Whether its a beachside retreat or poolside paradise, you don’t have to scramble for essentials your kids will need. I’ve got your back with the ultimate packing list that’ll have you feeling like the queen of quick escapes.

Here are my top ten must-have items that’ll make your last minute vacation smooth, stress-free and even enjoyable!

• Water Resistant Beach Blanket – This blanket keeps the sand where it belongs; outside the confines of your lounge zone. Roll it out, plop it down and unwind.
• Silicone Beach Toys – Forget the days of cheap plastic toys that break with a single dig, and contribute to the massive amount of waste our planet generates. Silicone toys are durable, easy to clean and perfect for building a castle fit for a little king (or queen).
• Sunscreen Applicator – This is the best friend you didn’t know you needed. No more battling with sticky sunscreen or letting your spray sunblock dissipate in the wind. This handy applicator ensures you and the kiddos stay sunburn-free with even coverage. Toss it in your bag and enjoy the sun, no fuss!

• Mesh Toy Bag – Keeping beach toys organized and sand-free has never been easier. A mesh bag allows you to rings off the sand quickly and keep all those kid must have items in one place. Less mess means more time for fun in the sun!
• Wet-Dry Bag – Last but certainly not least, a wet-dry bag is essential for managing wet swimsuits and clothes. Keep all those damp clothes and gear contained, making the trip back that much more organized.

• Tablet with Headphones – Real talk, as much as we try to limit screen time and screen exposure, a tablet loaded with videos and games, along with a good set of headphones is a vacation lifesaver. Pro tip – load your profile with that show you’ve been binge watching, or the book you’ve been waiting to read so you can catch up while the little ones nap!
• Fabric Backed Goggles – Comfort is key when it comes to swimming goggles. These fabric backed goggles are gentle to get on and provide a snug fit. No more tangled or pull hair to worry about!
• Diving Toys – If your child is anything like mine, they LOVE the water. Make pool time even more exciting with diving toys that turn a simple swim into an adventure.

Check out my Amazon storefront for even more of my favorite finds. And, more of my travel recommendations can be found here!

The post Last-Minute Summer Vacation: 10 Ultimate Items for Moms on the Go first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Places to play, eat and shop with kids in the Hamptons.

We spend a nice chunk of our time in the Hamptons. The beaches are beautiful, the restaurant scene is great and there are a ton of kid-friendly parks and playgrounds to let your kids run around and burn off steam.

If you’re looking to spend a bit of time out East, here are some of my favorite things to do in the Hamptons with kids.

PLAY

Amber Waves Farm, Amagansett

The property boasts an outdoor classroom to host children and introduce them to farm roots.

Bridge Gardens, Bridgehampton

Five acres of environmentally sensitive, public gardens. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the property, walking distance to the heart of town. Walk to town for lunch or bring a blanket and pack a picnic lunch.

The Children’s Museum of the East End, Bridgehampton

Explore playful experiences including a seafaring ship, operate your own farm stand, run the diner, practice math on the 9-hole mini golf course, and so much more.

Seven Ponds Orchard, Water Mill

A pick your own farm with a farmer’s market, large playground, hayride and corn maze.

Long Beach, Sag Harbor

Nestled along Noyack Bay, this Hamptons beach is perfect to go to with kids who love to play in the water. Simply park your car and walk straight to your spot on the sand. Forget something in the car? No problem, it’s only a few steps away.

Mashashimuet Park, Sag Harbor

A fabulous park with walking trails, tennis courts, playing fields and multiple playgrounds, perfect for toddlers and older children.

Hamptons Mini Golf, Southampton

This 18-hole miniature golf course is open every day. Grab a burger, play with the golf simulator event the batting cages.

South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center, Bridgehampton

A place for children and adults of all ages to discover, explore, learn, and engage, in the Hamptons, the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center is open seven days a week, with the exception of some holidays.

The Nature Trail & Hook Duck Pond, East Hampton

Enjoy feeding the ducks (not bread though, it will make them sick!) and short walking trails through the woods at this special reserve on David’s Lane.

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For more gardens and parks, Hamptons Curbed put together a great list.

SHOP

Ethel + Row, Sag Harbor

Directly on Main Street, Ethel + Row offers a curated selection of children’s organic and natural apparel (gift and decor items too).

Stella & Ruby, Sag Harbor

A tiny boutique packed with personality; adorable clothes, accessories and giftable items.

