Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by The Smetz Files
Spending the summer in the water with your kids? Check out this list of must haves to make a splash!
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The end of school is quickly approaching. The temperatures have been steadily rising. The warm afternoon sun has me dreaming of the less frenetic days of summer!
From the beach to the lake, to the pool, this list includes what we need for a fun summer in the water!
Sports Toys
My two are active and athletic, so why would that not be the case in summer?! If you’ve got a competitive crew, these toys will keep the games going all summer long. Make sure you have a ref and scorekeeper on hand! [This digital scoreboard is pretty cool if you want to get serious!] 🙂
To really get your competitive juices flowing, this floating toss game has different point options to spice things up a bit!
Pool basketball is always fun and guaranteed to make a splash. Or, this multigame option is good for some variety and perfect to keep multiple kiddos playing at once.
A water safe football, inflatable baseballs, and diving toys keep kids occupied in the water.
Lazy River Mode
This is more my speed! If floating is your thing, check out these fun options. In keeping with the sports theme that is a central tenet of our lives, try out this baseball catcher’s float while you relax in the ocean, lake, or pool. Two floats are included, so bring a friend!
These flamingo and doughnut options add a touch of whimsy to your summer floating soirees!
Suits, Sunnies, & Sunscreen
Snacks & Sustenance
You can’t have fun in the sun without the essentials. A great suit paired with super sunnies are a must. Sunscreen and snacks round out the must haves for a day on the water. I curated some of my family’s favorites!
Suits
Target and Amazon have some great swimwear choices for both girls and boys. Here are a few my two loved. I love the bright colors and it’s easy to mix and match swim shirts and cover ups. This one is cute with S’s bright pink tankini.
Sometimes G opts for a long sleeve rash guard for long days at the beach. Short sleeve options work well for the lake days.
Sunnies
Long days in the sun are tough on the eyes. We like a great pair of sunnies to protect the eyes and to prevent squinting so we can see the ball flying at us! 🙂
Aviators in lots of fun colors
Kid sized aviators
Round ombre sunglasses
Sunscreen
I am pretty strict with sunscreen, so I like to have several options on hand. Between sprays, sticks, and roll ons, there are plenty of ways to apply and reapply throughout the day. My kids do well with this applicator too. It’s easy to fill with lotion for a quick application. I also keep a lip balm with sunscreen protection in my bag. Did I mention I go overboard with sunscreen options?! As much as we’re outside, we can never be too careful (or so I tell my kids as I’m greasing them up!).
Snacks & Sustenance
What day on the water would be complete without snackies?! In addition to fresh fruit to keep my two kiddos hydrated, I keep a stash of go to back ups in the pool bag. This multi pack box on Amazon has a little something for everyone to stave off the munchies while they’re playing in the water. Throw a few Primes in the cooler and we’re set for a day of fun in the sun!
Stock up on your summer fun must haves now! Whether you opt to spend the summer in the pool, at the lake, or at the beach, stay safe in the water.
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