Which beach is better for really young kids?

[katsmom1]

We will have young children with us (ages 3, 4 and 6) and am trying to decide on the best beach. We'd like a beach where the water is calm and has a gentle slope into the water. Bathrooms are definitely needed and it would also be great if there was some shade, either natural shade or umbrellas. It would also be nice if the beach wasn't too crowded. Since we'd really like a beach close to the pier, I was considering either Runaway Bay or Ft. James? I had read about the hippo slide on Ft. James which sounded like fun but I didn't know if the slide was more for older children or if that beach would be really crowded.

 

Would either Runaway Bay or Ft. James beach be suitable for young kids?

Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks!