Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes longer days, outdoor adventures, and the beautiful chaos that comes with keeping kids happy, safe, and entertained in the heat. Whether you’re planning beach trips, backyard cookouts, or easy afternoons at the park, a little prep now goes a long way toward a smoother, more enjoyable season for the whole family. From sun safety kits to s’mores supplies, here is a list of everything I do to get my household summer-ready.
Make Sun Kits
I make 3 of these; one for outdoors in our yard, one for the diaper bag, and one for the car so they are all readily available. These contain sunscreen (both spray & stick), bug spray, aloe, band aids & instant ice packs. I also throw a pack of wipes & some hand sanitizer in.
Restock Your Boo Boo Bin
Stock up on band aids of all sizes, antibiotic ointment, red washcloths to minimize scaries with bleeding, aloe for sunburns, drops for swimmers ear, Pedialyte or electrolyte supplements to prevent dehydration & make sure you have ice packs in your freezer for any boo boos. Don’t forget tweezers for tick bites & calamine lotion for any itchy bug bits or poison ivy.
Find Your Summer Outing Essentials
Find your stroller fan, stroller cover, car seat cover, picnic blankets, fold up chairs & any portable gear you may need. Get out any umbrellas and then find your beach towels & beach tote bag. Make sure everything works and give it all a good scrub.
Pull Out Your Outdoor Toys
Break out your water and sensory tables and make sure to give them a scrub down. Find your sprinklers, jump ropes, pool and sand toys for any beach or park outings. Most playgrounds have hot wheels tracks now, so pack a few cars in your diaper bag also.
Buy New Chalk and Bubble Mixture
Invest in a good portable bubble machine because bubbles make everything better! Invest in collapsible buckets for the sand and a portable magnifying glass for summer exploring.
Organize/Stock Your Craft Supplies
Make sure you have the following supplies: crayons, makers, colored pencils, construction paper, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glue sticks, child safe scissors, stickers and we love paint markers for kindness rocks.
Stock Your Freezer
Freeze pops, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream and various toppings for sundae parties. Buy cute popsicle molds to make homemade pops or freeze juice in fun shaped ice cube trays if you are feeling fancy.
Grab the S’mores Essentials
Grab s’mores essentials now so you have them ready. Sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate and my personal favorite, Reese’s cups if you are looking to take things to the next level.
Make Some Busy Bins
Make busy bins for each child to use when you need a minute of independent play or for a rainy day. Include things like activity books, fidgets, sticker books, brain quest, flash cards, summer themed books & mess free art activities. Your local dollar tree has lots of affordable options & containers.
Find Your Favorite Recipes
Find a great marinade, pasta salad recipe, a fun fruit salad and a summer dessert so you are all ready for any BBQ invites.
Make sure you declutter and put away any winter gear and do NOT forget to empty any lunch boxes on the last day of school! Also, please take a minute to review water & sun safety with your kids. If you have older children discuss ticks, poison ivy and dehydration.
Have a safe & fun filled summer!
