Every few months – usually when the weather changes – it's a good idea to assemble a bag of basic supplies to keep in the car. With your trusty “adventure sack” in the trunk (an old diaper bag usually does the trick) all you have to do on our way out the door is grab a few drinks and snacks and know your family is ready for wherever the day takes you.
For the late spring and summer include:
- Sunscreen (both kid and grown-up varieties)
- Bug spray
- A tablecloth or old bed sheet appropriate for picnicking
- Plastic cutlery as well as a steak knife (wrapped in aluminum foil to keep it and rummaging hands safe)
- A roll of paper towels
- Plastic garbage bags (for trash or wet clothes)
- A container of baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- A $20 bill tucked away in one of the bag’s pockets
- A bottle of bubbles
- A few bottles of water
- A jump rope
- A tennis ball
- Crayons and paper
- A couple of books
- First-aid kit
- A change of clothes for each child, plus a light jacket or sweatshirt
- A disposable camera
You can modify the bag depending on your location. Live near the beach? Add pails and shovels as well as baby powder, which is perfect for removing sand from sticky bodies. Close to some hiking trails or mountains? Be sure to include binoculars, matches (keep away from curious little hands), a pocketknife (again, making sure your little one can’t touch it), a flashlight and extra batteries. Going for a sail? Life jackets, seasick medication, and eye wear straps are must-haves.
It may sound like a lot – and it is – but you don’t have to lug the bag around. Just keep it in the car. Knowing you have these supplies on hand makes the mornings less hectic and will allow you to be a bit more spontaneous when deciding what to do with your beautiful day.
After returning home, replenish the bag right away so you are ready for your next adventure!
Planning a cold-weather day trip? Find suggestions here for what to pack.
