Three Summer Essentials That Go Everywhere With My Kids

Eleven year old girl holding nudibranch on beach wearing pink sun hat

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What We Never Leave the House Without

Eleven year old girl holding nudibranch on beach wearing pink sun hat
  • What: Three Summer Essential Kid Items
  • When: 12 months and up
  • Why: Affordable, necessary, wide age range
  • Where: Out and about

Summer is here, and my kids spend a lot of time outdoors. From sports camps to afternoons at the park to the pool and the beach, we can’t get enough of the long days and lazy evenings filled with sunshine and fun. That also means my kids never leave home without these three essential items.

Sun Hat: I’ve had hats on my kids since their infant days. We all still sport our favorite styles during the summer to keep the sun off their faces and make it easier to see in the bright light. From these durable toddler styles that my kids still use, to the grown up version for adults and older kids, these packable hats go everywhere with us.

Water bottles lined up on water fountain bottle refill station at airport

Water Bottles: We’re rarely without a water bottle, or three, or more. Whenever we leave the house, we have water on hand. Many of our local parks and beaches don’t have an accessible source of water, and we all get thirsty. We love an insulated straw cup for ease of use, especially with dirty hands. But even a free plastic bottle or a reused bottle from a sports drink goes a long way on hot days.

Babyganics SPF 50 sunscreen stick, lotion spray, and All Good Kids sunscreen butter stick

Sunscreen: Ok, my kids hate sunscreen. But they’ve learned to live with it, thanks in part to the wide range of types available. One of my three kids prefers a spray sunscreen. Luckily, one of my trusted brands, Babyganics, makes a great option. The other two kids love a stick they can rub on without touching it with their hands, and we go through several of All Good Kids Sunscreen Sticks each summer.

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