Best Beach Tent for Family - [ 2021 Reviews ]

Here's our top choices for best beach tents for family on the market in 2021.

  1. Pacific Breeze XL Beach Tent >> specially designed hub system, fast, easy setup
  2. Coleman Beach Shade Shelter >> portable pop up beach tent with 50+ UPF sun protection
  3. Lightspeed Cabana Beach Tent Sun Shelter >> oversize carrybag, sand pockets, UPF 50+ sun protection
  4. Neso Portable Beach Tent  >> weighs in at 4 lbs/ 19.5 inches, very easy to carry and set up
  5. Arcshell Premium Extra Large Pop Up Beach Tent >> folded down size by 30.7 by 5.4 by 5.4 inches for travel packing
  6. Neso Grande Beach Tent >> 7ft tall and 9x9ft, reinforced corners, quick set up
  7. Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader >> three sided roll up windows for 360 degree views
  8. Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent  >> lightweight = 4 lbs, packs down to 32" x 5" for easy carrying
  9. Sumbaby Large Beach Tent for Family >> fits 3-4 people, light weight and easy to set up
  10. OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent >> built in zippered door provides privacy screen for adults
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL with extendable Floor for Privacy, SPF 50+ Pop Up Beach Tent Provides Shade for 4 or More People


Whether you live near the ocean or have planned a vacation to a nice tropical destination, a beach tent is a must.

It provides shelter from the sometimes temperamental weather, a shady spot for your youngsters to nap in the afternoon, and even some privacy if needed.

If you miss this important piece of beach gear, check out our selection below to find the best beach tents for families.

family in a beach tent near the ocean
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL with extendable Floor for Privacy, SPF 50+ Pop Up Beach Tent Provides Shade for 4 or More People

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup is a fabulous beach tent perfect for larger families. Its specially designed pop-up hub system ensures quick and easy setup; a great feature when you have to keep an eye on a toddler or two. 

It comes in two variants, but due to the minimal price difference between them, we prefer the Deluxe one.

Extra-large and lightweight, it’s also easy to fold down and packs compactly for storage and transport. 

Fitting four adults comfortably or two adults and a bunch of kids, this tent provides a truly spacious shelter for snack or nap time. We like that it provides UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can reduce the use of sunscreen while sitting inside it. 

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL with extendable Floor for Privacy, SPF 50+ Pop Up Beach Tent Provides Shade for 4 or More People

Three large ventilation windows and lots of storage pockets also enhance versatility. 

Another thing we like is the extendable floor that doubles as front closure thanks to the zip-up system. 

Four stakes and five sand pockets also ensure added stability in windy conditions. It only comes in blue, but with all these features, this is undoubtedly one of the ideal beach tents for families.

Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor, Portable Canopy Sunshade - 7' x 7' - Patented Reinforced Corners(Teal)

More of a beach shade canopy, this beach tent with sand anchor by Neso Tents is our second favorite. 

Weighing only 4lbs, it’s also very easy to carry. Furthermore, sand bags ensure stability in moderate winds, just what you need from a reliable beach canopy. 

Ideal for a family of four, the canopy is made from a high-quality nylon and Lycra blend; patented reinforced corners and rust-proof aluminum poles also ensure longevity and durability in most weathers. 

Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor, Portable Canopy Sunshade - 7' x 7' - Patented Reinforced Corners(Teal)

Perfect for most outdoor activities, Neso beach tent is also water- and UV-resistant. Indeed, the tent was designed by an adventurer diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer and provides an SPF 50+ ultraviolet rays sun protection. 

Available in a range of colors and patterns, easy to carry, and easy to install, this beach tent is a great choice for the beach but also for camping, tailgating, or even your backyard. 

Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent, 7ft Tall, 9 x 9ft, Reinforced Corners and Cooler Pocket(Periwinkle Blue)

Standing 7ft tall and providing plenty of overhead space, this innovative beach tent is very similar to its smaller brother above, but it can accommodate up to 6 people.

Coming from the same manufacturer, it’s also waterproof and provides SPF 50+ sun protection. 

Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent, 7ft Tall, 9 x 9ft, Reinforced Corners and Cooler Pocket(Periwinkle Blue)

Installing and dismantling in the same way, it’s fabricated from durable nylon and Lycra blend. Perfect for the beach but also for camping and tailgating, this canopy style tent is also very easy to carry. 

Packing compactly and fitting seamlessly in a suitcase, this is undoubtedly another one of those awesome large beach tents for you and the extended family.

Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter - Portable Instant Tent for Beach with Carrying Bag, Stakes, 6 Sand Pockets, Anti UV for Fishing Hiking...

Similar in design with our top pick, the Oileus X-Large beach tent is perfect for four people and has some features that make it an ideal tent for baby

The thing we like best is the automatic patented pop-up mechanism that erects this sun shelter in just seconds. A thing you should pay attention to when you have small children, especially if you’re the only adult accompanying them at the beach. 

