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The Essential Summer Kit for the Car

Be prepared for anything that summer might throw at you with a Summer Essentials Kit for your Car

A violent storm in the middle of tennis practice that we walked to…

A vomiting episode while on the way to a birthday party…

A car seat covered in urine…

A random invitation to a friend’s pool while out running errands (with no swimsuits on hand)…

An extended play date at a shade-less playground in 95 degree heat…

A swarm of mosquitos on a hiking trail…

After years of summer surprises hitting me like a ton of bricks, I finally smarted up and decided that my car needs to be well-stocked for summer! I always keep a duffel bag in the back of my mommy-van full of these essentials for the entirety of summer, which in Texas lasts from March through October.

Essential Summer Kit for the Car
  • Swimsuits & towels
  • Extra change of clothes, hats, & sandals
  • Picnic blanket
  • Sunscreen & aloe
  • Bug spray
  • Sand toys (pails, shovels, trucks) & Bubbles
  • Soccer ball or kickball
  • Playing/flash cards & books
  • A little cash
  • Wipes, paper towels, & tissues
  • Baby powder (for cleaning off wet sand)
  • A couple plastic bags for wet clothes or trash
  • First aid kit
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Umbrella

This kit has saved me more times than I can count and allowed us to have uninterrupted summer fun. We’ve been able to linger longer at an activity or park. I’ve been able to say ‘yes’ to random splash pad stops. We’ve added on state park visits to an otherwise boring morning. I’ve been able to clean up disgusting messes while on the go, tame countless snack cravings without resorting to fast food, and wait out unexpected downpours.

This little bit of preparation has helped us truly enjoy summer’s spontaneous moments.

Check out A Mom’s Survival Guide to Summer for more ideas on how to have your best summer yet!

By Heather D.

I’m a wife and a mom of 4 amazing kids in Dripping Springs, TX (west of Austin). I had always been a working mom (educator, school administrator)until my last little guy came along. Now, I stay home and find a million ways to keep busy, including planning trips for my family all over the state, doing home improvement projects with my husband, volunteering a ton, cooking/baking, and working out. I'm also a personal finance enthusiast, and I love to share tips on saving money for families!
I’m always looking for more ideas for family fun and frugal living! If you find something really great that you think other families would love, please use the hashtag #drippingwithkids. If you want to see more of what’s going on in the area, follow me on Instagram at dripping_with_kids and/or on Facebook @drippingwithkidsblog.

One reply on “The Essential Summer Kit for the Car”

I'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite thing to do in the Texas Hill Country?