The Best Summer Gear for All Your Family Adventures

If you’re in the market for a wagon but not ready to pay upwards of $500, this is a great basic option. It fits two kids (with the option of three-point safety harnesses for each), has a shade canopy, and can be pushed or pulled. ($149.99+, Amazon)

The price is quite a bit steeper, but there’s no denying this is an incredibly smooth ride. Thanks to its more structured seats, separate storage container, side “door,” and elevated canopy, it’ll really make your kids feel like they’re riding around in style. There’s a two-seater version, too. But we think if you’re already comfortable with the price point, the four-seater is the move, so that extra friends and supplies can fit easily. ($949, Nordstrom)

We love the Chicco KeyFit 30 as an infant seat, because it’s incredibly easy to adjust and not super heavy to tote around. Install the base in your car so you can click the seat in and out, or install the car seat directly in any compatible car using just a seatbelt. Throw the lightweight matching caddy in your trunk, so you can easily snap the car seat in for longer walks. ($219.99, Chicco) ($119.99, Chicco)

If you’re willing to pay a bit more for total travel flexibility, this fan-favorite seat/stroller combo may be exactly what you’re looking for. Use it as a stroller, then simply collapse the feet and handle, and it’s a car seat that you can either install using the included base or a seat belt. The only downside is that you’ll have to stop using it when your child reaches 32 inches or 35 pounds. ($600, Doona)

There are plenty of great travel strollers out there, but here’s an option you may not have heard of before. With a one-hand fold and overall weight of 18 pounds, it’s easy to throw in the trunk for day trips; it also fits in most airplane overhead bins and is Disney-approved. You can use it starting at 6 months — or even younger, if you add the car seat adapter. ($225, Bombi)

For families who’ve outgrown infant seats like the KeyFit 30 and the Doona, the travel day struggle is real — so many of the big-kid car seats on the market are either heavy or pretty unwieldy. Enter this super-light travel option that works for forward-facing kids 22 to 50 pounds (note: regardless of height and weight, it’s recommended for kids over 2). Perfect for planes and taxis, it’s compact and only weighs 8 pounds…so you’ll have more space for the several thousand snacks your kids need daily. ($449, WAYB)

It may take you a couple tries to find the right sunscreen for your family — one that works for everyone’s skin, and that your kids won’t scream bloody murder about actually putting on — but these are two of our favorites. The ThinkBaby sunscreen works brilliantly but can leave a white cast, while the Blue Lizard is a good mineral spray-on option that’s easier to blend in. ($23.99, ThinkSun) ($14.98, Amazon)

This spray works on the whole family, and has no fragrance or greasy residue. Made with 20% picaridin, it protects for up to 8 hours against flies and gnats, and closer to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks. If you’ll be spending any significant time in the woods, in your backyard, or at the beach, it’s a must. ($9.95, Amazon)

Just attach a hose, turn on the water, and wait: soon you’ll have a shallow pool with dancing water jets to run through, all in your own backyard. Choose from two round options, or adorable ice cream- and popsicle-inspired designs. ($39, Funboy)

Nothing fancy, but this provides just enough support for little ones still learning how to swim. Since it’s all foam with no fabric (other than the straps), it’s also less prone to mold and grime than some little-kid float options. ($8.25, SwimOutlet)

This roomy tube is designed for ages 8+ — and it’s not your average flimsy float. With a cool vintage design and seven color options, it’ll make your pool look that much more chic…and it even has its own drink holder, so you can sip a smoothie or some iced tea while drifting around. ($29, Funboy)

This 30-piece jumbo toy set has everything from diving sticks and rings to balls, fish, gems, and more. Use everything in the pool, or split the set and use some as bath toys. A storage bag is included, too. ($19.99, Amazon)

Every parent’s dream. And while we love L.L.Bean’s iconic version, too, this one is a bit softer and more comfortable for regular use. We’ve used these many times as “suitcases” for little kids on road trips (get each kid’s bag monogrammed for some extra fun), but they’re also great for beach day necessities, pool toys and snacks, and more. Get the extra-long handles so you can carry the bag over your shoulder. ($39.95, Lands’ End)