Summer Essentials for Kids (That Are Actually Worth Buying)

A practical, non-sponsored list from a mom living in the sunny Colorado mountains.

Let’s be real: summer with kids is amazing and chaotic. I thought I’d have all this time at home to get ahead on my side hustle, and instead, I’m refereeing popsicle fights and trying to remember where everyone left their water bottle.

I’m solo parenting this week, so here’s a quick list of the kid gear we’re using daily, and loving, because it’s all I’ve got time for at the moment!

These are the real MVPs of our sticky, sunny, budget-stretching summer:

☀️ Sky & Sol Non-Toxic Sunscreen
Goes on smooth, is non-toxic, and doesn’t leave my kids looking like ghosts. This sunscreen has such clean ingredients, my kids could eat it and I wouldn’t be worried at all (not that I recommend it, but still). It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the small bottle lasts longer than you’d expect, it goes on easy, and it dries clear. Way less white residue than other zinc-based sunscreens we’ve tried. I buy in bulk to save money.

👟 Whitin Kids Wide Toe Box Barefoot Shoes
Wide toe box, breathable, and perfect for playgrounds, hikes, and splash pads. They dry quickly and hold up surprisingly well. Stretchy, easy to slip on and off, and so much better for your kids’ feet thanks to the barefoot design and natural wide toe spread. My kids rave about how comfortable they are, and honestly, same. I have the adult version, and they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned.

🍓 DIY Popsicle Molds
The popsicle spending officially surpassed the berries. We are popsicle obsessed over here. I decided last week I can’t give my entire paycheck to Johnny Pop anymore, although, to be fair, they’re delicious and have great ingredients. But I’m on a mission to lower the sugar content and save money.

So I grabbed these popsicle molds on Amazon, and they work fabulously. The kids love making their own blends, and it’s become part of our afternoon rhythm. We usually blend a fruit like watermelon or pineapple with some coconut milk and a little honey. That’s it. Easy, quick, and they taste amazing for a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the sugar. Win win for everyone!

💦 Brumate Leap 12 oz Water Bottles
Plastic-free, leak-proof (when locked), and durable. I really love these because they have no plastic at all; a rare find for kids’ water bottles. They also have a clever twist-to-lock system that keeps them from leaking when not in use. Just a heads-up: this design works best for slightly older kids (3+) who can remember to lock it. If it’s left unlocked and tips over, it will leak everywhere. But other than that, it’s hands down my favorite option for water bottles right now.

🌞 Patagonia Kids Hooded Sun Shirts
We are blessed to get a discount from Patagonia because of my husband’s job, so we grab these every year, and I’d still say they’re worth it even without the discount. These are amazing for Colorado weather: super lightweight, breathable, fast-drying, and they offer excellent sun protection. They’ve also helped us cut way down on sunscreen battles since the kids stay covered and cool. Hands down the best summer layer we own.

❄️ PackIt Freezable Lunch Boxes
These lunchboxes are awesome. They come in tons of different shapes and sizes, so we’ve used them for daycare, school, and summer outings. I just pop ours in the freezer overnight, and by morning it’s ready to go, no ice packs needed. It stays very cold for about 3 hours, and the food stays cool for another hour or so after that. Perfect for picnics, hikes, or a day at the park.

❌ What’s Not Worth It

Let’s save each other some money, shall we?

🚫 Bug Repellent Stickers/Patches
I wanted these to work. I really did. But no matter how cute or “natural” they are, the mosquitoes do not care. We ended up covered in bites anyway. I haven’t found anything non toxic that truly works… yet.

🚫 Pop-Up Sun Tents
In theory, these are perfect for beach days or park picnics. In reality? They’re bulky, not actually lightweight, and definitely not easy to lug around with kids, snacks, and 47 other summer items. They also get so hot inside that no one wants to stay in them for more than a few minutes. If you’re desperate for shade, they’ll do. But honestly, a good umbrella is easier, cooler, and way less frustrating to pack up.

That’s It—Nothing Fancy

Just a few things helping us keep cool, stay outside longer, and enjoy the summer a little more. Got a favorite summer item? I’d love to hear it. Drop in the comments below!

Let’s not lose our minds together,

Tori