The time is here! The kids are getting out of school and ready for Summertime adventures. Unfortunately, you never really know when adventure will strike. How many times have you been caught unprepared by unexpected great weather and you don't have sunglasses or sunscreen? Or what about that time it started raining and the only towel you had in the car was shoved under a seat and you don’t really know how it got there? 

Be prepared for anything by packing a bag of essentials and keeping it in the car. You can get a tote bag or a small laundry basket at your nearest store that sells everything for $1 or even check places like 5 below and Walmart to keep things organized in your trunk. 

Personally, I really love the trunk organizer that I got from Sam's a few years ago but I haven't seen the same one in the store since I bought mine. I love that mine is collapsable so if I need to get it out of the way I can.

I have seen some pretty affordable ones that also include an insulated cooler bag on Amazon which is really cool because you could use the cooler to pack a lunch or bring home a few items from the grocery store.   

For the whole family

• Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen! Check out my Top 5 Safe and Budget-Friendly Sunscreens for Kids.
• Sunglasses, for you and your kids 
• Hats
• Beach towels or this amazing blanket I just used for the first time the other day! Save 70% on select product(s) with promo code 70QAR4UD
• Sports fun: ball for soccer, football, volleyball, dodge ball, or even a Frisbee
• Sunscreen (yes, we are reminding you again!)
• Refillable water bottles
• Snacks!  Granola bars, crackers, fruit pouches, etc. (Admit it.  You know you have snuck one yourself when hunger strikes!)  

PRO TIP: Use a 3 drawer plastic storage organizer to keep all your snacks organized. 

• Wipes
• A bag to keep wet clothes
• *Swimsuit, if you have any extras

For your littles 

• Sand toys: bucket, shovel rake sifter
• Swim diapers
• Baby powder to remove scratchy sand off sensitive skin
• Water shoes: anything your littles can wear in and out of the water to protect their feet from hot sand, hot pavement at the splash pad, or the gravel near the lake
• Change of clothes

Pack your essentials at the beginning of the summer, check and replenish the supply often and you’ll always be ready for summertime adventures!