16 Summer Essentials to Stock Up on Before Your Next Family Adventure

If you want to give young kids a break from screens, but still need something that keeps them quietly occupied, just fill the pen with water before your trip for mess-free coloring magic.

Wipes are a road-trip essential when a sink isn’t anywhere in sight. These make it seamless to prep hands before eating or clean up sticky fingers after a snack.

Anyone who’s tried rubbing lotion into sandy skin knows it’s not exactly pleasant (especially when you’re chasing down kids for reapplication). This spray makes full-body coverage quick and fuss-free and offers up to 80 minutes of water-resistance.

Sure, the waves are the main event, but when the family needs a break from the water, this flying disc keeps the fun going on shore. It’s softer than a classic frisbee—so even younger kids can get in on it—and it lights up, which means the game doesn’t have to stop just because the sun starts to set.

The low-key beach hack every parent should know: When you’re ready to head home, and skin is still covered in stubborn sand, a quick dusting of baby powder (on dry or slightly damp skin) helps absorb moisture and reduce friction so the sand brushes right off. The aloe and vitamin E are a nice bonus when skin’s feeling a little dry after a long, hot day.

Even the most diligent sunscreen wearers can end up a little burnt (it happens!). This cooling aloe helps calm and hydrate skin on contact, with a spray-on formula that reduces friction (read: no painful rubbing).

This is the kind of grab-and-go SPF you can rub in and move on without any stickiness left behind. In addition to sun protection, the oat-based formula keeps skin feeling soft, soothed, and hydrated while helping support the moisture barrier.

Sometimes all you need is a garden hose to keep everyone entertained for hours. It might not be a full-on water park, but these easy-to-fill balloons deliver just as much fun by turning your backyard into an instant splash zone.

A good insect repellent is a backyard essential for keeping mosquitoes from ruining the vibe. This unscented, non-aerosol formula gets the job done (without that tell-tale bug-spray smell).

A backyard staycation instantly feels more upbeat with a good playlist and this portable speaker delivers surprisingly big sound in a compact design. It’s waterproof, sturdy enough to take a gentle tumble or two, and offers up to 10 hours of battery life with a long wireless range so it can handle everything from splashy playtime to laid-back evenings outside.

This sunscreen-meets-complexion product helps even out your skin tone while you’re on the go (and the travel-friendly mini size won’t take up too much space in your bag). The sheer tint blends seamlessly, so you can skip packing extra touch-up makeup and still look polished for all those family photos and selfies.

A must for long city days when you’re clocking serious steps, these help prevent blisters before they start and protect the ones you already have so they don’t get worse. The cushioned, stay-put design reduces friction and keeps your feet comfortable, even in brand-new shoes.

This leak-proof, double-walled stainless steel bottle keeps water ice-cold (up to 30 hours, though you’ll likely refill it way before that in the summer heat). It’s a convenient way to stay hydrated on the go without having to stop to buy drinks.

When heat and humidity start to get the best of you, these lightweight, compact sheets discreetly absorb excess oil so you can refresh and stay shine-free wherever the day takes you.