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Summer is just around the corner and many families are getting ready to hit the road and take to the skies for that highly-anticipated summer vacation. Traveling with kids can be a breeze when you’re equipped with the right gear. From beach-ready footwear to cozy travel essentials, here’s a curated list of vacation essentials for kids that will make your family adventures smoother, more stylish and more enjoyable.

Vacation Essentials For Kids

Vineyard Vines clothing for kids.Vineyard Vines Kids Harbor Sun Shirt and Sankaty Polo

Few kids clothing brands embody vacation vibes quite like Vineyard Vines. Effortlessly stylish, the Sankaty Polo combines style and comfort and features moisture-wicking fabric to keep your child cool and dry. Vineyard Vines’ Kids Harbor Sun Shirt offers UPF 50+ protection, shielding your child from harmful UV rays at the pool and beach. The lightweight, breathable fabric ensures comfort in warm weather. Both pieces are designed to last and are easy to care for, making them ideal for travel and everyday wear.

Skechers Guzman shoes for kidsSkechers Foamies: Breezy Steps and Guzman Steps

Skechers Foamies are my kids favorite shoes for beach destinations. They’re lightweight and water-friendly, perfect for rocky shores and splash zones. The Breezy Steps feature a slip-on design with ventilation holes for comfort and breathability. The Guzman Steps – Aqua Surge offer a secure fit and also have ventilation holes. Both styles are quick-drying and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for travel. We never go anywhere without packing these. The collapsible heel is (in Mom’s opinion!) the best feature of this shoe. The kids can slip them on quickly when they need to or pull the heel up for a more secure fit. These are a must-have.

Stokke JetKids BedBoxStokke JetKids BedBox

The Stokke JetKids BedBox is a game-changer for travel if you’ve got little kids. It transforms airplane seats into a comfortable bed, allowing kids to sleep or relax during flights. Its compact design fits within airline cabin size restrictions, making it easy to store. The BedBox doubles as a ride-on suitcase, adding fun to the airport experience. It’s durable and can withstand the rigors of travel, providing comfort and convenience for both kids and parents. This is an innovative product that really meets a need because helping your child sleep comfortably on a plane is a win for you, your kid and everyone on the airplane.

Quince swimwear for kids.Quince Flamingo Palms Swimwear

We LOVE a sibling matching moment and Quince’s Flamingo Palms collection offers matching swimwear for kids that is super stylish and has sun protection. The one-piece swimsuit for girls and swim trunks for boys are made from recycled nylon with UPF 50+ protection, shielding young skin from harmful UV rays. Both pieces are chlorine and saltwater resistant, ensuring durability during beach outings. The vibrant flamingo palms print adds a fun tropical touch to family beach photos. And from a value standpoint, you’ll be hard-pressed to find Quince quality and prices elsewhere.

Mark and Graham terry hooded towels for kids.

Cabana Stripe Kids Cover Up

The Cabana Stripe Kids Cover Up from Mark and Graham is a stylish and practical addition to any child’s travel wardrobe … and one you’ll be glad you packed. Made from soft 100% cotton, this hooded cover-up is comfy and quick-drying, perfect for beach trips, poolside lounging or post-swim wear. Its generously sized so it should fit for a few summers and we just love the playful cabana stripe design. You can also add a personalized monogram to make this piece even more special and it makes a great gift for young travelers.

Aviator Nation hoodies for kids.Aviator Nation Kids Zip Hoodie

Aviator Nation’s Kids Zip Hoodies are the perfect travel companion for little ones. Incredibly soft and available in a variety of colors like neon pink and charcoal, these are the hoodies your kids will reach for again and again. And it’s not hard to understand why. All Aviator Nation products undergo a rigorous breaking-in process that gives them a cozy worn-in feel from the first moment you put them on. Extremely comfortable and giving vintage vibes, these hoodies will keep kids warm and stylish on cold airplanes and in air-conditioned spaces along their travels.

A little girl wearing the Kids Mary Jane by Rothy’s.
The Kids Mary Jane by Rothy’s

We know kids love their sneakers but sometimes life calls for something a little … nicer. Rothy’s kids shoes, like these Mary Janes, are the solution you’ve been looking for. They are a versatile travel shoe that’s just as comfortable as their favorite sneakers but polished enough for dinners out or family photos. Made with Rothy’s signature recycled materials, they’re machine washable (a major bonus when traveling), and easy for kids to slip on and off to help you get out the door quicker.

