If you’re taking off for the beach, mountains, river, camping, or just a day trip, you want to make sure you’re well-prepared with health and safety supplies, and some entertainment for the road. Here are my top ten packing list essentials (plus links to some other great ideas!):
- Sun screen and bug spray. Nature is a beautiful thing, and you don’t want to spoil your enjoyment with burns or bites. I personally like to start with a citronella candle, and then some natural repellent in case they are persistent. Depending on the age of your kids, they may like putting their lotion on themselves, with you doing a final check (same as with teeth brushing).
- Snacks and water. Let them pick out some of their favorite choices, and then add in whatever you need for nutritional balance. On a long hot trip you can put ice in their water bottles too. If they drink juice, you can plan ahead and make some ice cubes that will be colorful and add a bit of special flavor. (Just make sure you rinse out the bottles right after to avoid gunk getting dried in the straws.)
- Medications. Always a good idea to have some ibuprofen, anti-histamine, and something for upset stomach on hand. Full Suitcase has a more comprehensive list of supplies for a first aid kit.
- Wipes. I don’t know any parent who travels without these, but I couldn’t leave them off the list! Very Well Family has more ideas for critical items you might forget, along with some important safety tips.
- Stroller. Even if your big kid doesn’t usually use one, extra long walks can get tiring for them and you don’t want to end up carrying or stuck with a melt-down halfway through. (P.S. I got this idea from the Minimalist Traveler, they have some other great suggestions too.)
- Car toys. Their favorite music and audio books go a long way to keeping them from boredom. Fidget devices, drawing materials – including their own map to decorate, and anything that’s new to them (and that you are confident they can manage using on their own without frustration) can be helpful. My brother and I liked to play simple I Spy games – looking for colors, shapes, or animals along the way. This could be even more fun with a set of binoculars or a paper towel roll “telescope”. The Mama Notes suggests bringing a metal cookie sheet to use with magnets or post-it notes, and a few other great ideas.
- Ball & bubbles. Taking breaks along your route frequently might seem to make the trip longer, but getting the wiggles out at rest stops could make all the difference in keeping kids’ emotions balanced.
- Camera! Make sure to upload your phone photos before you leave so there’s plenty of space for new memories. Let you kids take some pics too so you can see what they are interested in and they’ll remember what was important to them.
- Their favorite…. blankie, binkie, bedtime book, jammies, toothpaste.
- Your favorite… face cream, snacks, bedtime book, jammies, and anything else that makes you feel cared for on what is bound to be a slightly stressful and super fun adventure!
- Since my kids are a bit older, I’m probably forgetting some key items for the younger ones. Fantabulosity has a checklist for you!