Exploring Essentials: Must-Have Gear for Big & Little Adventures

Whether you're discovering a new neighborhood, heading out on a city scavenger hunt, or just spending the day outside with the kids, the right gear makes every outing smoother and more fun. Here are our favorite must-haves for families on the go—tested by real parents and ready for adventure.

🎒 1. Adventure-Ready Backpack

Choose a backpack that’s lightweight but roomy enough to carry everyone’s essentials—snacks, wipes, water bottles, and that all-important sidewalk chalk. I bought a packable hiking backpack for a trip to Singapore that become my go-to family backpack!
👉 See our top backpack pick

⚽ 2. Packable Ball for Playtime Anywhere

Whether it's an old tennis ball (that was my way of recycling my tennis balls!) or a squishy foam one, having a ball on hand means instant fun—no playground required.
👉 Get a kid-approved travel ball

✏️ 3. Sketch Pad for Tiny Artists

Give your little one space to draw what they see, imagine stories, or just doodle while waiting for lunch. We love sketch pads with sturdy covers and thick pages. My son loves to draw! A sketch pad extended my park days museum visits, and restaurant dinners!
👉 Shop our go-to sketch pad

🎨 4. Sidewalk Chalk for Pop-Up Fun

Make your mark wherever you go! A small box of sidewalk chalk turns any path or plaza into a creative playground. Great for an impromptu side-walk game and the bonus is nearby kids usually hop in!
👉 See our favorite washable chalk set

📷 5. Compact Camera for Capturing the Magic

Smartphones are great, but there's something special about a dedicated camera for kids to document your adventures. Look for a lightweight, beginner-friendly camera with great zoom and fast shutter speed to catch giggles, surprises, and action shots on the move.
👉 Shop our favorite travel camera

☀️ 6. Sunscreen Stick (Kid-Friendly + Mess-Free!)

Perfect for little faces and wiggly kids, sunscreen sticks glide on easily and make touch-ups on the go stress-free. Keep one in every bag!
👉 Try our go-to sunscreen stick

🌞 7. Spray-On Sunscreen for Quick Coverage

When you're chasing sunlight or heading to the park, a spray sunscreen makes applying SPF a breeze. Look for reef-safe, no-white-cast formulas that work for the whole family.
👉 Check out our favorite spray sunscreen

🥣 8. No-Spill Snack Cup

Keep the hangry meltdowns at bay with a spill-proof snack cup that kids can manage solo. Cheerios, grapes, crackers—whatever fuels your explorers. This was a go to when my kids were little and I did a better job of managing the bags of chips!
👉 Grab a great snack cup

💧 9. Refillable Water Bottle

Hydration is non-negotiable. A leak-proof, kid-proof bottle with a flip straw or built-in spout is ideal for keeping little ones refreshed on the go. For me, I cannot stand buying water!
👉 Shop our favorite kids’ water bottle

🧻 10. Travel Wipes for the Win

Sticky fingers, muddy shoes, surprise messes—wipes are the unsung hero of every adventure. Keep a slim, resealable pack in your bag at all times.
👉 Get our top pick for travel