Playground and Picnic Essentials

I don’t know about you but this summer is flying! One of the fun goals that we started this summer is trying to conquer the #100ParkChallenge. Yes, 100 parks may be reaching a little bit but hey we’re trying to see how far we can get. One thing I’ve learned is that to make it a successful day we need to pack a few essentials especially snacks. All the snacks. Here are my tips for a successful park or playground outing then stay tuned for a list of our favorite parks!

Looking for more things to do this summer? Check out our ultimate summer bucket list!

Disclosure: I received this Wayfare product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Links may contain affiliate links.

Park and Playground Essentials

Picnic blanket or picnic table cover

I always have a few picnic blankets in the trunk of my car. You never know when you’ll need it. I also pack a picnic table cover (hello, Dollar Tree!) if the tables at the parks don’t look so great.

Food

This is key.  Pack some snacks and/or a lunch. And most likely if the kids know they’re going to be rewarded with a playground(s) they’ll want to help out. I try to change it a little bit so lunch doesn’t have to be boring. (Who wants to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all day every day?) As a different sort of treat one of the newest snacks/treats that we’ve been introduced to is WayFare Pudding. Not only is this plant-based pudding free of the top 10 allergens, the kids thought they were so delicious with three yummy flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch. After trying all the flavors, the family favorite was surprisingly vanilla. Creamy, not overly sweet, and it’s completely dairy free! You’d never believe it was made out of organic butter beans and organic oats.

You can find these goodies at Woodman’s and Tony’s Fresh Market as well as these stores.these stores. (If you order online you can save 20% on any product on wayfarefoods.com with code shareWF20.)

Cooler/bag

Since we’re always lugging around food, I like bringing a cooler bag. (Plus, it keeps our pudding cool!) This is my other favorite bag. It has all the pockets, zippers, and is completely collabsible.

Water

Everyone (including me) needs to pack their own insulated water bottle. I bring extra water bottles too in case it’s a steamy day.

Sunscreen + Insect Repellant

Summer days call for sunscreen and insect repellent. Always.

Bathrooms

Make sure to use the bathroom beforehand. If you’re playground hopping, if you see a bathroom use it. You don’t want to find a cool playground then have to leave only because someone needs to use the potty.

Towels and change of clothes

Found a cool splash pad, but don’t want the kids to get wet? Pack a change of clothes and a towel just in case.

Toys

I keep a bag full of fun items like a basketball, football, soccer ball, and disc golf.  You never know when you’ll stumble upon an awesome park with these features!