31 Things Every Parent Will Need To Ensure That This Will Be The Best Summer Yet

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

As if getting months off from school isn’t enough.

A water-resistant, tear-free SPF-50 Coppertone Kids roll-on zinc oxide sunscreen to easily apply (and reapply) whenever little ones are out playing in the scorching summer sun.

John Mihaly / BuzzFeed

I started using the Coppertone Kids Roll-On sunscreen this summer on my toddler, and it is so clutch. It’s hard enough to get a kid to sit still in order to slather them from head to toe in sunscreen. You’re always bound to miss some spots (and guess what, the summer sun never misses). This sunscreen rolls on with a pale blue color, so you know exactly what areas you’ve covered (or missed). Rub it gently into the skin, and that blue hue disappears. Also great for touch-ups and reapplying on the run. And the best part? Your hands don’t get all greasy like they would with liquid sunscreen.

Get it from Amazon for $9.29.

An UpsideDownChallenge “Backyard Edition” game that, as its name suggests, calls for the players to wear special goggles while attempting challenges like catching a ball, jumping through rings, and relay racing while their vision is flipped upside down.

Amazon

Promising review: “I was teaching a class this summer on the brain and how it senses. One of my students brought this in when we were learning about eyesight because it demonstrates the view at the back of our retina. All of the kids were obsessed with it, and my daughter decided to get it as a gift for a birthday party a few weeks later. It was declared the favorite gift!” —Heather H

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

A SwimZip long-sleeve rash guard and swimsuit set (as Seen on Shark Tank) for making summertime super stylish for the kiddos while providing SPF 50+ protection from the sun.

Amazon

Promising review: “I forgot to write a review for this swimsuit. We’ve had it for a whole year now, and it still fits! I love everything about it. It’s adjustable, and its perfect length keeps my little girl covered and comfortable. Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite products I’ve ever purchased.” —Lashley Luke

“Love this for water play or just throwing on to play outside. The zip-top is easy to put on and versatile. Mix and match the set to create endless options.” —BayBaileyBay

Get the girls’ 3-piece set starting at $34.99 (sizes 6-months+) or the boys’ 2-piece set starting at $29.99 (sized 0 months+) at Amazon.

A Highlights Big Book of Activities for Little Kids (and adults, too) chock full of 200+ crafts, recipes, and puzzles (we’re talking screen-free activities here). Any time a parent hears the phrase “we’re bored,” this book needs to make an immediate appearance to shut that right down.

Amazon

Promising review: “I’m a stay-at-home mom of three under-three with a company to run full-time, so I’m always looking for projects/activities for these toddlers. Obviously, there’s a lot of ideas out there, and I have a ton saved on social media but sometimes I just need quick activities without searching hard. This is perfect! It has so many different options, projects, recipes, dancing, etc…for the price, you really can’t beat it.” —WacoFitChick

Get it from Amazon for $17.49 (originally $19.99).

A Hape Sizzling BBQ Set that switches between griddle and BBQ grill with charcoal-like effects and realistic sizzling sounds. Bonus: It also stores all of its accessories. (Nice!) It’s never too soon to teach the little ones about the fine art of grilling.

Hape

Get it from Hape for $44.99.

A homemade ice pop maker kit for making easy-to-remove frozen treats (thanks to the BPA-free silicone mold) with reusable plastic sticks that prevent overflow (re: sticky messes). Works with juice, puree, yogurt, apple sauce, ice cream, and whole pieces of fruit.

Amazon, amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: “I’ve used this several times. My kids love ice pops, so I opt to make them at home when I can. The funnel is nice, but I can pour in the liquid just fine without making a mess, so I don’t use it much. I like that it comes with plastic handles, but I choose to use the sticks because my toddlers would throw the handle in the garbage after they’re done, lol. The cover will securely hold the sticks in place, so there is no need to partially freeze before putting them in. The plastic bags are awesome; that way, once they’re frozen, you can take them out of the mold and save space in your freezer or make another batch. The frozen ice pops easily pop out of the mold; no need to leave them out or submerge them in water. Overall, I’m very pleased with this product.” —Ahlam

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

A bottle of oil-based, non-irritating, DEET-free kids’ natural insect repellent to keep the bitiest of bugs away all summer long. It won’t ruin clothes or camping gear, either!

