, the Hiccapop PlayPod Playpen does offer you everything you need from a proper baby beach tent. What I love about this item is that parents are given options. For example, I was able to remove the dome when using it indoors. But when on the beach, since I wanted to protect my little one from the UV, all I had to do was install the dome. It’s really a versatile item that’s worth praising.
In addition to that, I’m also a huge fan of the padded bottom. It’s one of the comfiest on the market. Even my baby was able to take a quick nap since it was that comfortable. And once we were done on the beach, I would store the playpen in the included carrying bag. To know more about this product, check out its official website!
Pros
- It’s great for both indoors and outdoors.
- Surprisingly, this playpen/tent is machine washable.
- Its durability is among the best.
Cons
- I have to admit that it’s a bit heavy.
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Keumer Venustas Beach Tent
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Having more than one baby can be pretty challenging. And when you want to spend time with them on the beach to protect them from the sun, you can always rely on this tent. The Keumer Venustas Beach Tent is made to accommodate multiple kids. It has plenty of room for everyone. During testing, there was my baby and I along with my baby’s essentials and there was still plenty of space left.
Since it’s big, at first I thought this tent would be heavy. But luckily, I was wrong! Under 4 lbs, I didn’t struggle to tote it around. That was also thanks to the included carrying case. Additionally, setting it up is a breeze, too.
Pros
- It has enough space for multiple kids.
- Weighing 3.5 lbs, it’s surprisingly lightweight.
- Setting the tent up is a breeze.
Cons
- You won’t be able to close the front part of the tent.
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Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
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Best Overall. Among all of the best tents for babies on the beach, I think it’s safe to say that the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is my favorite. This tent is simple and practical. For one, this beach tent weighs only 4.45 lbs, which is probably one of the most lightweight tents on the market. When I carried the tent, it felt like I was carrying a chair. Better yet, this tent can be folded and stored in the carrying case.
The durability of this tent is nothing to underestimate. Made of high-grade polyester, I believe this tent can last for years to come. And when I first unfold the tent, I was surprised by how spacious it was. According to the brand, it can accommodate up to three people. I was also thrilled to find there were plenty of pockets. I used them to keep my sunscreen and other small beach essentials. Also, make sure to watch this video by Beach Gear Guy to know how easy it is to set up the tent!
Pros
- This beach tent is backed by a one-year warranty.
- It offers UPF 50+ protection.
- There are huge windows for better ventilation.
Cons
- There are no doors, so the tent will always have an opening.
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Our Verdict!
What do you think about those tents? They’re really impressive, aren’t they? I can’t lie, though, as the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is my favorite. It includes amazing UPF 50+ protection, is easy to assemble, has amazing ventilation, and comes with a padded floor. But the rest are also a great choice. That’s why we’ve categorized some of them according to these criteria!
- Best Versatility: Hiccapop PlayPod Playpen
- Most Innovative: Monobeach Baby Tent
- Easiest Setup: Schylling Play Shade Pop-Up Tent
- Best UV Protection: Babymoov Anti-UV Marine Tent
How To Choose The Best Tents for Baby at The Beach
With so many options available, you don’t want to just add any tent to your shopping cart. To get the right tent, you should consider the following features!
Protection
When choosing the right beach tent, sun protection is arguably the most important factor to consider. I recommend getting a tent that has high UPF protection, as it’s specifically designed to block sun rays. Also, don’t forget to check its ventilation system, since beach tents can heat up quickly.
Setup process
Another thing to consider is the setup process. Trust me, you don’t want to get something that takes a thousand years to assemble. Those who don’t want to hassle with this can look for a pop-up tent, as it can be set up in just seconds. But other high-quality options usually won’t take too long to assemble.
Durability
Also, don’t forget about the tent’s durability. The ocean breeze can be quite unforgiving. So, I recommend looking for a tent that can withstand strong winds and general wear and tear. Spending a bit more to get a high-quality tent is a good idea instead of buying a new one every year.
Are beach tents good for babies?
Yes, they are. They allow your baby to play at the beach with an extra layer of protection from the sun, which can be harmful to their sensitive skin.
At what age can a baby enjoy the beach?
According to babycenter.com, you can bring your baby to the beach once they’re about 6 months old.
Should you get a beach tent?
If you plan to spend a long time at the beach, then the answer is yes. A beach tent provides you and your baby with a constant shade, keeping you away from the sun.
