Planning a lake day with my kids always sounds like a dreamy escape – sunshine, splashing, and squeals of joy. But early on, I learned the difference between a blissful day by the water and a meltdown-filled disaster lies entirely in how well I packed. After a few trial-and-error adventures (read: forgotten towels, hangry toddlers, and sand everywhere), I’ve crafted a go-to packing list that keeps everyone smiling, sun-safe, and semi-sane.
Here’s everything I now never leave home without, along with a few hard-earned tips and treasures you might not think of.
Swimsuits & Rash Guards
Kids are amphibians at the lake – constantly diving in, drying off, and going right back in. Quick-dry swimsuits are my secret weapon, and rash guards have saved us from countless shoulder sunburns. I always stash an extra set per child. Trust me: someone will sit in mustard or fall in the cooler.
Also Read: Top Beach Hacks for families
Swim Diapers & a Wet Bag
The one time I forgot swim diapers? Catastrophic. Swim diapers don’t balloon up in water like regular ones, and a waterproof wet bag is a must to corral soaked clothes and mystery moisture. I keep ours clipped to the side of the beach bag, easy to find when someone’s soggy and howling. A reusable wet bag keeps soiled clothes (and smells) sealed and separate from the rest of your gear.
Towels (Extra, Always)
Each person gets one, but I throw in two extras. One becomes a sand-fighting shield during snack time. Another is magically summoned whenever someone says “I’m cold!” or “I want to lay down.” Think of towels as currency. You never regret having more.
Sunscreen
Water reflects sunlight, increasing UV exposure. A kid-safe, water-resistant sunscreen helps protect delicate skin from sunburn. Reapply every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
We’ve gone through many brands, but have a few non-negotiable ones including Japanese and Korean ones. I keep one stick for faces and a spray for squirmy legs and arms. Reapplying feels relentless, but I’ve learned it’s less painful than soothing a lobster-red child at bedtime.
First-Aid Kit with Bandages, Aloe & Child-Safe Bug Spray
Scraped knees, phantom itches, unexpected stings: something always arises. I keep a compact kit with whimsical bandages (the kind that must feature a dinosaur), aloe for the fair-skinned among us, and a bug spray that doesn’t smell like a chemical spill.
Sun Hats & Sunglasses
Little humans rarely think to shield their faces, so I bring soft-brimmed hats that won’t blow off in a breeze. Sunglasses are hit-or-miss, but when they wear them, it’s instant cool-kid energy and their eyes are better for it.
Water Shoes or Sandals
The lake bottom may be rocky, slippery, or full of hidden debris. Water shoes protect feet from cuts, burns, and stubbed toes and they help kids feel more confident walking in and out of the water. Now, water shoes or grippy sandals are a rule. They let the kids stomp, splash, and explore without flinching or fussing.
Floaties & Life Jackets
Even confident swimmers need extra safety around open water. Properly fitted floaties or Coast Guard-approved life jackets are essential for kids, especially when boating, tubing, or playing near deep areas.
Portable Beach Blanket or Mat
Ours is a sand-resistant wonder I once impulse-bought and now consider priceless. It marks our “basecamp” where we snack, regroup, and occasionally hide from the sun. Also great for board books, bottle feeds, and impromptu coloring sessions.
Cooler with Water, Juice & Kid-Friendly Snacks
Lake days are hunger-inducing and hydration is key on hot summer days. Bring cold water, low-sugar juice boxes, and energizing snacks like fruit, crackers, sandwiches, or cheese sticks. I even freeze a few waters to double as ice packs. Kids burn energy fast while playing, so frequent snacks keep moods and energy levels steady. Plus, the more options you bring, the less likely you’ll hear, “I’m still hungry!”
Shade Tent or Umbrella
Too much sun can lead to crankiness, sunburn, and heat exhaustion. A portable shade structure provides a place for naps, snack breaks, and downtime, especially important for babies or toddlers. Trust me, shade is sanity.
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Extra Clothes
There’s something magical about dry clothes after a long, damp day. I keep a labeled zip bag for each kid including shirt, shorts, undies, and socks. Clean, comfy clothes transform the drive home into a peaceful wind-down instead of a sandy complaint-fest.
Wipes & Trash Bags
From sticky fingers to muddy feet, baby wipes clean up almost any mess. Trash bags help collect wrappers, peels, and wet clothes, and they’re essential for leaving the lake as beautiful as you found it.
Sand Toys (Buckets, Shovels, Molds)
Building sandcastles, digging holes, and collecting lake treasures keeps little ones engaged for hours. A small set of beach toys gives kids a creative outlet and makes the shoreline feel like their personal playground.
We have a worn-out mesh tote full of mismatched molds and a broken-spade handle, but they’re beloved. Hours have been spent building castles, pretending to “mine for gems,” or launching tiny boats. These toys are always the first to hit the sand.
Inflatable Toys or Float Rings
The unicorn float we named “Sparkle” has been our honorary guest at three summers’ worth of lake days. Floaties and inflatable rafts make the water extra fun and give kids a place to rest while still feeling like part of the action. Just make sure all inflatables are age-appropriate and always used under close supervision.
Foldable Beach Chairs
My back insists on a chair, and once my kids saw me lounging, they wanted their own. We now bring a kid-sized one or two, perfect for drying off with snacks or storytelling under the umbrella. They are great for parents and older kids who want to relax off the ground. They provide back support during snack breaks, feeding time, or while supervising water play plus they help keep you out of the sand when you’re ready for a rest.
Books, Coloring Sets, or Card Games
Perfect for wind-down moments or shaded quiet time. After hours of sun and splashing, even the most active kids appreciate a little downtime with low-key entertainment that doesn’t involve a screen.
Bluetooth Speaker for Kid-Friendly Music
Speakers set a fun, playful vibe with your family’s favorite tunes. Some days it’s beachy background tunes; other times we have a dance-off in the sand to Disney hits. Music makes transitions easier (like cleaning up or taking a break) and turns your lake spot into a cozy, upbeat hangout.
Picnic Supplies or a Portable Grill (if allowed)
When we’re lakeside all day, we go all out. If you’re staying through lunch or dinner, bring everything you need for a picnic meal like reusable plates, napkins, and utensils. If open fires or grills are permitted, a small portable grill turns mealtime into an experience kids will love – food just tastes better by the water.
When it comes to things to take to the lake with kids, think comfort, convenience, and plenty of snacks! Let’s have a blast this summer with my lake day packing list for families.