Essential Packing Tips For A Family Vacation By The Shore Or Lake

Many families with kids choose week-long getaways at beach houses or lake cottages because they offer the comfort of home without the hassle of air travel. My family has been renting a vacation home in Michigan every other summer for the past ten years, and the fun keeps growing as more grandkids join the picture. We keep the drive short, just a few hours, selecting a cozy spot on a nearby lake. So, what exactly should you have on your packing list for your lakeside retreat?

This kind of family trip allows you to load up the car fully stocked with groceries for the week and all the necessary baby and kids’ equipment. While there may be some challenges like traffic, spills, and tantrums on the road, believe me, it is all worth it. Besides, the cost savings from cooking your meals and splitting the accommodation expenses with family or friends add to the appeal.

Our collective team of editors at The Everymom has curated the ultimate packing list for a week-long escape at a beach or lake house this summer, including our favorite product recommendations. Don’t forget to grab our handy printable checklist at the end to tick off items as you pack up! Explore below for all you need for your upcoming waterside getaway.

Indispensable Essentials for a Lengthy Car Journey With Kids

• Assorted Snacks
• Hydration Bottles
• Handy Wipes and Napkins for spills
• Entertainment such as Books, Toys, and iPad
• Teething Toys, Pacifiers (pro tip: carry a case like the Skip Hop pacifier holder for easy access when needed)
• Car Chargers
• Sunshades for windows
• Any necessary Medication
• Diapers, Wipes, Toilet Paper, Hand Sanitizer
• Extra Clothing
• Compact Cooler for beverages, milk, packed lunches, etc.
• Bin for trash to maintain cleanliness in the car

Essential Items for the Beach or Lake House

Some of these may already be provided by your rental, so check with the management to avoid overpacking unnecessarily.

• Sunshade or Umbrella (we suggest the Sport-Brella for UVF protection)
• Playard for Infants/Babies (Fisher-Price’s portable bassinet is highly recommended)
• Beach Chairs (consider Bright Star’s portable booster chair for the little ones)
• Beach Toys
• Beach Towels
• Compact Inflatable Pool
• Kid-friendly Swim Ring
• Sunglasses
• Snorkeling Gear, Goggles
• Baby Carrier
• Life Jackets (O’Neill Infant Superlite vest is a great choice for babies)
• Larger Floats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards
• Games and Puzzles
• Toys for Children and Babies
• Outdoor Games like Bocce, Badminton
• Portable Chargers
• Chargers for Electronics (phones, cameras)
• Rolling Cooler for easy transport
• Small Cooler for beach outings, boat trips, day excursions
• Wireless Speaker
• Strollers, Scooters, or any kid-friendly transportation
• Bicycles (check for nearby rentals)

Apparel for the Lake House or Beach

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Cozy Sweatshirt
• Nightwear
• Swimsuits
• Cover-ups
• Protection with UPF Rash Guards
• Stylish Sun Hats (Carter’s reversible swim hats for babies, Madewell woven straw hat for moms)
• Water-friendly Shoes
• Sandals
• Sneakers

Food & Beverages for a Lake or Beach Retreat

• Kids’ Plates, Utensils, Bottles
• Spill-proof Snack Containers (like the Munchkin Snack Catchers)
• Bibs
• Groceries
• Preferred Drinks: Milk, Wine, Juice, etc.
• Essentials like Olive Oil, Herbs, Sauces, Condiments
• Cleaning Supplies: Sponges, Dish Soap

Sleeping Essentials for a Beach or Lake House Stay

• Favorite Stuffed Toy or Blanket
• Noise Machine
• Light Summer Swaddles (aden + anais muslin blankets are popular) or Sleep Sacks
• Portable Crib/Pack-n-Play (BabyBjörn Travel Crib is highly recommended)
• Portable Blackout Curtain
• Privacy Screen/Curtain (in case sharing a room with baby)
• Extra Pacifiers if used
• Baby Monitor

Health & Hygiene Supplies for a Beach or Lake Getaway

• Kids’ SPF and Sunscreen for adults
• Travel-sized Hand Sanitizers for convenience
• Disinfectant Wipes and Spray
• Diapers/Wipes
• Insect Repellent (California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray, Cliganic bracelets recommended)
• Baby Powder for sand removal
• Body Wash (consider your preferred brands)
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Personal Skincare items
• Hair Care essentials like Brush and Comb
• Baby Nail Clippers
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
• Compact First Aid Kit (Johnson & Johnson offers a comprehensive kit)
• Essential Medications, Vitamins, Thermometer

Many rentals offer the following, but do check! Remember to pack:

• Toilet Paper
• Hand Soap
• Dish Soap
• Laundry Detergent
• Hair Dryer
• Bath Towels