Summer with Toddlers
Pack Once, Play All Summer
A practical trunk bag for splash pads, parks, picnics, nature walks, and all the spontaneous summer adventures in between.
Summer with a toddler often means leaving the house for one activity and somehow ending up at a splash pad, playground, picnic table, or nature trail.
Keeping a summer adventure bag ready in the car means less repacking, fewer forgotten essentials, and a much easier transition when your soaking-wet toddler is suddenly ready to go home.
Splash Pad and Water-Play Essentials
- Swimsuit and rash guard
- Reusable or disposable swim diaper
- Lightweight or quick-dry towel
- Water shoes
- Sun hat
- A full change of clothes
- Extra diaper or underwear
- Wet bag for soaked clothing
Sun and Heat Protection
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Sunscreen stick for quick face touch-ups
- Insulated water bottle
- Cooling cloth
- Portable stroller fan
- Lightweight muslin blanket
- A trusted skin cream for dry or irritated skin
Sunscreen, rechargeable fans, creams, and filled water bottles should not stay in a hot trunk all summer. Keep them together in a smaller grab-and-go pouch that comes inside after each outing.
Available at Le Prix
Toddler-Friendly Bug Protection
Mosquitoes can quickly turn a peaceful park visit into an uncomfortable one, so I like having more than one bug-repellent option available depending on the activity and how much coverage we need.
BuzzPatch mosquito-repellent stickers are an easy, mess-free option for outdoor adventures. The colourful patches can be placed on clothing, hats, strollers, or other nearby surfaces rather than directly on your toddler’s skin.
For more complete coverage, our natural insect repellent spray is useful for walks, hikes, backyard play, camping, and evenings outdoors.
Both are available at Le Prix, alongside other thoughtfully selected summer lifestyle essentials.
Snacks and Drinks
Toddlers are almost always ready for a snack, especially after active outdoor play.
- Crackers or pretzels
- Fruit or applesauce pouches
- Freeze-dried fruit
- Allergy-friendly snack bars
- Reusable snack cup
- Napkins
Avoid storing food permanently in the trunk. Heat can affect taste, texture, packaging, and food safety. Restock the snack pouch before leaving home.
The Toddler Clean-Up Kit
- Baby wipes
- Tissues
- Diapers
- Foldable changing mat
- Small garbage or dog-waste bags
- Hand sanitizer for adults
- Washable cloths
- Stain-removing stick
- A few adhesive bandages
Wipes may gradually dry out when exposed to repeated heat, so check the package regularly.
Simple Outdoor Entertainment
You do not need to pack a full toy box. A few small, open-ended activities can extend an outing without taking up much room.
- Bubbles
- Sidewalk chalk
- Small ball
- Sand or water cup
- Picnic blanket with a waterproof backing
What Can Stay in the Trunk?
- Towels
- Dry clothing
- Swimsuits and rash guards
- Water shoes
- Sun hats
- Wet bags
- Changing mat
- Picnic blanket
- Garbage bags
- Washable cloths
- Chalk
- Small ball
What Should Come Inside?
- Sunscreen
- BuzzPatch stickers
- Natural insect repellent spray
- Rechargeable stroller fan
- Skin creams
- Medication
- Snacks
- Filled water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
A Little Preparation Makes Summer Easier
The goal is not to prepare for every possible scenario. It is simply to have enough ready that you can say yes to more spontaneous summer fun with less stress.
