Must-Have Summer Essentials for Kids (Fun + Affordable Picks for 2025)
Looking for the best summer essentials for kids to keep them busy, safe, and smiling all summer long? Whether you’re heading to the beach, hanging in the backyard, or planning fun summer activities for kids at home, this roundup has everything you need.
These top-rated and affordable summer must-haves for kids are perfect for screen-free play, outdoor adventures, water fun, and road trips. I love to put together a little "last day of school" or "summer kickoff" basket for my kids. It's a fun way to celebrate their newfound freedom!
Let’s dive into the ultimate list of summer gear for kids in 2025!
Pool & Water Play
Waterproof Card Games
We love the card game Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and now there's a waterproof version perfect for playing poolside during adult swim, or during camping/boat trips and other travel.
It’s easy to learn and guaranteed to get kids laughing!
Reusable Water Balloons
Ditch the single-use plastic and opt for eco-friendly water balloons! These magnetic-seal balloons are easy to refill and reuse, making them a top pick for summer backyard fun.
Inflatable Swim Ring with Leg Holes
I loved pool floats with leg holes when my kids were small. They could be in the pool and part of the fun without getting too cold & wet if they didn't want to.
This adorable dinosaur pool float is perfect for toddlers and younger kids, and comes in several other designs. It adds a little extra safety (but of course, please still stay with your child while they're floating) and makes pool time extra fun.
One-piece Swim Goggles
My kids really struggled with regular goggles. I felt like they would always leak, and the head strap would get tangled in their hair every time. Enter these kid-friendly, anti-fog swim goggles in fun designs, with a head strap that clicks open and closed easily. A must-have for swimming lessons, beach days, and pool play.
AquaGuard Kids Pre-Swim Hair Defense
My kids both have fine, blonde hair that gets damaged and even turns green in chlorine and salt water. This pre-swim conditioner from AquaGuard leaves their hair soft and tangle-free after swimming, and a little goes a long way.
Nature Play
Bug Catching Kit + Insect Viewer
When I was little I was always catching critters in jars to investigate. I would have loved this fun bug explorer kit—complete with a magnifier, bug cage, and tweezers. It’s a great way to mix STEM learning with outdoor play.
Mosquito Repellent Stickers + Wristbands
I don't like to spray bug spray on my kids or myself if I can avoid it, but the mosquitos really love us. I like these DEET-free mosquito stickers to keep the bites at bay. I just stick them on the hems of their clothing. They are ideal for sensitive skin and chemical-free bug protection.
Arts & Crafts
Sidewalk Chalk
OK, ok, I know this one's obvious BUT Crayola’s sidewalk chalk is superior, and chalk is a great way to encourage some outdoor activity. Our porch is slightly slanted so I also appreciate the fact that these don't roll away! These are great for driveway/porch art and DIY obstacle courses. I like to have my kiddos create artwork on the porch to welcome visitors - bonus points if it's holiday-themed, like for the 4th!
Paint Sticks
After the 15th cup of paintbrush water spilled on my floors, I found these washable tempera paint sticks and I've never looked back. We still use regular paint too, but these are especially good for painting cardboard-box creations and other non-paper projects. Using these, the paint won't drip down vertical surfaces either! #winning
UV Color-Changing Beads
My girls love to make jewelry, and these beads make it extra fun when they change color in the sunlight.
Travel Fun + Gear
Motion Sickness Wristbands
My oldest used to get carsick on every. single. road trip. These natural nausea relief bands helped reduce her motion sickness without medication. Maybe it's a placebo effect - I don't care! I'm just happy to not be cleaning vomit out of a car seat anymore. We also use a little peppermint essential oil roller and/or mint gum to keep the queasies away.
Magic Painting Books
When we have a really long road trip or flight, I love to give my kids on of these paint-with-water books from Usborne to work on. They are mess-free, screen-free, and quiet - all you need is a little water.
Car Seat Tray
On long car rides, a car seat tray like this one is a life-saver. It helps keep everything contained and in arms-reach for my kids. And if something STILL inevitably gets dropped (or thrown to the floor in a temper tantrum)...
Grabbers
Instead of dislocating your shoulder trying to retrieve said toy, give your kid a grabber and teach them to use it so they can help themselves. This one comes in a 2-pack. Game changer!
Bonus Tip: Create a Summer Fun Kit!
Like I mentioned above, I love to create a little basket for my kids with some fun items to give them on the last day of school. You could also bundle these items into a summer survival kit for moms or a kids’ summer activity basket, either as a gift or for yourself. Keep it near the door in a waterproof tote (like this one), or toss it in your car for spontaneous fun!
📌 Don’t Forget to Pin This!
Love these ideas? Save this post to your Summer Activities for Kids or Outdoor Play Pinterest boards so you’re always ready for summer fun.
