It’s that time of year. The kids are out of school, and summer is in full swing. Whether you’re planning a family vacation to the beach, a road trip to the mountains, or just an afternoon at the park, a well-stocked bag can make all the difference. Not sure what to include? We’ve got you covered! Here’s our summer survival kit for moms!

1. Food

Packing snacks can sometimes be challenging, especially if you have picky eaters like I do. As a mom, I look for prepackaged snacks that can be quickly tossed into my bag. I try to avoid sugary treats and stick to nutritious options that will keep tummies full until our next meal. Some of our favorite snacks include fresh fruit like oranges or grapes, string cheese, apple sauce, and graham crackers. Other good options include protein-packed Whey Thins™, which are 100 calories per package and guaranteed to appeal to tiny taste buds.

Moms, don’t forget to pack something for yourself, because let’s be honest, traveling with kids or even spending a few hours chasing them around a park can deplete all your energy. My go-to snack? A protein bar to prevent mindless snacking. A favorite of mine is the IsaLean™ Bar, which has nearly 20 grams of protein, satisfies cravings, and comes in eight delicious flavors like Nutty Carmel Cashew and Chocolate Peanut Crunch.

2. Drinks

No, not the kind you’re thinking.

I always skip the juice and soft drinks and opt for water. But, unless my kids are running around nonstop in the heat, they usually don’t drink too much. That’s why I always like to have AMPED™ Hydrate, a natural way to replenish nutrients with Vitamins B and C, in my bag.

3. Sunscreen

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside, I always have a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays in my bag so I can lather up my kids before sending them off to play. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, it can take as little as 10 minutes or less for a fair-skinned person to burn with no sunscreen use when the UV index level is very high.

4. Hand Sanitizer

Germs. Are. Everywhere. My kids know the drill. Before I hand out snacks, they need to wash their hands with soap and water. Unfortunately, that isn’t always an option when a bathroom isn’t nearby. That’s when hand sanitizer comes in handy. But, because I wash my hands all the time, I always carry Ultra Hydrating Hand & Body Cream in my bag to keep my hands soft and moisturized.

5. Crayons

Trust me. If you’re sitting in traffic, waiting for a movie to start, or are just bored at grandma’s house, crayons will save the day. I also try to remember to keep a stash of paper in my bag, but I’ve been known to give my kids old receipts, napkins, business cards and anything else I can find for them to use for their masterpiece. Coloring is a simple, inexpensive, and fun activity to keeps kids of all ages entertained.

Someone once told me that parents only get 18 summers to spend with their children. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to soak up these (long, hot) days with my kids as best as I can. Happy summer!