It never fails. The summer weather is nice, or I have a few extra minutes of time to kill before the next activity. It's moments like these that I wish I had packed something in my car to keep the kids busy while we wait, or to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. I've gathered up what I think are 10 Things Every Mom Should Have In The Car for Summer.
10 Things Every Mom Should Have in the Car for Summer
Necessities:
- A Blanket--whether it's for an impromptu picnic or a cool night at the ballfield, we keep a blanket in our van year-round. I really like this Tuffo Water-resistant blanket that comes in a carrying case to keep them contained and out of the way.
- Sunscreen--The sun can work a number on your skin--no matter the season. Be sure to sunscreen up if you're going to be out in the sun for an extended time.
- Water Bottles--My kids are never without their water bottles, but I know not everyone carries a water bottle around everywhere they go. If you've got the room, put a small case of water in the back of your van so you can hydrate after a quick trip to the park.
- Snacks--grab a box of granola bars, fruit pouches, or snack packs of pretzels--anything! If your kids are anything like mine, they're always hungry. If you need ideas, see my post about Easy On-The-Go Snacking.
- Wipes--Even if your kids are old enough to be out of diapers, wipes are a necessity. Wipe hands after playing with antibacterial hand wipes, wipe mouths after eating ice cream, or just keep them around for the accidental spill.
- Quarters--If you're going to be downtown near parking meters, you'll be looking for change. Go ahead and load up the change holder in your car.
Grab-n-Go Fun:
- Sidewalk chalk--We've used this at the park when one child was tired of playing and needed to rest, to write love notes in a friend's driveway, and even at the ballfield when the snacks ran out and big brother was still playing baseball. With just a few pieces in a small container, you can keep a child busy with games of tic-tac-toe or drawing a masterpiece.
- Ball--Whether it's a soccer ball for the kids to kick back and forth or a those velcro toss games, having a ball in the car will ensure there's always something to play.
- Kite--You never know when a windy day will have you wishing you had a kite handy. Find an open space and let it fly. I really like this Stow'n Go Pocket Kite because it zips away and doesn't take up a lot of room. It's the most portable kite I've ever seen.
- Frisbee--Throw a frisbee around in the field by the park. Another cool idea is this frisbee that turns into a ball when thrown!
What else would you add?