Tanger Outlets, Riverhead

On your way home, grab a bite and a few essentials at the outlets in Riverhead.

The Pink Chicken, Amagansett

A shop filled with happy color and patterns in Amagansett Square.

EAT

Estia’s, Sag Harbor

Serving American/Mexican fare, Estia’s Little Kitchen is our go-to restaurant to bring kids in the Hamptons.

Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen, Bridgehampton

A local institution. This old-fashioned luncheonette has been around for as long as I can remember. Grab a booth, enjoy lunch and homemade ice cream with your children. *Cash only.

Big Olaf’s, Sag Harbor

An old-fashioned ice cream shop situated on the water in Sag Harbor that mom, dad and the kids will love. *Cash only.

The Wine Stand at Wolffer Estate, Sagaponack

Buy a bottle of wine, pull out a blanket, sit in the vineyards and enjoy live music on a warm summer night while the kids run around.

The post Top Places To Visit In The Hamptons With Kids first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Picnic in the Park

Lately, we’ve been enjoying picnic breakfasts at Pinkney, the Park here in town. On warm days we either pack breakfast in our handy Tingueli tote or pick up grab n go snacks from our local, Rowayton Market, lay out a blanket, enjoy our meal and watch the boats go by.

Visit The Beach

Wesleigh loves the beach, it’s always an effort to leave when it’s time to go. She could gather rocks and shells, throw them into the water and watch the waves crash for hours on end.

Go for a nature walk

We’re so lucky to be a short car ride away from a dozen or so amazing parks and trails here in Connecticut. Many nearby parks we have already visited and a few of which are still on our go to list. Some favorites we’ve visited with Wesleigh include Binney Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park and Selleck Woods Trail. We have found the walks to be a terrific opportunity for us to engage her senses and play ‘I-spy’, scavenger hunt, pick up sticks and follow the leader.

Backyard Toys

Warm, sunny days are perfect for the kids to blow off steam in the yard. These backyard toys keep Wesleigh occupied day after day.

Plant a Garden

Gardening with a toddler isn’t the easiest activity, but it has its perks. Toddler helpers like Wes may get a little handsy eating herbs and continue digging once the produce is planted but it is really sweet to see her with her watering can and literally see the fruits of her (our) labor.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The post Outdoor Activities The Whole Family Will Enjoy first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

If your child is getting ready for swim school, splashing in the pool or making waves at the beach, here are some of my favorite swimgear well suited for every occasion.

 || SWIM ||

Comfortable and cute swimsuits with easy zippers, snap bottoms, rash guards or built in UPF protection.

|| SUN PROTECTION ||

Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to keep your kids protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

|| STAY DRY ||

Plush towels for naps in the sand and cozy cover-ups for playtime in the yard.

|| GEAR ||

As Wes continues to learn to swim, it gives us comfort to know she has extra support through secure footwear (for rocky beaches), water diapers (still working on potty training…) and floaties (to build confidence in the water).

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The post Swimwear for Toddlers first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Picnic in the Park

Lately, we’ve been enjoying picnic breakfasts at Pinkney, the Park here in town. On warm days we either pack breakfast in our handy Tingueli tote or pick up grab n go snacks from our local, Rowayton Market, lay out a blanket, enjoy our meal and watch the boats go by.

Visit The Beach

Wesleigh loves the beach, it’s always an effort to leave when it’s time to go. She could gather rocks and shells, throw them into the water and watch the waves crash for hours on end.

Go for a nature walk

We’re so lucky to be a short car ride away from a dozen or so amazing parks and trails here in Connecticut. Many nearby parks we have already visited and a few of which are still on our go to list. Some favorites we’ve visited with Wesleigh include Binney Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park and Selleck Woods Trail. We have found the trails to be a terrific opportunity for us to engage her senses and play ‘I-spy’, scavenger hunt, pick up sticks and follow the leader.

Backyard Toys

Warm, sunny days are perfect for the kids to blow off steam in the yard. These backyard toys keep Wesleigh occupied day after day.

Plant a Garden

Gardening with a toddler isn’t the easiest activity, but it has its perks. Toddler helpers like Wes may get a little handsy eating herbs and continue digging once the produce is planted but it is really sweet to see her with her watering can and literally see the fruits of her (our) labor.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The post Summer Activities for Toddlers first appeared on Lindsey Boova.