Family Gear Rentals for St. Pete and Clearwater Beach Vacations
Updated: 23 hours ago
Planning a family vacation to Florida's beautiful beaches such as Clearwater and St. Pete can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many activities to choose from - packing the right gear can be a challenge. Fortunately, family gear rentals offer a convenient solution that allows you to enjoy your time at the beach and at your vacation rental without the hassle of lugging heavy gear. In this post, we will explore the benefits of renting gear, the types of equipment available, and tips for making the most of your gulf coast beach vacation.
The Benefits of Renting Gear
When it comes to beach vacations, renting gear can provide numerous advantages:
(1) you don't have to lug it with you on the airplane, (2) you don't have to worry about additional airline fees, (3) you don't have to worry about finding and possibly having to buy gear upon your arrival, (4) you don't have to worry about rental car companies not having carseats, providing cheap carseats, or providing dirty carseats, (5) you don't have to worry about beach companies running out of rental beach gear, (6) you don't have to worry about vacation rentals not having the gear they listed, or don't have to depend on them at all, (7) you don't have to worry about all the gear you need not fitting in your rental car at the airport, (8) you automatically are getting a family who lives in the area with kids who can make some great local recommendations, and the list goes on and on! :)
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of renting gear is convenience and peace of mind. Instead of packing bulky items like car seats and strollers, and items that might even be impossible to bring along like high chairs, wagons, and cabanas/beach chairs, you can simply rent what you need and it's delivered to you before or upon your arrival. This not only saves space in your vehicle but also reduces the stress of transporting heavy items.
Cost-Effective
Purchasing baby, beach and pet gear can be expensive, especially if you only plan to use it once or twice a year. Renting allows you to access high-quality equipment without the hefty price tag. Many rental companies offer competitive rates, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
Variety of Options
Most beach rental gear companies will offer a variety of items from beach loungers to umbrellas to cabanas to sports equipment. Our company differs because we rent out baby gear as well, so you can rent out baby and beach gear from a single company. We've included some pet gear as well as we want to really cater to traveling families.
Quality Assurance
Reputable rental companies, such as Little Voyagers Rentals, maintain their gear to ensure safety and functionality. This means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the gear you are using is in very good condition. Little Voyagers updates gear often so it's typically in very good or even like-new condition. And, all gear is sanitized after each use with free and clear wipes or laundry detergeant which is free of dyes and perfumes. Little Voyagers Rentals is a BabyQuip provider and therefore offers delivery and setup of baby gear, so you can focus on having fun.
Types of Gear Available for Rent
When you arrive in Tampa, or St. Pete/Clearwater, you will find a plethora of rental options to suit your family's needs. Here are some popular types of gear you can rent: carseats / boosters, strollers / wagons, high chairs, pack n'plays, portable cribs, bassinets, sleep pods, toddler inflatable mattresses, toys & books, baby baths, baby gates, bed rails, baby monitors, sound machines, jumpers / bouncer seats, play mats, soft play climbing blocks, cabanas / beach umbrellas, beach chairs, coolers, beach towels, outdoor playpens with cover, beach bags, and pet crates.
Beach Chairs and Cabanas/Umbrellas
Comfortable beach chairs and cabanas/umbrellas are essential for a relaxing day by the water. Rental companies offer a variety of styles, from lightweight portable chairs to larger, more comfortable options. Umbrellas provide much-needed shade, especially during the hot summer months. Little Voyagers Rentals provides a variety of beach chairs - and if you have a large party, that can be accomodated! Little Voyagers Rentals also has the ever popular Tommy Bahama backpack chairs with zip coolers attached to the backs. Little Voyagers' beach cabanas are very easy to put up. And, the beach umbrellas fold up to a compact size making them easy to carry in an included small bag to and from the beach.
Water Sports Equipment
For families looking to add some adventure to their beach vacation, renting water sports equipment is a great option. The majority of rentals can be found at Clearwater Beach or Indian Rocks Beach. You can find:
Kayaks: Perfect for exploring the coastline or paddling through calm waters.
Paddleboards: A fun way to enjoy the water while standing up and getting a workout.
Jet Skis: For those seeking a thrill, jet ski rentals can provide an exhilarating experience.
Beach Games and Toys
Keep the kids entertained with beach games and toys. Many rental services, including Little Voyagers Rentals, offer items such as:
Velcro throw and catch: Great for a game of catch on the beach or in the water
Frisbees: Perfect for a fun day of flying discs.