Amazon

Promising review: “Bought this for a camping trip where we had a toddler and three 8-year-olds who ran in and out our tent leaving it, of course, open and let me tell you, I sprayed these kids up (neck, ankles, and arms) and had no bites all trip; even on myself! Definitely will be recommending!” —Justine Heads

Get it from Amazon for $12.50.

A foldable Oxo Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty because when they gotta go, you know they gotta go! Like, right now! No bathroom? No problem; extend the legs, and voila, you’ve got an instant commode. This potty also lays flat on regular toilets for a more comfortable seat on the throne.

Amazon

Includes three disposable bags with absorbent pads and a travel bag.

Promising review: “OMG! A coworker told me about this when I was mentioning to her my apprehension about driving to our family reunion, being that my 3-year-old son had finally started adapting to not ‘going potty’ in his pull-ups. She immediately said this was a life-saver, and she takes it everywhere.

So I ordered it, not really having high hopes, but figuring I’d give it a try. OMG, OMG, OMG! Do you know the whole time we were driving, my son told me like four times that he had to “pee-pee” (four times is a lot because it was only a four-hour drive)…It is very easy to use; it folds in flat and comes in a thick, drawstring, durable plastic bag. It also comes with a few disposable bags that have an absorbent pad attached to the inside base to help retain the mess.

The reusable bags are designed to be pulled over the potty and dropped down inside to catch waste. This is great for road trips, as well as every day here and there. You can use it in a restaurant if your child needs to go, but you don’t feel comfortable with them sitting on the public toilet seat or anywhere else at that because not only does this fold out as a standing potty, but the legs hyperextend out to create arms that allow it to balance across a toilet, (of course when you balance it on a toilet you won’t need to use the bags.) I definitely recommend this if you are potty training your little one or even if you have a toddler and are a germaphobe about public bathrooms. Buy it! You won’t regret it!” —Janeen A.

Get it from Amazon for $20.95 (available in two colors).

A leakproof, easy-to-clean CamelBak kids’ water bottle that’ll last as long as the kids don’t lose it and keep them hydrated all summer long. All they have to do is “flip, bite, sip, and drink through the straw.”

Target

Promising review: “We have had this cup for six months, and it has been dropped countless times and partially run over by my SUV. We popped it back into shape, and you can barely tell anything happened. We bought another for our youngest, and it’s doing just as well.” —TF

Get it from Target for $12.29 (available in six styles).

10.

A pack of 420 self-sealing rapid-fill water balloons so you’ll never have to fumble with tying every single tiny balloon and bursting half of them in the process again. We have now reached the height of inflatable aquatic warfare.

Amazon

Promising review: “There are few things in today’s ever-changing society that you try once and make you never go back to the ‘old way’ of doing it again. This is one of them. Follow the directions given and you will have a bunch of well-filled balloons ready for fun times in under 60 seconds. Can you fill them up faster? Probably. But just do as the packaging says and take your time, you won’t be disappointed.” —Mr. H

Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

11.

A water-resistant Uno Splash card game to play outdoors, at the beach, in the pool, or in any location where saturation levels might be higher than normal. Doesn’t make getting hit with a Wild Draw Four card any easier, though!

Amazon

Promising review: “I love this deck of cards! They can be washed, and you can have people touch them with drink residue or whatever else is on their hands and be okay; it won’t ruin the cards, and that was my motivation behind buying these, and this was well worth it! And it even comes with a backpack clip to hold the cards in place and for you to clip onto anything! The only complaint guests have is how slick they feel, and they sometimes stick together, but I don’t mind it!” —Shanice

Get it from Amazon for $14.24.

12.

A bubble leaf blower that’s battery operated (so it shouldn’t get you in any trouble with the HOA) while blasting non-toxic bubble solution in the backyard and all around the neighborhood. Honestly, everyone loves bubbles!

Amazon

Promising review: “The batteries last forever, even when my toddler had it by his side making bubbles all day long. I came back to write a review because I cannot believe how tough this toy is!! My toddler has chucked this bubble-maker across the yard many many times, yet it still works. Last week we had a rainstorm, and it rained for a week straight with cold weather. We did not know it was left outside. Well, when we found it leaking water, and in the mud, I tried, and it did not work. I took out the rusted batteries and let it air dry for a few hours. I popped new batteries in, and guess what? It works again! Highly recommend.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

13.

