Family pool day? 4 must-haves to ensure fun in the sun
By Natalie Marusin
We’ve passed the Memorial Day hump and as summer really starts to sizzle, flocks of families will be headed to the pool or beach to cool off.
But before you load up the car and head off for a sun- and water-filled day with your hubby and kids, here are four essential items you won’t want to forget.
1. Sunscreen. We know what you’re thinking. Duh! You already have your SPF packed and ready to smear all over your little ones the second they enter the sun’s rays. But, what you might not know is there are some hot new products on the market this summer that will make the sunscreen-nagging mom in you a little more bearable to your eager-to-swim tots.
We love Neutrogena’s Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, perfect for those youngsters who just can’t wait to make a splash. Made with technology that allows application to wet skin, you can apply this SPF 70 spray all day without the dry-off fuss of leaving the water. For only $8.99 at drugstore.com, you’ll never want this sun protectant to leave your beach bag.
Once you’ve (literally) got your kids covered, don’t forget about yourself. Some sunscreens can leave your face oily and cause break-outs. But with Neutrogena’s Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion, you can get that sun-kissed look without the blemishes. It’s ultra-light, oil-free and waterproof — talk about a triple-threat! Stay protected with this liquid lotion sunscreen for only $9.99 at drugstore.com.
2. Water toys. A day at the pool can be the perfect time for parents to relax and kids to have fun. But affordable and fun water toys are essential to your afternoon of sun-soaking bliss.
This Liquidoodle Pool Pen has us eager for a family day at the pool. We know the little artist in your family will love dunking this oversized pen into the water and creating masterpieces on the dry pool-side concrete. Find it at Sears for $24.47. Que magnifique!
Or, for little ones who will be diving all day, try these Wild Planet Magnet Dive Gloves. Twelve magnet fish accompany these magnet mesh gloves and are attracted to the hands of your kids as they swim past. At Amazon.com, this water toy is only $14.99.
3. Umbrella. A pool day can be intense as the red-hot sun beats down on you and your crew for hours. An umbrella or sun shade is a must-have for those long summer days
Keep the whole clan out of the sun under this cool SKLZ Sport-Brella from Walmart, prices start at $44.86. With the capability to be staked down, this umbrella will keep you out of the sun at all angles, perfect for your mid-day water front picnic or just a break from the sweltering temperatures.
Or, chill-out while watching your teenyboppers paddle around with this shaded Canopy Chair from Target. We love that this multi-use product can be turned into a carrying case for easy transportation. Adorned with cup holders and pockets, this $38.09 chair is a hot item this summer.
4. Beach bag cooler. Say goodbye to the days of dragging the cooler while hauling the beach bag to the pool. These two-in-one products are not only convenient, but totally on-trend. Can you say ice cold drinks with no hassle?
Check out this fashionable striped tote from Brookstone. Its purse-like quality definitely had us fooled, and it doubles as a cooler. Fully insulated with plenty of room to stock up on snacks and drinks, $33.99 will keep your family summer lovin’.
For only $14.95, we are smitten over this dual-use beach sling. The bottom portion is an insulated cooler while the top can fit all your pool day needs. And, as an added bonus, One Step Ahead will monogram this chic bag for just $6 more.
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