Sandcastle kits: Encourage creativity and teamwork with tools for building impressive sandcastles.
Portable cornhole: Fun for both kids and adults!
Coolers and Beach Carts
Staying hydrated and having snacks on hand is crucial for a successful beach day. Renting coolers allows you to keep drinks cold, while beach carts make transporting your gear to and from the shore a breeze. Check out Little Voyagers' large rolling cooler with wheels and our medium sized cooler which can still hold 12-cans. You can even book our largest cooler already filled with bags of ice! Little Voyagers also offers many different beach carts from small to large (that can carry up to 600 lbs.), to large Jeep Wagons that can transport little ones as well and come equipped with harnesses, shade, drink holders, and even a small cooler!
Tips for a Successful Beach Vacation
To ensure your family has the best experience possible, consider the following tips:
Don't forget the sunscreen! If you think you may not have time to visit the grocery store upon your arrival - no worries! You can purchase sunscreen through Little Voyagers. You can even message us to let us know your preferred type.
Shade is essential! If you've never been to the area, it is humid to the max! It's actually less humid at the beach since near water, but it is HOT! Not exagerating, you can burn in 10 minutes or maybe even less. Getting out of the sun and taking a break in the shade many times throughout the day is a must. Check out Little Voyagers' cabanas which are perfect for 4 adults with chairs or 2 adults with chairs and 4-6 little ones. Or, beach umbrellas work great as well!
Peaceful or many things to do? Know your beach goals before you even book your vacation rental because we definately have two sides of the spectrum - relaxing with not too many people but also not too many things to do, and a little more crowded but with many things to do!
Stay within walking distance to the beach. Trust me, you really don't want to drive to the beach each day, try to find parking, and then PAY for parking, especially if staying near Clearwater Beach. You'll be out at least $25 a day, more on the weekends. And, on weekends you'll need to get to the public parking lots around 8am to find a spot. It will cost you extra to stay within walking distance but it just makes so much more sense and it will be worth it! Oh, and if you have a rental car ensure your vacation rental has a parking spot for you (they almost always do).
Rain doesn't typically last long! I visited the beach with my family recently and right after we setup the cabana, it started raining. Since it wasn't lightning, we waited around a few minutes under the cabana and watched as others left the beach. It stopped raining, never rained again, and ended up being a gorgeous and sunny day! And, if the weather forcast says rain, it just might not rain - or vice versa - it can be unpredictable! However, if you do have one of those uncommon and unfortunate rainy days, have an indoor activity planned such as the local aquarium or the claw machine arcade.
Arrive Early
If you plan to rent additional gear on the beach, arrive early to secure your spot. Popular beaches can get crowded, and the best rental items may be in high demand. Arriving early gives you the best chance to find the perfect location and equipment.
Stay Safe
Always prioritize safety when engaging in water sports. Ensure that everyone in your family wears life jackets when necessary, and familiarize yourself with the local water conditions. If you are renting equipment like kayaks or jet skis, ask the rental company for safety instructions and guidelines.
Embrace Flexibility
While it’s great to have a plan, be open to spontaneity. Clearwater's beaches offer a variety of activities, and you may discover something new that your family enjoys. Whether it’s joining a beach volleyball game or trying out a new water sport, being flexible can lead to unforgettable memories.
Beach Gear Rentals
This company offers a wide selection of beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment. They provide delivery and setup services, making it easy for families to enjoy their time at the beach without the hassle of transporting gear.
Water Sports
For families looking to rent water sports equipment, Tampa Bay Water Sports and Idle Speed Water Sports are great options. They offer kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and even boat rentals along with safety gear and instructions for beginners.
Relax and Unwind
Take advantage of your beach chairs and umbrellas or cabana to relax and soak up the sun. Bring along a good book or listen to music while enjoying the sound of the waves.
Explore the Water
With your rented kayaks or paddleboards, explore the beautiful gulf! Look for local wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees, while enjoying the scenery.
Build Sandcastles
Engage the kids with sandcastle building. Use the sandcastle kits you rented to create impressive structures together. This activity encourages teamwork and creativity.
Play Beach Games
Bring out the beach balls and frisbees for some fun in the sun. Organize friendly competitions or simply enjoy playing together as a family.
Conclusion
Renting gear for your Clearwater / St. Pete beach vacation can enhance your experience, making it more enjoyable and stress-free. With a variety of options available, you can easily find the gear that suits your family's needs. By planning ahead, staying safe, and embracing flexibility, you can create lasting memories on the beautiful beaches. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!
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