This post is sponsored by Chevrolet Traverse.
School is out. The kids are beyond thrilled. And moms everywhere are worried. What are we going to do all summer long to keep the kids entertained, engaged, productive, and happy?
The secret to a happy summer around our house (for parents and kids alike) is finding the perfect combination of relaxation time and adventure time. My goal at the end of every summer day is to wear the kids out so much on our outings that they fall into bed each night, happily exhausted.
I remember, when the kids were much smaller, dreading outings because they meant a ton of prep work for me. Luckily, I’ve learned a few things during my 18+ years as a parent…and one of those things is to keep the car stocked and ready for anything that may come our way. Oh! The adventures we’ve had in our car, as we headed to all sorts of places. Sometimes the car ride was just as meaningful as the destination.
This summer, I’ve got my eyes on the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, which would be perfect for my family (especially the road trip we’re heading on this week)! With seating for up to 8* and plenty of cargo space in the back, the Chevy Traverse was made for bringing the family together.
So as you kick off your summer adventures, make sure that you are stocked up and prepared for any options for fun and exploration!
Summer Essentials: What To Keep In The Car
A small cooler – Get a cooler to keep drinks and snacks cool. Simply leave the cooler in the car and swap out cold ice packs daily.
No-melt, no-spoil snacks – Keep a stash of snacks in the car that won’t spoil in the heat. Things like chips, pretzels, and crackers are perfect. A box of cereal is another favorite. Then add finger-friendly foods like fruits and veggies daily.
Towels – You never know when you’re going to get wet unexpectedly or just need something to sit on at the park. Towels are also handy for cleaning up after messy adventures.
Change of clothes – It’s always smart to have a change of clothes on hand, especially with kids who like to get dirty or wet. Or both! Instead of having to think of packing more clothes each day, keep a backpack stocked with clothes for every member of the family in the trunk.
Cheap flip-flops – I can’t tell you how many times we’ve ended up somewhere – a stream that we’ve discovered on a hike, a kid-friendly fountain to play in at a park, or simply a friend’s backyard sprinkler – where an extra pair of sandals has come in handy. If you see a flip-flop sale, grab a pair for everyone in the family and keep them in the change of clothes bag!
Books – I love having a book on hand all summer long, just in case I have some time while the kids are at swim practice, playing at the park, etc. The kids love having a book around as well, especially on long car rides. Instead of having to remember to bring books each time, we like to keep a bag of books in the car so that we’re always prepared.
Sunscreen – I never want to be without sunscreen in the summer! I tend to keep some in my purse at all times so that it doesn’t cook in the car in high temperatures, but it’s definitely something that should be in the car whenever we head out.
Notebooks and pencils – I always carry a spiral notebook with me, regardless of the season, because I never know when inspiration will hit. The kids are the same: when they have a pencil and paper, they’ll doodle and write thoughts, stories, letters, memories, whatever!
Garbage bags – Plastic bags are another essential that I won’t travel without! Whether they are used to store the wet, dirty clothes or to use as a makeshift tarp for the park, or to collect all of the garbage after a picnic, plastic bags are so handy!
First-aid kit – You should have a first-aid kit in the car all year round for those unexpected accidents, cuts, scrapes, etc. Make sure it’s well-stocked with bandages, something to clean wounds, and antibiotic ointment. Bug spray is another handy thing to keep in a kit!
An extra mention… Water! – We drink a ton of water during the summer! Since no one likes hot water, and since water shouldn’t be left in the heat for long periods anyway, we try to take a stock of fresh water bottles to the car daily.
What do you keep in your car during the summer?
With spacious seating, ample cargo space and available safety and entertainment technologies, there’s no better vehicle to bring the family together than the Chevrolet Traverse.
*Standard on LS and 1LT. Available on 2LT. LTZ seats 7. Not available in Ebony/Saddle Up interior color.
© 2015, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
These are really good ideas to keep in the car during the summer. A cooler with drinks in it, and snacks is such a good idea!
These are really good ideas to keep in the car during the summer. A cooler with drinks in it, and snacks is such a good idea! I only keep water and sunscreen in my car
This is a great list of items! I never leave home with out fresh cold water. I usually keep just snacks, Wet Ones and first aid kit in my car.
Yes, for sure! It’s amazing how often you need those 2 things (especially with kids who like to run around!).
These are great tips! I always try to at least keep a first aid kit and water.
This is a great list. The flip flops idea is genius! I totally can think of a lot of times they would have come in handy.
I always forget the water. It’s something that I’m always stopping to grab along the way. But, you are right, warm bottles are gross. That small cooler would be very handy!
Sometimes you don’t realize what you really need on hand until you don’t have it. :)
I was caught without some of these items this week! Thanks for the reminder!
These are really good ideas to keep in the car during the summer. A cooler with drinks in it, and snacks is such a good idea! I only keep water and sunscreen in my car. But I need to get some of these other things in my car when I am going to travel this 4th of July.
These are so great tips–I wish we could go on vacation for the summer!