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Last Updated on June 25, 2019 by Tracy
Looking to have a blast this summer? Then be sure to start the summer season with this 10 Summer Must Haves for families.
10 Summer Must Haves For Families
Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner. Actually, here in Florida, the daily temperature averages over 80 already, so fun in the sun is a daily occurrence in my house π Which means it is time for ME to get ready. I had to evaluate that I had everything I need to make summer not only fun, but SAFE. So, I came up with these Summer Must-Haves. There are must-haves for the kids, for families, and they are all to ensure that you have as much fun as possible this Summer!
Here are my Summer Must Haves:
Sunscreen
It’s an absolute must. Even on cloudy days! In fact, my grandpa always said that you get the worst sunburn on cloudy days because you don’t think about wearing sunscreen and the UV rays are still coming through the clouds. And I can tell you from experience that I have gotten more than one bad sunscreen on a chillier, cloudy day.
Towels
I don’t normally carry around towels for drying off, if it’s warm out, I let the sun do that π But I do bring them to sit on at the beach and on the chairs at the pool. You may want to consider a Beach Blanket too. Keep a sand where it belongs…on the beach…not in your food!
Beach Bag
A good beach bag is a must. As parents we are responsible for just about EVERYTHING. That means you need a bag that can carry EVERYTHING.
I have a love/hate relationship with sand. I love going to the beach, the feel of the sand in my toes, but I HATE that it gets into everything. My bag is always full of sand and cleaning it out after I get home is a pain. You will notice that in the beach bag featured above there is Sand-Away Mesh on the corners of the bag. I will admit, I think it’s absolutely genius. That means the sand that is on your toys, towels, and everything in-between can EASILY be shaken out and not come home with me. Seriously, this bag has a great features, but this has got to be one of my favorites. My next favorite is that it is water-resistant. That means when the kids get it wet on accident I don’t have to worry about it staining. Less worry for mom = happier mom = more fun time π
Swimsuits
Yes, that seems obvious, I know. But you need ones that everyone actually feels comfortable in! A swimsuit that is going to stay in place while the kids swim and play. I also suggest one that has UPF.
She loves that the bottoms, covers her…bottom π Plus, it’s absolutely adorable. The pink Seahorse is so cute! And I love the blue and white design. For me, I like to shop at HAPARI, they have great swimsuits for women of all shapes and sizes. My son and hubby are sporting DEL SOL swim trunks this summer.
Clothing with SPF protection
This is one that you may not think about. But if you are spending a lot of time outside, make sure to have clothes that the kids can put on to protect themselves from the sun.
As you can see, she loves it! She was amazed that she was wearing long sleeves and long pants, but that she wasn’t super hot (we live in Florida and the temps are well into the 80s now), the fabric is breathable and very soft. I like that it has UPF 50+. She wore hers as she danced, swam, and even practiced her cartwheels. It is very quick-drying, so she would go from the pool to cartwheels and then back again π
Sunglasses/Hats
Don’t forget to protect your eyes! Have sunglasses/hats for not only the kids, but yourself.
Umbrella/Tent for extra sun coverage for those long days on the water or at the pool
Sometimes you just need a break from the sun!
Water
Make sure to stay hydrated!
Snacks
If you plan on being out and about for awhile, save yourself some money and pack your snacks. We love bringing apples because they are juicy and sweet π We like the individual snacks packs from Crunch Pak best.
Toys
You know, for those moments when you JUST sat down to relax and the kids say “Mom! I’m bored, what can I do now?”
Are you excited for the warmer weather and days outside? I know we love it!
What are some of your Summer Must Haves?
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Sunglasses and water are my must haves.
love to have something to get out of the heat
Thanks so much for the Fantastic Review/Tips on 10 Summer Must Haves For Families! Those are some wonderful tips! I wish I lived in Florida where it never gets as cold as it does here in PA!!! I haven’t even begun to think about summer quite yet! I’m still waiting for summer to come or spring to be in full swing! I’ve gotten my flower beds cleaned out of leaves and weeds, however, planting new ones are far off yet! I know that we all have our sunglasses already and I’ve got a case of water bottles on our front porch! Since we are not going to be able to afford a vacation this year, I’m really not looking forward to much this summer! Sorry, to say, but we have no plans! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review/information on 10 Summer Must Haves For Families and all the lovely pictures of your adorable kids and everything with us! Thanks again! Michele π
I love those SPF safe clothing pieces!
Im loving the family beach bag from onestep i hate it when the sand comes home with you.m
Sunglasses and snacks
I like the beach bag and it looks big enough for towels and has plenty of compartment for lotions, wet suits and snacks plus it’s waterproof so the car doesn’t get wet!
