This ‘Summer Essentials’ post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Summertime is my favorite and as we just had another child graduate, I can’t stress enough that it’s true what they say. The days are long but the years are short. I miss my ‘big kids’ being little but with younger kids still in the home, we’re doing our best to make memories and enjoy life. I’ve partnered with some of my favorite brands today to share our must have summer essentials for park days.
Summer Essentials For A Day At The Park
One summer staple activity for many families is a day (or days) at the park. A couple summers ago, we spent the entire summer exploring different parks each week. It was so much fun! We discovered some great playgrounds and splash pads we didn’t even know existed. (Thanks to crowd sourcing Facebook friends, we came up with a good list of places to visit!)
This summer has been a bit busier with our foster kiddos’ visits and appointments but since they’ll most likely be going home soon, I’m hoping to get some more park days in. We’ve only managed a handful so far and have a lot more we’d like to visit soon!
Making A Day Of It
When we do head on out to a park, I like to make a day (or at least half day) of it. We typically pack snacks and lunches, and ensure we have time to enjoy what we find and not be rushed because of hangry toddlers. My bigger boys love it when the park has climbing trees. The toddlers love swings and slides. One local park we frequent even has some walking trails with a dock out on the lake that’s pretty neat. Although, we did lose a flying disc/frisbee to the water the last time we went. WHOOPS! Those teen boys have good arms!
What Summer Essentials We Pack
While my husband typically thinks I’m an over-planner and over-packer, I don’t hear him complaining when we have everything we need! My summer park day essentials includes drinks, snacks, food, entertainment, and sun protection:
Water Bottles: Everyone needs to stay hydrated so I make sure to pack up ice cold water bottles for all the adults and big kids. (Buy Our Favorites: Amazon.com)
Insulated Sippy Cups: While the ‘bigs’ get water bottles, I find Comotomo Toddler Tumblers to be the best choice for our toddlers and babies. These cups are great. They are designed with smart handles that adjust naturally for little hands, making every sip effortless. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cool for up to 19 hours, which makes them the perfect choice for sunny park days. This sippy is currently available in two color options; yellow and green; however, my daughter is hoping they come out with pink…lol (Buy It: Amazon.com)
Snacks: I love to pack a variety of snacks for our park days. Some of our favorites are fresh fruit (such as watermelon, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries) because it’s refreshing, crackers because they’re easy, and fruit snacks because the kids think they’re a fun treat. These ‘Smart Vent’ Food Containers work great for fresh fruit. With minimal parts, making them easy to clean; simply press down on the lid to create air-tight sealing to keep food fresher longer. They are a nice compact size that holds the perfect amount for the kiddos. Plus, when we use at home, they are microwavable too! (Buy It: Amazon.com)
Lunch: When going for several hours, I lean on the ‘better safe than sorry’ side of planning. That means we either pack a picnic lunch or make sure there’s a pizza place (or gas station) we can grab a couple pizzas from to eat at the park. While paper plates work fine for the older kids and adults, I find my toddlers need something a bit sturdier. (Our foster son especially, as he will bend, tear, and throw his paper plates.) So I pack our booster chair with tray and KeaBabies Silicone Plates and we are set! There is so much to love about these plates. Great for at home or on the go, they have a suction bottom so they attach to trays and tables and also come with lids. The deep curvature of these divided plates enables easy scooping, promotes independent eating, and allows me to portion out their meals easily. The indestructible design and the fact that they are safe to use in microwave, dishwasher, and freezer makes them irresistible. Plus, they come in tons of color options! (Buy It: Amazon.com)
Sun Protection: While I definitely do keep sun block on hand, in the car, and in the diaper bag at all times; I love utilizing clothes and gear as an easier, chemical free, way to protect the kids from harmful UV rays! One of my absolute favorite brands is Stonz. They have adorable Sun Suits for babies and toddlers that are not only adorable, but functional. This full length zip one-piece suit allows kids to soak up the sun safely, minimizing the risk of sunburn. Around here, splash pads with parks are the norm. So I especially appreciate how this Sun Suit helps us transition seamlessly from playtime in the park to a dip in the pool with the lightweight, quick-drying fabric, eliminating the need for extra outfits. (Buy It: Stonz.com or Amazon.com)
Don’t Forget The Eyes!: The older I get, the more sensitive my eyes are to the sun’s rays. But did you know it’s important for kids to wear protective eyewear too? I’ve noticed that my toddler’s have also been struggling with the bright sun lately so I decided it was time to be proactive and get them sunglasses too. Our favorites? Eco Sunnies and Sport Sunnies from Stonz. Both of their glasses feature 100% UVA/UVB protection, are shatterproof, and comfortable for babies and toddlers. Kids love that they come in several color options while parents love their durability. (Buy It: Stonz.com or Amazon.com)
Playground Worthy Footwear: We’ve learned that appropriate footwear is always a must when we head out to the playground. While I allow barefoot play when at home, I prefer the kids wear footwear when at public parks. (Just a good idea for added protection and safety.) Our favorites are the Cruiser lines from Stonz. The girls love their classic Cruiser Mary Janes, which feature a cupped outsole with higher sidewalls for added stability and breathable air mesh uppers. Made with safe, non-toxic materials, the breathable air mesh upper keeps little feet cool and comfortable, while the flexible rubber outsole supports natural movement and active play. Lightweight, machine-washable, and easy to slip on, these shoes are ready for every adventure. For the boys (and girls), be sure to check out the Original Cruisers. (Buy It: Stonz.com or Amazon.com)
Tell me, what are your favorite summer essentials and activities? We also love to:
visit the zoo
hit up local lakes
enjoy small town celebrations, parades, and events
just take in the slower pace of summer when we’re off school
I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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Barrie
I love the insulated sippy cups! They look easy for little hands to hold!