[Family Travel]Essential Checklist for Summer Water Fun

Every summer I head to the beach—I’ve been doing this faithfully since I was single, then married, and now with a daughter too—and have even expanded my water adventures to include beaches and streams. Anywhere I can play in the water is fair game, because summers are unbearably hot, and swimming is really the only way to beat the heat. Of course, indoor activities are not excluded, but I do prefer outdoor fun just a little more, haha.
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What to bring for outdoor summer activities—this is something I truly want to share with you all, because every item is essential. While packing up, carrying, and moving things to the beach or stream can be a bit tiring, the rest of the time is blissfully relaxing. And let’s not forget the aftermath—endless loads of laundry and drying everything takes some effort—but I still think it’s super fun.
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No more rambling—let’s get straight to what “gear” you should prepare. First and foremost, you absolutely need:

Going to the beach or sandy shore is super convenient, and if you’re heading to a stream, a canopy tent or tarp is also a good option. However, canopy tents are bulkier and heavier, so beach tents offer a bit more flexibility.

Lay a picnic mat inside, and you can dump all your stuff there.

It’s best to bring a small chair, because sitting on the ground for long periods can lead to backaches. So if you’re traveling with elders, definitely prepare a portable chair for them.

Of course, in the scorching summer heat, sun protection is a must. It’s ideal to dress kids in long-sleeved swimsuits to prevent severe sunburn.

Also, don’t forget sunscreen—apply it at the right times and in adequate amounts. Definitely don’t just put it on once and call it a day. You need to keep reapplying, and physical sun protection is also very important.
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Remember to wear a hat.

Outdoor activities plus sun exposure can drain kids’ energy very quickly, so staying hydrated and well-fed is especially important. If you’re not grilling by the stream, make sure to pack some light snacks and fruit so the kids can play hard all day.
For light snacks, I personally prefer sandwiches, rice balls, and tea eggs—they’re super convenient. If you want to go fancier, getting some marinated chicken is also a great choice. Of course, in the sweltering summer heat, having some fruit or smoothies is even better. Then you might ask, how do you store fruits, drinks, water, or smoothies?
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First, you’ll need an ice bucket or insulated bag. These days, there are many types of ice buckets—both soft and hard versions—and each has its pros and cons, so it depends on your preference.
Then prepare ice packs. If you don’t want to prepare or don’t have ice packs, the easiest solution is to freeze all the drinks/water you plan to consume that day the night before. They’ll turn into ice-cold water, and when placed in the ice bucket, they function as ice packs. When taken out in high temperatures, they’ll melt into cool beverages.

Many accessories can be added based on your preferences—for example, a small table. Having a table makes it easier to place and access items, but it’s not essential. By the stream, you could use rocks as a table, and on the beach, a table is usually unnecessary.

If you’re playing in the water by the stream, I think water shoes are quite important because the rocks can be slippery—it’s unsafe to walk barefoot, and sandals can easily come off. If you use them about five times a year, buying a pair of water shoes is convenient, and you don’t need to splurge. Sometimes you can even find them in smaller sizes for a bargain.

The above are items I personally consider pretty essential. Of course, some fun photo props can also come in handy—feel free to take these suggestions as loose references. For me, I prepare the most swimming rings—of all shapes and sizes. I have three large novelty rings, three small ones, and sometimes I bring an arm ring for the kid, plus a beach ball to keep us entertained for hours.
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And don’t forget sand toys—a bucket is a must, which can hold water and also serve as an observation box for catching fish and crabs.
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That’s my personal list of essentials for summer outdoor activities—beaches, shores, or streams. Be sure to bring them along. Hope you find it useful. Let me recap for you one more time, Up.

1. Beach tent

2. Picnic mat
3. Small chair
4. Sunscreen
5. Long-sleeved swimsuits
6. Hats
7. Hydrating drinks / light snacks / fruits
8. Ice bucket
9. Small table
10. Water shoes for stream trekking
11. Swimming rings
12. Sand play tools