A rechargeable, three-speed flexible stroller fan with three LED settings (for a night-light) so the kids (and you) can keep cool while you’re out strolling under the hot sun.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: “Worth it. I needed a fan that would cool my son at Disneyland without chopping his fingers and running out of batteries fast. Also, something that wouldn’t be easily taken off of my stroller like the Disney fans that I always lose. This one holds a good battery, has a night light for all that foot traffic, straps to the stroller, and has a USB charger. It kept us cool.” —cameron

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colors).

14.

A UPF 50+ sun-protective, wide-brim bucket hat to keep kids’ heads, faces, and necks safe from that summer sun while the drawstring keeps it secured from blowing away and getting lost. The hat also folds up for easy on-the-go storage.

Amazon

Promising review: “Bought these for my kids for our Hawaii trip. Been using them ever since. Great quality! Awesome facial coverage for extra UV protection for my little ones! They’re comfortable. And come with an adjustable strap to ensure it won’t fall off in the wind. And the pattern is an extra cute bonus! Would definitely repurchase!” —Kaity Miller

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 22 patterns and colors).

15.

A Stasher reusable food bag that not only helps to phase out unrecyclable single-use plastics but can be used to keep just about anything (snacks, toys, medicine, changing supplies, etc.) contained and organized. Sometimes it’s about stopping a mess before it starts!

Amazon

Wait, why so pricey? Well, do you know of any other bags that can survive the fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and boiling water? We’ll wait.

Promising review: “I’m one of those people who washes plastic bags and reuses them to 1). attempt to cut back on plastic headed to the landfill, and 2). to save a little money. I purchased these silicone bags after seeing a co-worker using them. These have worked out great, and I got a lot of questions about them. I’ve referred other environmentally-conscious friends, and they love them too! Easy to love these things; they provide secure seals, are very durable, and are easy to clean. Perfect for lunches, snacks, or other small storage needs. I’m sure you can put them in the dishwasher, but I generally wash by hand.” —Molly

Get it from Amazon for $8.48+ (available in 12 sizes and 23 color options).

16.

A Wiwiurka wood climber triangular rope ladder available in outdoor (hung from a tree branch) or indoor (hung from the ceiling) options. This thing’s capable of holding up to 175 pounds’ worth of children or possibly one immature adult.

Wiwiurka

Note: Mounting hardware not included. Wiwiurka is a Mexican woman-owned business located in Tepoztlan, Mexico, that creates sustainable children’s toys using water-based paints and nontoxic materials that are inspired by Pikler, Montessori, and Waldorf’s educational standards.

Promising review: “We surprised our girls, 5, 3, and 2-years-old, with this climber! Their reactions were so fun! They literally climb on it all day long!! Great quality and simple to install! We went ahead and ordered the outdoor version, too!” —Monica Z.

Get it from Wiwiurka for $195+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

17.

A six-pack of durable, absorbent, but still soft striped beach and pool towels because how’s it going to be the best summer if you’re not drying off outdoors with one of these?

Amazon

Promising review: “I didn’t have to wash them 100 times to get the fuzz out; these things washed and dried extremely well and kept their softness. The kids love these, I was worried the colors would run, but they did not. Excellent quality for the cost.” —frank johnson

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in quantities of 6, 12, and 36).

18.

An investment-worthy silicone beach toys set (bucket, shovel, molds, mesh tote bag) for some super sandy fun this summer and for many summers to come.

Amazon

Promising review: “I had been looking for a sturdy nonplastic sand toy set, and I’m so glad I found this one by Blue Ginkgo. Plastic tends to get brittle and usually breaks over time. I wanted something that would grow with my toddler for longer than a year. Ordered the yellow bucket, shovel, pastel molds, and blue carry-tote set a few weeks ago, and it’s gotten daily use every day! My 2.5-year-old loves loves, LOVES it all. In the sand pit, in the wood chip playground, and at the beach. It’s light enough for him to carry to the park. Very easy to clean with soap and water and towel dry for more pretend-to-play indoors. The durability so far has been fantastic. The bucket and shovel are light enough for easy carry, but sturdy enough to keep up with my toddler. Highly recommend.” —Cydney M Elliott

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in six colors).

19.

A two-pack of baby’s first sunglasses made with flexible rubberized plastic material so the little hands can’t break them with any twisting or bending. Plus, every baby looks cool wearing these!

