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Aprons, Blog, Parenting Tips
Handy Items to Pack for a Summer Holiday with Kids
Nov
The end of the year is coming up fast, and you know what that means… barbecues, beach time, Christmas, and the classic summer holiday! Time to pack the kids into the car and head off for some fun in the sun.
Travelling and holidaying with kids builds amazing memories, but it is not without its challenges. Consider packing these items to make sure you and the family have the best possible time, free of stress and drama for your time away. Let’s have a look at what they are…
Our Favourite Items to Pack for a Summer Holiday with Kids
Keep ‘em Busy
It can be hard enough keeping those little ones occupied when they are at home surrounded by toys, let alone in a confined vehicle, tent, or unfamiliar summer holiday destination! Make sure you bring a few basics along to keep them busy – both on the road and at your destination. Think books to read, colouring books and pencils, a few favourite toys, or electronic entertainment for quiet time.
A summer holiday is all about the great outdoors, so pack a Frisbee, a backyard cricket set, beach ball or rugby ball, so the whole family can get some exercise together and enjoy that awesome natural environment.
Children’s Craft Aprons
The last thing you want while enjoying a summer holiday is piles of laundry! Throw in one or two Mud Mates Craft Aprons to keep your kids dry and clean no matter what mischief they get up to. That way, they can head outside and paint, make mud pies or even tuck into dinner without getting dirty.
Our NZ-made aprons are water resistant to keep clothes dry, and machine washable – a perfect holiday outfit for any activity that might get a little messy – and with little kids, that’s pretty much everything!
DIY Toddler Travel Activity Pack
Keep your little one happy on the go with a simple activity pack made just for them! Grab a small backpack and fill it with:
– An activity book + crayons
– A favourite story or animal book
– Mini playdough
– Non-toxic sidewalk chalk
Perfect for car rides, plane trips, or quiet time at your holiday spot – and easy to throw together before you go!
Keep ‘em Safe
The most important items to pack are any medications your child needs, plus a well-stocked first aid kit — something that can handle everything from bumps and grazes to insect bites and rashes.
Sun safety is also key for any summer adventure, especially with New Zealand’s strong UV rays. Be sure to pack a UV-protective rash shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, child-friendly sunscreen, a sun umbrella, and sunglasses for the whole family.
We now stock our own range of kids’ sunglasses — perfect for little adventurers!
Keep ‘em Organised
Your bags will be stuffed full of snacks, wet wipes, playing cards, sippy cups, water bottles, potions and lotions – there’s so much to remember! Make life a little easier and give the kids their own personalised tote bags to use.
These personalised swim bags can be used for anything, anywhere. Choose from six colours and get each child’s bag personalised with their own name. This allows the traditional use of carrying their togs and towel but they can also use them for toys, their cuddly or whatever takes their fancy.
The drawstring bags are water resistant so are perfect for the beach or pool.
Check out our Kids Summer Accessories Pack too – purchase your swim bag, sun hat and kids sunglasses together and save money.
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Great post! We went away for our first ‘summer’ road trip last weekend and were so unorganised kids things wise and hadn’t put a lot of the summer essentials back in the car after winter!
Thanks Carrie. It’s amazing how much ‘stuff’ you actually need to take when you go on holiday with kids! Doesn’t take much to fill the car up!
Such great tips here! Will keep these in mind for sure when we next take a trip!
Thanks Hayley, glad you found it useful.
Thanks, Mud Mates – great article and great tips!
Thanks Caroline, glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.
Great suggestions Alana thanks!
One thing that we did with our swim bags while we travelled the world for 2 months, was to pack all of the girls underwear, toothbrushes and pjs into them. Then, whenever we got to a new destination, they could pull out their named swim bag and have all the essentials packed into them without making a huge mess in the suitcase.
It meant we also had them for all the swimming when we were more settled in Bali too.
What a great idea Kat. So glad to hear your bags have been coming in handy!