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 Beach Toy Hand Digger in Green

Hape Hand Digger

$3.99

*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 (Mellow Yellow) - All in One Rake, Shovel and Sifter Beach Toy

Quut Triplet

$24.49

*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

16" Kids Sand Shovel with Wood Handle

$13.98

*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 and Sand Toys Rain Shovel Toys| Shovel Beach Long Handled Toy for Toddlers 18M+

Hape Beach Scoop Rain Shovel

$3.99

*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 Beach Foldable Buckets Toys, 3L Jumbo Sand Pails Bucket Set with Mesh Bag, Swimming Pool Toys for Kids Adults, Gift Set for Gardening, Travel, Fishing, Cleaning, Camping Outdoor

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 Sand Castle Molds Sand Castle Building Kit - Beach Toys Kit - Snow & Sand Toys Sets for Kids Outdoor Sandbox Toys for Toddlers 1.5 Year and Up Made in USA (4 Piece)

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 Snow Fort Building Block, Sand Castle Mold, Beach Toy Brick Form, 1 Mold (605)

Flexible Flyer Sand Castle Mold

$10.65

*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 Toys, Multicolor, Bold

Hape Master Bricklayer Beach and Sand Toy Set

$16.99

*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!

hahaland Beach Toys for Toddlers 1-3 - Sand Toys for Toddlers 1-3, Baby Bucket Rake Shovel Set, Bath Water Outdoor Toys for Toddlers 1-3 Boys Girls, Travel Toys for 1 Year Old Toddler Toys Age 1-2

Beach Toy Set for Toddlers 1-3 Years Old

$12.99

*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.

Beach Toy Scoop Sand Spade, Kids Small Garden Tool Set Toy, Rake, Spade, Hoe and Leaf Rake, Beach Shovels Spade Toy, Stainless Steel Sturdy Sandbox Kit Essential Beach Gear Accessories, 4 Pack

Stainless Steel Beach Tools for Kids

$9.98

*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 2-Piece Beach Set | Multi-Color | Award Winning Sand Fort Toy Alto, Raki, & Beach Bag

Quut Alto

$46.36

*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!).

OBX Laser Tag and Arcade
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 25! years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX. The buffet offers a variety of seafood and non seafood options. Try some of Jimmy’s seafood options and load your plate with blackened tuna, Louisiana crawfish, steamed scallops and mussels, fried oysters and deviled crabs. Not in the mood for seafood? Fill your plate with steak, pineapple glazed ham, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and fettuccini Alfredo to name a few. The buffet also offers a kid section. Let your kids load their plates with chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and corn dog nuggets. Don’t forget dessert! The buffet also offers soft serve ice cream and a plethora of baked goods. 

 

It’s been 25 years since Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet opened its doors for the first time. Since that inaugural summer, the goal has remained the same: provide customers with a tasty, fresh array of seafood full of Caribbean flavor.

 

Elizabeth Dowless and her husband Jerry had always worked in restaurants in the Outer Banks, so when the opportunity to open Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet with a couple of friends arose, it was an easy yes. The Dowlesses bought out the business in 2003, excited to turn Jimmy’s into an Outer Banks staple. When Jerry passed away later that year, Dowless knew she wanted to continue pursuing their dream on her own.

 

Dowless went all in on the concept of a fresh, flavorful seafood buffet and her hard work paid off. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a beloved fixture of Outer Banks dining, with customers returning year after year for the fresh fare.

 

“Customers keep in contact with me throughout the winter. I get people every day asking me when we’re opening for the season, and customers book their vacations around our opening,” Dowless says. “I absolutely love getting to see familiar faces come back to see us each year. I love seeing them lose their minds over the buffet! Their excitement is what I love most about my job.”

Outer Banks Tours
Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

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 Kill Devil Hills restaurant is a family tradition for so many. You’ll love waking up to favorites like biscuits and gravy, farm fresh eggs and buttermilk pancakes. Dinner options are just as tempting with menu items that include the freshest Outer Banks Catch seafood, she crab soup, Angus beef and fried green tomatoes just to name a few. Not only does Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offer great breakfast and dinner options, Miller’s newest menu item – Hawaiian/American Fusion Sushi – is sure to please the sushi lover in you. From the Miller’s Roll that combines tempura fried crispy lobster tail with tantalizing ingredients to the High Tide and OBX Roller, guests will love choosing from a delicious variety of sushi options developed and prepared by Miller’s expert Sushi chef.

 

Along with its scrumptious cuisine, Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offers a warm friendly atmosphere coupled with genuine Outer Banks hospitality. You’ll discover that not only is Miller’s a tradition for so many, it’s also a Miller family tradition. Two generations of Millers have worked side by side to make the Kill Devil Hills restaurant a favorite for all who pass through its doors. Owners Brian and Beth Miller want guests to feel at home and can often be found making rounds to check on customers and mingle with them as they dine.

 

Here at Miller’s, everyone is treated like family as they experience an unforgettable dining experience. Large parties are also welcome, making it perfect for extended families to enjoy dining together on their Outer Banks vacation. Come on in and see for yourself why Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse is more than just a great restaurant. It’s a tradition.

 

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.

Currituck Banks Reserve
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge