My Summer Bag Essentials for Every Activity

Summers with little kids can be equal parts magical and wholly overwhelming. The first summer that both my kids were at the walking (or rather sprinting) stage, I knew our outings were gonna need a lot more prep. Forgetting a water bottle, their sunscreen, or even a bandaid is the difference between a successful activity and a massive meltdown. But turns out it’s kinda impossible to remember everyone’s SPF, the bug spray, snacks, and a dozen other little things while your kids are trying to pull each other’s hair out. My solution? Skip packing altogether.

Instead of running around like a headless chicken before we left the house, I bought a designated “always ready” summer bag and stocked it with every essential we’d need throughout the season. Sunscreen for the kids and adults, a travel first aid kit, heat safety items since we live in a hotter climate, and more. The summer bag hack minimizes the mental load of remembering all the things and lets me focus on making those core memories.

5 tips for an “always ready” summer bag

Our family has had a designated summer bag for the last few summers, and we use it no matter the activity. Pools, water parks, playgrounds, amusement parks, or walking trails—this hack works for any and every warm-weather occasion.

Choose a water-resistant, easily washable tote or backpack: If you remember the diaper bag days (or are still living through them), use the same logic here. Durable materials can handle damp swimsuits, sand, or a spilled juice box without ruining the bag. To minimize carrying too many bags/purses/etc, use a sleek belt bag for your wallet and other mom items.
Keep sun care and first aid permanently stocked: This is the most important rule. Don’t move essential items between your purse, diaper bag, and the house. Dedicate a set strictly to the summer bag.
Implement the “immediate restock” rule: The second you get home from an outing (or sit the kids in front of a movie), replace the snacks that were eaten or wipes that were used.
Use pouches to divide items by category: Group items by vibe (an “ouchie” pouch, a snack pouch, a refresh pouch), so you aren’t blindly digging for a band-aid while a toddler is crying.
Store your bag in an easily accessible spot: Keep it in your car or on a hook in your entryway to avoid forgetting it in the rush of getting everyone out the door.
Stash some childhood whimsy at the bottom: This is my ultimate recommendation for maximizing those magical summer memories. Think CVS-aisle bubble wands, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, sticker sheets, or small toys like Hot Wheels. I try my best to give my kids the type of summers we had as kids, and these screen-free activities make ordinary outings feel more special (and minimize tantrums).

Stock your summer bag with this ultimate checklist

One of my favorite parts of this hack is that I can grab everything I need in one CVS run. From sunscreen and first-aid essentials to hydration packets, snacks, and a few boredom-busting toys, CVS makes it easy to stock a summer bag without making multiple stops. It’s a simple way to save time, reduce pre-outing stress, and ensure we’re prepared for whatever summer adventure the day brings.

For sun and skin protection

CVS | Neutrogena

Kids Face and Body Sunscreen Stick

This mess-free sunscreen stick glides on easily and makes quick facial touch-ups a lot less stressful when you’re chasing kids around the pool.

My Ultimate Mom Hack for Smooth Summer Outings, From Pool Days to Park Play Dates

5 tips for an “always ready” summer bag

Stock your summer bag with this ultimate checklist

For sun and skin protection

For first aid and the inevitable “ouchies”

For hydration and on-the-go snacks

For those “just in case” moments and meltdown prevention

Steph Alleva Cornell, Senior Branded Content Editor

Log In

Create Account