**If you are in a hurry I recommend the Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade as the best beach canopy for families for its versatility and sturdiness in heavy winds*
Families love spending a day at the beach until everyone wakes up the next morning and their skin is the color of a lobster.
Getting the right beach shelter that provides a good amount of shade, holds up to wind, and is large enough for the whole family isn’t easy.
That’s why we took hours to comb through reviews and product descriptions to provide the best beach canopy for families reviews.
What Makes A Great Beach Canopy For Wind
Stability
The biggest problem with beach canopies is the wind gusts that come off the ocean that try to blow your canopy down.
Having high quality materials can help with this process but there are also more subtle details you might miss if this is your first time buying.
Sandbags are pretty important when you are looking for stability.
Some options on this list one have a couple included but others will have up to 5 sandbags you can use to create some stability.
Other features to look for if you are planning on dealing with some heavy wind are pole anchors that keep your poles more stable, stakes for securing the ground contact points, and anchor rope to tie down the sides of your canopy.
Pro Tip: Dig about a foot into the sand and put your sandbags inside the hole and bury them. This will keep them from sliding around in windy weather and give you extra stability.
Size
Whether you have a large or small family there is going to be an option for you on this list.
Smaller 2-3 person canopies are available and oftentimes will be more stable because of their smaller size.
The larger canopies will provide more opportunity for beach shade but will also be much heavier to carry around.
Usually a 7 foot width means you are only going to fit in 2 adults and a small child or pet. If you go with a 10 foot width then you can fit in at least 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children with a pet.
There are some larger options but these are the two most popular widths you will find.
Sun Protection
The standard for sun protection in beach canopies is UPF 50+.
But some options will only be around 30+ so make sure you are reading through the product descriptions for exact protection.
Some materials are better than others but most of the canopies don’t block out 100% of the suns rays.
Usually you will have a little bit of light coming through that will create some heat inside.
Make sure your beach shelter has good ventilation that can let out some of the trapped heat either through windows or vented roofs.
Set Up
Each beach canopy is unique and nowhere is that reflected more than the set up and tear down.
Some canopies will be instant set ups and take only a few seconds.
Other canopies will be more difficult and involve drawstrings or slight assembly.
These can take several minutes if not a half hour. It will be very important with these types of canopies to set these up before your beach trip in your backyard or outdoor space.
Get an understanding for how long it takes and how difficult it might be. Know if you will need a second person to get everything up much quicker.
Having this information will keep you from getting stressed out while trying to build everything during a wind gust.
Portability
Most of the pure beach canopies on this list are great for portability.
At the heaviest they are only about 10lbs in weight and all come with a carrying bag for easy transportation.
These are the easiest types of canopies to take to the beach but they aren’t always the most stable.
The traditional canopy model is a lot more stable because they often weigh up to 50lbs.
Most come with a great carrying case that includes wheels but that won’t be much help in the sand.
If you opt in to try one of these models you want to make sure you aren’t going to have to travel far to get it set up.
Best Overall: Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade
The makers of the Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade must have spent a lot of time at the beach because this was made for you to enjoy your time by the water.
It comes with four poles instead of the more common two poles which gives it alot more stability in the sand.
On top of that you have four pole anchors that look like giant screws with holes in the middle.
You can put these into the ground and then stick your canopy poles into them for extra stability.
Each pole has custom circular tips to prevent the canopy fabric from ripping when it’s all set up.
The other end of the pole has sharp tips that will stick into the ground easily if you don’t want to use the pole anchors.
The lycra fabric that the canopy is made from provides a good amount of beach shade but can actually let a little sun through the material.
The Red Suricata comes in a medium and large option so you can be prepared no matter how many family members are coming.
Because of its many features that protect it from the wind this is a reliable beach canopy to take with you that you can feel comfortable under for your entire trip.
Best Luxury: Eurmax 10’x10′ Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent
The Eurmax is one of the most durable and fully protecting canopy you can bring with you to the shores of the beach. But as they say, you pay for what you get, and although this is one of the top quality canopies on this list it is also the most expensive. It comes with 4 complete walls for full coverage protection from any weather. One of the walls is made with a mesh window you can open for more air flow and it also comes with a full mesh doorway you can close completely.
There are D-shaped steel rings at the corner of each canopy so you can attach rope and tie it down for stability. There’s also 4 sandbags you can use to keep it even more secure in bad weather. The carrying case with wheels might not be that great for lugging around through the beach but will work great for other events. This is also going to be one of the heaviest canopies at 70lbs but you can be sure this isn’t going anywhere when it’s set up. If you’re looking for an easy set up beach canopy that can handle any weather the Eurmax will probably exceed your expectations.
Best Budget: WolfWise 4 Person Easy Up Beach Tent
Even though it is fairly new to the market the WolfWise 4 Person Easy Up is the best beach canopy for families. Similar to the Pacific Breeze model this comes with 3 side walls that fully cover you from any weather. There are windows on each wall that open fully to provide great air circulation so the beach canopy doesn’t get too hot. There are multiple mesh organizational pockets on the inside and a hanging hook at the ceiling for a lantern or fan.
One of the best parts about the WolfWise is the set up system. Instead of needing a bunch of drawstrings like the Pacific Breeze model, the WolfWise has an effortless spring mechanism that allows you to get everything set up within seconds. The fastest of any other on this list. There are 3 sandbags, 4 wind ropes, and 10 stakes included to use for extra stability in windy weather. Only time will tell about its durability but the WolfWise Easy Up at this time should be your best beach canopy for families if you need something extremely versatile and spacious.
