5 Must-Have Items for Kids this Spring & Summer

Susie Busta // March 1

You always think you have everything you need, then you get to where you are going and realize that you forgot to pack something essential. Maybe you make it work, maybe you end up driving all the way home to get it, or maybe you end up not doing whatever it was you were going to. Want to know the must-have items for kids this spring and summer?

5 Must-Have Items for Kids this Spring & Summer

With kids, it feels like you are packing almost everything but the kitchen sink! While we tend to forget things, or as our little guy grows, find things that we now need to bring, here are a few of our must-have items for kids when going fishing, scouting, or hiking that we like to throw in a bag and hang on a hook and easily grab when we go out.

Side note – Do not keep sunscreen or water bottles in your vehicle. The heat or cold can affect how well sunscreen and tick repellents work, and water can heat to an unsafe drinking level.

must-have items for kids

Must-Have Items for Kids this Spring and Summer

Backpack carrier

We were gifted a hand-me-down from a friend that we love, Kelty. We also have friends who love their Chicco carriers. This comes in handy when we scout new deer stand locations, move stands, or take them down and do not want our son running around in the woods. Ticks are predominant in Minnesota in the Spring and Summer, while this does not prevent them from finding your kid, it does help as they are off the ground. Which leads to the next item.

must-have items for kids

Tick spray

Ticks are nasty critters that carry diseases that can wreak havoc on your health. There are many tick-repellent sprays out there and doing the research on what works best for your family is always a good idea. Some are natural, some are not. Some natural sprays do not work at all and some non-natural sprays must be used cautiously. Either way, when tick season is at its peak it is best to do your research and invest in a spray that works. Sawyer Permethrin is a non-natural repellent. Natrapel is one that contains Picaridin (Deet alternative). Nantucket Spider Tick Repellent is a natural spray.

Hat & Sunscreen

This is a given. Sun exposure can be extremely harsh to kids' delicate skin. Our favorite hats have been bucket hats with straps that go around their chins. Home Prefer Kids UPF50+ Safari Sun Hat and Mengar UPF 50+ Kids Sun Hat Fisherman Hat are our two go-to's for the outdoors, even everyday play. Our favorite brands of sunscreen have been Thinkbaby SPF 50+ and Babyganics Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+.

Water Bottles

While you stay hydrated, remember to keep your kids hydrated as well. Even when we are going on a short trip to the grocery store, I will grab water bottles. If you invest in a carabiner, you can clip the water bottle to your belt loop or backpack carrier, so you aren’t carrying it while attempting to carry a stand, fishing rods, etc. Our favorites have been CamelBak Eddy+ 14oz Kid’s Water Bottle and Contigo 14oz Kid’s Autospout Water Bottles.

Sunglasses

Sometimes that hat just does not cover it and while it can take some time for little kids to adjust to having sunglasses on their face, it is worth the time to get them used to them. The glare of the sun off a lake is no joke for adults, now imagine what it can do to little eyes. Our favorite has been those with a removable strap and that is polarized – the RIVBOS Rubber Kids Polarized Sunglasses.

Boots

ZOOGS Kids Waterproof Rain Boots for Girls, Boys, and Toddlers: These cute rain boots come in multiple colors so you can grab a pair for each kid. Whether they are hiking through a stream, playing in the mud, or any other awesome rain activity, a pair of high-quality rain boots is much needed for your boys and girls! These are waterproof (duh!), fast-drying, comfortable, and lightweight.

Jacket

Stephen Joseph Kids Raincoat: This raincoat comes in different styles for both boys and girls. Florals, dinosaurs, unicorns, sharks, and more options will suit any of your child’s “styles.”  They have a zipper closure and are perfect for wind, rain, and chilly temperatures.

Just a few items to consider taking along for your outdoor adventures to make it not only enjoyable for you but for them!

{Outdoorsy Kids: 10 Ways to Get Your Kids Interested in the Outdoors}

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About the Author

Susie Busta

To sum it up - Wife, Mom, Hunter, Fisher, all-around outdoorsy woman!
I am a new Mom and I love involving our son in everything we do outdoors, watching him experience things for the first time is truly better than any trophy fish or animal. I also enjoy sharing my experiences with other outdoors mothers, in hopes we can learn from each other. Continuing your outdoor activities is not easy with a little one, tips and tricks come in handy! I try to be real with my experiences, all the ups and downs since we all have them and they make us human. I hope that by sharing my passion and stories of the outdoors it may spark another woman or mother to pursue something they didn’t think they could do.