Sunscreen is a must!
Sunscreen, water and snack.
I bought our swimsuits, beach bag, beach hats, and water shoes from one step ahead. great quality. all these are summer must haves!
I’m kind of obsessed with beach bags. I have way more than I need. π
Got to have the water. I take a water bottle everywhere I go in the summer.
The beach bag is my must have! Perfect for toting everything I need for beach.
Rene Maria Creamer
Right now I don’t have a beach bag so it’s my favorite must have, thanks!
My summer must have is sunscreen! And no matter how many times I resolve myself to get it, I always end up getting a sunburn at point xD
My summer must haves are sunscreen and water.
I love purex laundry detergent.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of lots of water and sunscreen.
Sunscreen is my #1 summer must have, along with a bathing suit and sun glasses and water! A tent would be nice too π
Have to have sunscreen, totes, sunglasses and water.
I’m very fair skinned so I need a hat sunglasses, sunscreen and lots of water.
I like Purex liquid laundry detergent.
These are all great things to have for the summer, my number one would be to make sure I have plenty of water and protection.
Sunscreen and water are my must haves.
Thanks for the chance!
must haves are sunscreen, towels, and a good tote
I love all the summer must haves
These are great must haves for the summer! I have to have plenty of sunscreen, water and moisturizer. Have a great summer!
Snacks, must have snacks, yeas and sunglasses.
Sunscreen and water are summer must haves.
Can’t do summer without a beach bag, sunscreen, water, towels, and a pool!
I have to have sunscreen and sunglasses. They are a must from spring-winter. Since I am in WV its still cold here but spring is on its way. Great review. Thanks for the tips!
~Crystal
A Day In My Life, Crochet & Reviews
http://krystlewv.blogspot.com
I love all these must haves especially the sunglasses! I always have to have mine! π
For me personally, any time I am outside, I need a hat! I get sun poison within 10 minutes on my forehead that blisters quickly.
The SPF clothing is a good idea, especially for children. A while back, I won a light summer jacket with the sun protection. I haven’t tested it yet.
Sunscreen is my #1 must have and now I’m looking into Clothing with SPF protection. TFS.
Completely agree on your summer essentials. I need to look into the tent thing.
the kids cabana is the neatest thing i saw for kids to make sure they don’t get too much sun or sunburned plus they can still have fun in the sun
Love the SPF clothing! I’m going to get some for my daughter.
Woah, that beach bag is excellent! I’m glad someone finally came up with a bag that makes sense around sand! I don’t have too many summer must haves because I live near Seattle. LOL. I always keep sunglasses with me and if I’m spending more than an hour outside I definitely load up on the sunscreen.
So glad to see sunscreen at the top of the list.
By the review, anyone can tell that you are a mom!! ALL 10 points are must haves! For myself, I must have the sunscreen with the SPF 30 or higher. We are still waiting for warmer weather here in IL.
This is an excellent list that I’ll be saving, thanks for sharing!
I love the beach bag and it’s neat that it has all the pockets.
Sunscreen is a must!
My favorite summer must have would be a boat to get away from all the distractions of life.. Being on the water is very different then being in the water.
Snacks!
Sunscreen is my favorite summer must have!
yep, good list.
SPF clothing will be my must have with my daughter this summer!!!
I must have suntan lotion and nice cold beverages.
lotion, sunscreen and lots of water
Sunscreen is usually my must-have, but after receiving some scary news from the dermatologist, I really need to invest in SPF clothing due to my fair skin, and my older son needs some as well.
Umbrella/Tent for extra sun coverage for those long days on the water or at the pool
Lotion and lots of water
You were dead on with all of those! Dont forget the Smores! π
Sunscreen snack and towels
Sun screen is must, and water, snacks, and towles. Also have to bring sand toys .
I always have to have my swim suit with me. You just never know when it’s time to go swimming. π
Sun water and fun
I like the tent idea. It does get hot when you spend the day. I also like the sun proof clothing idea, I will have to check this out.
I burn so easy. I need sunscreen and an umbrella.But I love the cabana
I love all of these tips
I just can’t wait for the beach!
Sunscreen is a must
Don’t forget a good book!
A good sport sunscreen is our must have. We are all on the go outdoors and need something that is sweat proof.
Must have a swimsuit and sunscreen, by far.
I’ve started buying sunscreen in feb/march, because I always forget to buy some once summer is here!!!!
Great summer list. It’s always better to be prepared.
My summer must have is definitely a really good umbrella, my skin cannot handle a lot of sun and I always want to stay protected from it.