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
The Neso Tents Grande Beach is a great option for spreading out on the beach and setting up quickly. At only seven pounds in weight you can pack it comfortably into the small shoulder carrying bag and plop on the sand when you’re ready. There are four corner anchor bags to fill with sand and stretch in an X shape. If the wind picks up you might want to bury the sandbags about a foot deep to keep everything secure.
You also get a couple of rust resistant aluminum poles to prop up one side of the Neso. This creates full shade for up to four people to relax underneath. The trickiest part setting up is going to be to make sure the sandbags are buried because if they aren’t you are going to fight the wind the entire time you’re on the beach. It also comes with a cooler pocket you can use for drinks or snacks. This is a great beach canopy for a small family that will set up in minutes on the beach and will hold up over time.
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL
The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent has full protection for any weather while you are relaxing on the shores. You should be able to comfortable fit a couple of adults and a couple of kids inside to enjoy the shade. The three walls provide full protection while inside from heavy winds or even slight rain. There’s also a window you can open on each wall so that you have full 360 degree views and you can enjoy a nice breeze.
You’ll find several mesh organizational pockets as well as some hanging hooks at the top of the Pacific Breeze. The hooks will come in handy if you need to hang a portable fan for those extra hot days. Use the five sandbags and four stakes that come with your beach canopy tent to reinforce the stability in heavier winds. The quality of materials used could have been better and the durability is in question for how long you will be able to use the Pacific Breeze. But if you want to be fully covered while at the beach while having additional features to make your trip easier, then this tent should be at the top of the list.
SUN NINJA Pop Up Beach Tent Sun Shelter with Sand Shovel
The SUN NINJA looks close to some of the other beach canopy options on the list but the stability in heavy winds makes it a top choice to take with you to the ocean. The simple set up only takes a few minutes to get standing. Fill the sandbags completely and stretch them out till the canopy is taught. Then, put your poles up and you should have a good amount of beach shade for hours while enjoying your time at the beach.
A pro tip is to bury the sandbags slightly so that you have even more leverage against windy days. You can fit up to four people comfortably but there is a two pole and four pole option. Most people who opt for the two pole usually regret not giving themselves the extra room. Don’t let yourself have that regret when you’re on the sand and splurge on the four pole option.You’ll be able to use the SUN NINJA season after season and will be able to rely on it in heavy winds. Perfect for taking to the beach and getting to enjoy nature instead of battling your gear.
Shade Shack Beach Tent
This is more of a beach canopy tent than a regular beach canopy but the versatility allows you to use it as both. It comes with 3 enclosed sides but you can open one of the sides so that you have a canopy like structure shading you from the harsh sun. It only weighs four pounds and comes with a carrying case so you can easily transport it wherever you need. And you can set it up and fold it within seconds making it one of the quickest options on the list.
The two sandbags at the sides of the Shade Shack help prevent it from flying away but it isn’t secure enough to bring on very windy days. It also only has a UPF 30+ so it’s not the greatest at keeping out harmful sun rays but with some sunscreen on it will be perfect. You can open up the two windows for better views and better ventilation if it’s getting a little muggy inside. This isn’t your top choice if you are planning on lounging in tall beach chairs or wanting to stand up while hanging with the family. But if you are looking for the quickest set up possible while still providing full coverage from the wind and sun then the Shade Shack is a great option.
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
For the price this is going to be one of the most reliable beach canopies you can find. Much like the Delux XL model, the regular Pacific Breeze has 3 sides that fully cover you from any weather. The UPF 50+ is great for sun protection and one of the higher amounts on the market. It’s surprisingly lightweight for it’s size and comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to haul around the beach.
The only concern with the Pacific Breeze is the size because it can only fit small families of about three people and a pet. The dual windows on either side can be fully opened for 360 degree views and better ventilation. There’s also 5 sandbags around the outer edges to secure it down in windy weather. You’ll have no issues relying on the Pacific to bring some outdoor comfort when you’re hanging out at the beach but make sure you don’t bring too many family members or you might have to decide who gets the shade.
Coleman Canopy Tent
The Coleman Canopy Tent is another more traditional model that will provide extra stability in heavy winds but will also be a lot heavier. The entire frame comes in one piece and easily unfolds within about 3 minutes for a fairly quick set up. Just pull the UPF 50+ canopy fabric over top and extend fully upwards by clicking the legs into your desired height. The overhanging eaves at each corner provide extra shade protection. There’s also a vented roof at the ceiling that provides extra ventilation but also helps prevent the beach canopy for toppling over in high wind.
At almost 50lbs it isn’t likely that you will want to move around alot with the Coleman but once you get it set up it’s not going anywhere. Especially if you use the steel tent pegs to keep it in place. It’s large enough to fit at least 4 adults underneath comfortably and is just as easy to tear down when you’ve had enough sun for one day. Be extra careful when setting up and tearing down though as others in the past have accidentally broken the canopy during this process. If you are looking for a sturdy and stable canopy that will last all day and provide excellent shade the Coleman Canopy Tent is a great option.
Summary
My choice for the best beach canopy for families is the Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade for its versatility and durability. This is a true beach canopy in its purest definition. Very lightweight at only 10lbs it comes with a carrying case so you can bring it anywhere on the beach you want to go. The subtle details are really what make the difference. Pole anchors, sandbags, and ground stakes are all included for extra stability. Unlike other beach canopies of this style you get four total poles you can use to get the most shade possible. This is a well thought out beach canopy that should be at the top of your list.
