Summer is the best season for spontaneous good times in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The greater Seattle area has a wealth of unique and amazing places to discover, whether you’ve got a detailed day planned out, or you’re going to meander through a park or neighborhood. Keep those spur-of-the-moment trips carefree (and less stressful) by keeping these essentials in your car. More time for sun and fun, and less time running to the store or looking for things.
- Sunglasses: Keeping a couple of pairs doesn’t hurt, because someone will always forget theirs.
- Sun hat: Keep cool. Sunstroke and a sunburned forehead are not fun.
- Sunblock: Protect your skin. Beware of the expiration date and note that sunscreen may degrade faster if kept in a hot car for a long time.
- A beach towel: Always handy to wipe off dirty children (or pets), or to be used as a makeshift blanket.
- A sweatshirt: Weather can be unpredictable and the nights cool off quickly!
- An outdoor blanket: Can be used for picnics, the beach, and to keep warm after the sun goes down.
- Reusable shopping bags: They are not just for the grocery store or a stop at a farmer’s market. You can use reusable shopping totes to haul beach toys (anything really) in a pinch. Include an insulated bag for even more versatility.
- A BPA-free water bottle and a non-melting snack: Disposable water bottles shouldn’t be stored in a hot car as they can release dangerous chemicals into the water. Granola bars, nuts, or crackers are examples of healthy non-melting snacks.
- The Discover Pass: The $35 annual pass allows you access to state parks for two vehicles.
- An extra pair of shoes and socks: A hike with children may turn into a dip in a river…
- A small first aid kit: Always have some adhesive bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, and pain reliever. An instant ice pack is really handy for bumps and bruises.
- An activity book: A coloring book or Sudoku can help pass the time in the car. We also like to have playing cards.
- Toilet paper or flushable wipes: Love the hike, don’t love the facilities. Best be prepared. Also stops bloody noses.
- Hand sanitizer: See above.
- Feminine products: Just in case someone is caught off guard.
Before you pack all these summer items into your car, make room by removing the winter car necessities. Put away items like hats and gloves, extra ski gear, and snow chains. Now you’ll have plenty of space for the summer items!