Another nice thing is that it folds in under 30 seconds, while its light 4lbs weight makes it a breeze to carry. 

Strong and durable, Oileus is made from durable and breathable 210T polyester coated with 3000mm PU coating. Resisting all weather conditions and blocking up to 99% of the harmful UV rays, it’s ideal for babies and toddlers. 

Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter - Portable Instant Tent for Beach with Carrying Bag, Stakes, 6 Sand Pockets, Anti UV for Fishing Hiking...

Another feature that makes it ideal for the youngsters is the presence of two lateral mesh windows with flaps; you can open them to enhance airflow or keep them closed to provide privacy to a sleeping kid. 

We also like that the extendable, durable floor zips up and acts as a door whenever needed. 

The tent comes with all needed for a secure installation, including ground pegs and guy rope. Furthermore, six sand pockets enhance the tent’s stability in the wind. Coming at a price that won’t break the bank, it’s a great choice for families who want to save a buck.

Large Beach Tent UV Pop Up Sun Shelter Tents, Big Portable Automatic Sun Umbrella, Waterproof/Windproof Instant Easy Outdoor Cabana, Fit 3-4 Persons...

With a design inspired by a Coleman beach tent, this large sun shade from Sumbababy is the last entry on our list and will satisfy all families on a lower budget. 

Cheap yet durable and reliable, it fits four people and unfolds like a carry bag with a handle. Not only it’s easy to carry, but it’s also small enough to store without worries.

Breathable yet windproof, the tent is made from UPF 50+ fabric and comes with carbon fiber stakes that resist all weathers. 

Large Beach Tent UV Pop Up Sun Shelter Tents, Big Portable Automatic Sun Umbrella, Waterproof/Windproof Instant Easy Outdoor Cabana, Fit 3-4 Persons...

Designed for the beach but perfect to use on all your outdoor adventures, this pop-up tent also comes with sturdy ground pegs. 

Another thing we like is the big mesh window designed to maintain good ventilation and reduce the temperature inside the tent. However, we don’t like that it doesn’t have a flap to close it. 

Considering the price, it’s hard to argue about the lack of some feature. This is undoubtedly an excellent beach tent for the money.


Beach Tent for Families - Buying Guide

In no particular order of importance, you should consider the following things when buying a beach tent for your family.

Design

Beach tents come in various styles; from pop up beach tents to canopy or cabana, there is a myriad of models to consider.

Pop-up tents are ideal for families with small kids, as erecting the beach shelter takes seconds and requires little intervention. Canopy style tents are the most suitable for vacation, especially if you travel by plane or train. Cabana tents, on the other hand, are the most stable in the wind.

Material

Most beach tents are made from breathable synthetic materials, and some of them are coated with waterproof polyurethane. When choosing, make sure the fabric is sturdy enough to resist wear and tear. If you opt for a canopy tent, ensure that it comes with reinforced corners.

Size

This is a personal choice; however, a good beach tent for families must accommodate at least three people. Keep in mind that most tents are on the smaller side, so if you’re a family of four and need some extra space when you’re all in the tent, you should go for a 6-person tent. 

Assembly

Regardless of the style you want, make sure the tent is easy to assemble and dismantle. Obviously, a pop up beach tent is the easiest to erect. If you never had a canopy tent and decide to buy one, it might take some practice to learn to erect it efficiently. 

Portability

A beach tent must also be lightweight and portable. Don’t account for the weight and volume of the shelter only. You will also have to carry additional beach gear such as portable chairs, beach cooler, and perhaps a bag full of beach toys. Of course, you could haul everything in a beach cart for soft sand. Nevertheless, a lightweight and easily transportable tent comes with more advantages. 

Weather Resistance

Many people believe that a beach tent must protect from sunrays only. Yet, with the temperamental weather in the last year, your tent should also resist wind and rain. Choose a beach tent with SPF 50+ and make sure it’s at least water resistant if not waterproof. Most beach tents have mesh windows, but one with flaps can prevent sand from getting into your shelter in case of strong wind blasts.

Cleaning Ease

Beach tents don’t require special maintenance, but you’ll still have to clean off all sand and sea salt from the fabric. While you could find cotton tents if you really insist, those made from synthetic materials are easier to clean and maintain.

Wrapping it Up

How many members does your family have? Do you live near a beach and can take a bulkier tent with you or do you need a travel-friendly version? 

While there is a myriad of models on the market, which are the best beach tents for families is ultimately down to you. 

What do you think? 

Did you find the right beach tent for your family on the list above? Tell us in a comment below; we’d love to hear from you. 

And if you know anyone else who might need a beach tent, don’t hesitate to share this article with your friends!