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: “Bought the duo pack with the straps for my 9-month-old twin girls, and they fit perfectly, and the strap keeps them in their heads! Perfect for our upcoming beach trip and spending time outside in this sunny and warm weather!” —Haley

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four color combos).

20.

An inflatable unicorn sprinkler, because as the old saying goes, “You can lead a unicorn to water and you can make them spray your kids with it from their horn.” It also comes with four ground stakes, so this magical beast won’t get knocked over easily.

amazon.com

Promising review: “Other than the kids trying to get on the unicorn to ride it, it was a huge hit! Inflated easily with a blow-up bed electric pump. Appreciated that it came with stakes and an extra hose attachment. Sprayed well and was worth the money!” —Brittany Utz

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes).

21.

A four-pack of Bentgo “Buddies” reusable ice packs to keep lunches, snacks, and beverages cool for a couple of hours (at least four) during summer and the school year.

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: “I put two of these in my daughter’s lunchbox (I’ve used several soft-sided ones this year), and they’re still cold at the end of the day. Easy to clean and put back in the freezer. They still look new after seven months of using them three times a week! Plus, she thinks they’re cute and fun!” —CeeMarie

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 10 styles).

22.

A 110-piece mini first aid kit for any summertime boo-boos that might happen (and they will) whenever you’re out and about with the kids. This pack has it all and should probably live in your car’s glove box.

Amazon

Promising reviews: “I bought this to have as a travel first aid kit. I do not check bags when flying, so I had this in my carry-on and had no issues going through any security while traveling internationally. This is small and does not take up much room, and has the essentials that you need. I have had to use this, and I am happy that I had it.” —acemics niv

“I haven’t used anything in this kit, but I bought it as a precaution for traveling. There’s nothing worse than being on vacation and needing one Band-Aid and having to buy an entire box. It is small, so it’s easy to toss in your travel bag and go! I sometimes keep it in my car even when I’m not traveling. I’m one of those people who are always cutting or nicking their fingers — very convenient to have around.” —Amanda A

Get it from Amazon for $13.88.

23.

An eight-pack of travel-sized hand sanitizers with a jelly wrap to kill germs and keep hands clean all summer long. These are the parental equivalent of lip balm: you’ll lose them, find them, and probably never use up an entire bottle.

amazon.com

Promising review: “Perfect size to hang on your bag for those trips to the store. I bought this pack to hang on my son’s backpack, my husband’s work bag, and my purse. Would recommend it for people on the go! You could always refill them once you’re done, so that’s a plus as well.” —Erika F

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

24.

A waterproof pair of walkie-talkies that includes two compass bracelets and 22 channels that work up to a 3-mile distance. This is a great “get-them-outdoors” in the warm weather item. Over and out!

amazon.com

Promising reviews: “So many cool little features. And as a family of ham radio operators, we were all impressed with the quality, reception, and clarity.” —AC

“I gave the walkie-talkies to my nephew for Christmas. It was his favorite present. He gave the other to the neighbor down the street, and the sound quality was spectacular. They could talk from inside their homes very clearly and with little feedback. He was so pumped.” —KIKI

Get it from Amazon for $32.98 (available in two camo-colors).

25.

A super-spacious Evenflo Pivot Xplore all-terrain stroller wagon to push or pull one to two children on-road or off. Plus there are plenty of pockets and a basket for storage and the dual UPF 50+ canopies mean you can spend even more time rolling outdoors.

Amazon

Promising review: “We bought this after the frustration of using a stroller with a diaper bag attached, and it ALWAYS falls over if our son wasn’t in the stroller. We LOVE this thing so much!! We have used it at the beach, park, zoo, etc. We are having another baby here soon, and we will be buying the car seat adapter. We have been stopped so many times since getting it and asked if it’s worth it (it is). Seriously, I will never regret buying this wagon!! Buy it; you won’t regret it!” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $319.99 (available in five colors).

26.

A portable, pop-up beach tent for those times a toddler might want/need to take a nap, but you don’t want to give up your prime spot in the sand. Also a great way to keep the kiddos directly out of the sun.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: “This tent has been awesome for our beach trips, and it withstands the strong winds! My toddler naps while we are at the beach, and there is enough room for me to fully sit in the shade with her! There are folding instructions in the carrying bag that are easy to follow with pictures. The tent is lightweight and easy to set up! I highly recommend!” —Benito Frias

Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in two colors).

