what to pack for summer day trips + overnight trips from parents who’ve done it

With summer upon us across the country, I’m finding my mind keeps going towards WHAT I’m going to do with the little ladies when they’re home. I am not one that believes I need to entertain my kids all hours of the day. I love having them use their God-given little brains to figure it out and use some creativity. Yet, I do want to do a few things with them to create some magical memories in the few short months I have them all to myself. 🙂

With all this in mind, I have to remember that I have LITTLE kids. I have a 4 and 2 year old that don’t understand that it’s ok to be bored every now and then. As we are prepping for a road trip to the Wisconsin Dells (Dance Nationals, YAY!!), I am grabbing things here and there that I know my littles will be entertained with. Like I do, I asked for opinions from other parents on our Facebook page as well as my personal Facebook page. The responses I got were great, and I wanted to share them with you in hopes that you can add some things to your summer ‘go bag’.

And, of course, I have to share the ‘go-bag’. This year it’s the Vera Bradley Striped Beach Bag…

Now, on to the top picks from the readers…

I love magic ink books for the car. Also, in the dollar spot at target they have 2 packs of mini totes – the perfect size for a few road snacks and they love to carry them!

I also like to keep a bag in the car with a change of clothes and light jackets. I’m thinking of adding cheap flip flops this year – we’ve already had the wet muddy shoes after the park and dog poop smeared shoes after playing at a friends.

Oh! I also always keep an owie kit – band aids, cleaner, neosporin, medicine, etc.

~Missy F.

The sets from Bendon, they are little coloring packs, are fantastic. I pick them up at the dollar store, or I’ve seen them at Target too. Our oldest kids REALLY enjoy Mad Libs right now too.

~Micah

Target has these awesome car bingo boards in their dollar spot section. I’m also a huge fan of the aqua doodle type books that use water to color/trace.

~Jessica S.

My kids LOVE the Crayola coloring books with the magic ink. I love them because there isn’t any ink on hands, clothes or car seats!

~Lindsay

I took the advice and popped it all in my Vera Bradley summer bag…off we go. I actually have been leaving this bag in my car since the kids got out of school. You never know when you are in a pickle and need something for the kids to do.

I’m a “less technology is better” type person, BUT I do succumb to the pressure. I mean, the kids are bombarded by it these days. So, I add some new apps to the iPads and might pick up a couple new movies for the LONG road trips. That’s one thing I love about being able to check out so many new releases from Disney and Nickelodeon. Plenty to pick from!

What do YOU pack for your summer day bag? Or even your ‘go bag’ for day trips? Help me add to mine!

And, YOU GUYS…what do you think of this years’ go bag of army family? I am totally digging’ the pattern. Simple and easy! And look below for the sweet matching wristlet!