Countless families with children opt for week-long excursions at beach houses or lake cabins, as these provide the comforts of home while avoiding the complexities of air travel. My family has been enjoying a vacation rental in Michigan every other summer for the last decade, and the experience continues to grow richer with the addition of more grandkids. We keep our drive brief, spanning only a few hours, and choose a picturesque spot by a nearby lake. So, what should you include on your packing list for a lakeside getaway?
This type of family vacation allows you to fully load the car with groceries for the week and all the essential supplies for babies and children. While there can be hurdles such as traffic, spills, and tantrums during the journey, trust me, it is all worthwhile. Additionally, the financial benefits from preparing your meals and sharing accommodation costs with family or friends enhance the allure of this getaway.
Our editorial team here at The Everymom has compiled an ultimate packing checklist for a week-long retreat at a beach or lake house this summer, featuring our top product recommendations. Don’t forget to grab our convenient printable checklist at the end, so you can easily mark off items as you pack! Read on for everything you need for your forthcoming waterside adventure.
Necessary Items for a Long Car Ride with Kids
- Various Snacks
- Water Bottles
- Wipes and Napkins for messes
- Entertainment options like Books, Toys, and iPads
- Teething Toys, Pacifiers (pro tip: use a holder like the Skip Hop pacifier case for easy access)
- Car Chargers
- Sunshades for windows
- Essential Medications
- Diapers, Wipes, Toilet Paper, and Hand Sanitizer
- Extra Clothing
- Compact Cooler for drinks, milk, packed lunches, etc.
- Garbage bag to keep the car tidy
Key Items for Your Beach or Lake House
Some of these items might already be available at your rental, so confirm with management to prevent overpacking.
- Sunshade or Umbrella (we recommend the Sport-Brella for UV protection)
- Playard for Infants/Babies (the Fisher-Price portable bassinet comes highly recommended)
- Beach Chairs (check out Bright Star’s portable booster chair for 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 solid pick for babies)
- Larger Floats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards
- Games and Puzzles
- Toys for Kids and Babies
- Outdoor Games like Bocce, Badminton
- Portable Chargers
- Chargers for your Electronics (phones, cameras)
- Rolling Cooler for easier transport
- Small Cooler for beach outings, boat trips, day excursions
- Wireless Speaker
- Strollers, Scooters, or other kid-friendly modes of transport
- Bicycles (check for rental options nearby)
Clothing for Your Lake House or Beach Visit
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Cozy Sweatshirt
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuits
- Cover-ups
- UPF Rash Guards for sun protection
- Trendy Sun Hats (Carter’s reversible swim hats are great for babies, while Madewell offers stylish woven hats for moms)
- Water-friendly Footwear
- Sandals
- Sneakers
Food & Beverages for a Lake or Beach Trip
- Children’s Plates, Utensils, Bottles
- Spill-proof Snack Containers (like Munchkin Snack Catchers)
- Bibs
- Groceries
- Preferred Beverages: Milk, Wine, Juice, etc.
- Kitchen Essentials like Olive Oil, Herbs, Sauces, Condiments
- Cleaning Supplies: Sponges and Dish Soap
Sleeping Essentials for a Beach or Lake Cabin Stay
- Favorite Stuffed Animal or Blanket
- Sound Machine
- Light Summer Swaddles (popular options include aden + anais muslin blankets) or Sleep Sacks
- Portable Crib/Pack-n-Play (the BabyBjörn Travel Crib comes highly recommended)
- Portable Blackout Curtain
- Privacy Screen/Curtain (handy if sharing a room with a baby)
- Extra Pacifiers, if applicable
- Baby Monitor
Health & Hygiene Products for a Beach or Lake Vacation
- Children’s SPF and Sunscreen for adults
- Travel-sized Hand Sanitizers for convenience
- Disinfectant Wipes and Spray
- Diapers and Wipes
- Bug Repellent (California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray and Cliganic bracelets are recommended)
- Baby Powder to remove sand
- Body Wash (choose your favorite brands)
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Personal Skincare Products
- Hair Care items like Brushes and Combs
- Baby Nail Clippers
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- A Compact First Aid Kit (Johnson & Johnson has a good option)
- Essential Medications, Vitamins, and Thermometer
Many rentals provide the following items, but make sure to verify! Don’t forget to bring:
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Soap
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Hair Dryer
- Bath Towels