27.

A battery-operated Tidal Storm Aqua Thunder, whose name sounds like a ’90s syndicated television show that would have been on immediately following Baywatch, but similarly brings the action by blasting water up to 25 feet!

Target

Requires 4 AA batteries.

Promising review: “My son absolutely loves water play and being outside, so of course he’s gonna love a water soaker. This was an ideal size for him, and it held a lot of water as well, so you’re not finding yourself having to fill up a bunch. I can’t wait ’til summertime when kids can have water fights with this fun guy.” —Danip

Get it from Target for $22.49.

28.

A kid-size, lightweight, latex-free, silicone Speedo swim cap to keep their hair covered and dry without any painful snags when taking it off. Also, the contoured shape reduces drag, so if the kids don’t want to wear them, just tell them the cap will make them swim faster. Facts (kind of).

m.media-amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: “My toddler did not complain or try to take them off. They lasted through two swim courses, about two months. Good stretch and very durable, no complaints. Comfy too!” —Emilia

“I purchased this swim cap for my 3-year-old daughter. I was looking for something to protect her hair from the weekly exposure to chlorine from her swim lessons. The swim cap fits well over her thick, curly hair; it doesn’t snag, pull, or tug on her hair and slips on very easily. The only trouble is if I pull it down all the way, it covers her ears, and she has trouble hearing her swim instructor. We just flip the area near her ears up and secure it with her goggle strap, which seems to work. The quality of the material is great! I expect we will have this for years to come. I have been swimming for years, and the quality of Speedo products is very consistent across products. I am very pleased with this purchase!” —AW

Get it from Amazon for $11.96+ (available in three colors).

29.

A Bug Bite Thing suction tool that sucks insect venom or saliva from under the skin, cutting down on all that itching and swelling (and eventual scratching that little hands can’t help but do). Mosquitoes, you’ve met your match.

amazon.com

Note: Some reviewers caution that the suction can be too much for a toddler, so tread lightly when using.

Promising reviews: “Finally got to use it on myself and my toddler after we got bit by ants a bunch of times. Used it within minutes, held it for 20 seconds on each bite as directed. At first, I could see purplish rings from all the suction, but they went away fast, and so did the bites. A couple of hours later, there was not even a bite mark on my kid. My bite is a little trickier since it’s on top of the ankle, but not as bad as it would have been (I’m extremely sensitive to ant bites; they bother me for days). Will buy one for all of my extended family members.” —Maria

“I have used this so many times. If you have toddlers, this is a must-have! I hate using bug repellent on my littles, and if you have kids, you know they will scratch that mosquito bite ’til it’s raw and bleeding. This little thing will take the itch out of any bite and pretty much makes it disappear!” —Kristina P.

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in seven colors).

30.

A set of 12 easy-to-set-up and disassemble tree climbing holds to create a backyard rock-climbing wall without the rocks or walls. These can accommodate up to 230 pounds of climber!

amazon.com, Amazon

For ages 3+

Promising review: “Aside from having to look up how to use a ratchet strap (thank goodness for YouTube), these were a piece of cake to install. They feel sturdy, and the foot/hand holds are made of very durable plastic. We’ve only had them up for a few weeks, but they seem to be holding up really well with a lot of use. I can see having to tighten the ratchet strap over time, as they may stretch with more use. Very happy with this purchase, and all of my kids and the neighborhood kids love to use them. My youngest is 5 and uses it easily.” —M. Levy

Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in two color options).

31.

And finally, an inflatable backyard pool for those times when the beach is too much of a hike, the public pool is too crowded, and none of the neighbors have pools either!

amazon.com, amazon.com

For ages 3+ (and only with the supervision of an adult). Holds two adults and three to five kids).

Promising review: “I originally purchased this pool for a backyard birthday party, and it worked out great. It held up to a bunch of kids climbing in and out all day.

Now that the kids are back in school, I decided to reinflate it to use myself. It’s a perfect size to lounge in with my favorite spring float. I love how easily it sets up! I just held the basic hose on our Shop-Vac over the valves, and it went right up. I left it for about an hour with the hose, and it was a little overfull. I let a bit of the water out after I took these photos. It’s super easy just to reach in and pull the plug when it’s time to drain. The bit of rigid tubing at one drain allows the water to run out.” —Jennifer H

Get it from Amazon for $69.97.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.