Tiny Traveler AI baby monitor.Tiny Traveler AI Powered Baby Monitor

The Tiny Traveler AI Powered Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents on the go. Its compact design makes it travel-friendly, while AI-powered features provide real-time alerts and monitoring. The monitor’s long battery life ensures it lasts through long flights or car rides, keeping your baby safe and sound. Its easy setup and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for traveling families.

S'well water bottles and food containers for kids.
S’well 10oz Food Canister & Kids Traveler Water Bottle

When your kids are complaining that they’re hungry or thirsty and there are no food options around, you’ll be glad you traveled prepared. S’well’s 10oz Food Canister keeps snacks fresh and at the ideal temperature, whether hot or cold. Its leak-proof design makes it perfect for travel, preventing spills in bags. The Kids Traveler Water Bottle is designed for little hands, featuring a spill-resistant lid and double-walled insulation to maintain beverage temperatures. Both products are BPA-free and come in fun colors, encouraging kids to stay hydrated and enjoy their snacks on the go.

Stokke Yoyo3 stroller.Stokke Yoyo 3 Stroller

Traveling with kids in strollers can be a challenge but not nearly as much of one if you’ve got the right stroller. The Stokke Yoyo 3 Stroller is a compact, lightweight option for traveling families. Its one-hand fold feature makes it easy to collapse, store and transport. The stroller offers a comfortable ride thanks to its suspension system and adjustable recline, ensuring your child’s comfort during outings. Its sleek design and durable construction make it a stylish and practical choice for urban adventures and travel. Because it’s so lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it on your shoulder, a big advantage when your hands are full.

Aloha beach towels in three different colors.ALOHA Beach Towel

ALOHA’s Heipua beach towel is deliciously soft, luxurious to the touch and puts the ‘fun’ in functional. Crafted from quick-drying, sand-resistant material, it’s perfect for beach days or poolside lounging. These towels are easy to pack and feature a playful pattern. Its generous size makes it comfortable for both kids and adults (you can sit on it, cover up or dry off with it), making it a versatile addition to your travel essentials.

Child wearing Belkin Soundform Mini Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.Belkin Soundform Mini – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Kids

Belkin’s Soundform Mini headphones are designed specifically for kids, offering volume-limited audio to protect young ears. The wireless Bluetooth connectivity ensures a tangle-free experience, while the lightweight design provides comfort during extended use. They are durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of travel and the foldable design makes them easy to pack. Available in a variety of fun colors, these headphones will add a touch of personality to your child’s travel gear. We never leave home without them!

Children wearing Magnetic Me clothing.Magnetic Me Kids Clothes

Magnetic Me clothing features magnetic closures, making getting dressed a snap! The All A-Flutter Cotton Poplin Magnetic Easy Peasy Sleeveless Dress is made from 100% organic cotton and is the perfect dress-it-up or dress-it-down dress to pack for vacation. The Ombre Cotton Magnetic Hoodie is made of a French terry fabric that’s soft and cozy for chilly evenings when traveling and for everyday wear. Kids will love how easy the magnetic closures make getting dressed and will feel confident and independent when they don’t need help.

A collection of children's items labeled with Mabel's Labels.Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back-to-School Combo

When you’re on the go, keeping track of your child’s belongings can be a challenge, especially during family trips where items can easily go missing. Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back-to-School Combo is a travel lifesaver, offering 126 personalized, waterproof labels that can be used on everything from water bottles to clothing. The combo includes small rectangle labels, Tag Mates for clothes and durable shoe labels … all dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe. With fun icons and colors to choose from, kids love them too. They’re perfect for labeling gear for camps, airports, hotels or wherever your adventures take you.

The Bellini Juno Compact Auto-Folding Stroller.Bellini Juno Compact Auto-Folding Stroller

The Bellini Juno Stroller offers a compact, auto-folding design that makes it easy to store and transport when you travel with little ones. Its lightweight frame and durable construction ensure a smooth ride for your child. The stroller features a reclining seat and adjustable footrest, making it comfortable for daily outings. And when you’re flying, you’ll be happy to know that it’s overhead bin-compatible!

Kids wearing Little Sleepies Jurassic Jungle Two-Piece Pajama Set.
Little Sleepies Jurassic Jungle Two-Piece Pajama Set

Of course you want your kids to be cute and comfy while they’re traveling but don’t forget just how important their sleep is while on vacation, too. If you’re crossing time zones or just having long, action-packed days, the little ones need adequate, high-quality sleep to fully enjoy their experiences. These buttery-soft, custom-milled bamboo pajamas are exactly what they need to get their best sleep, from hotel naps to red-eye flights. Lightweight and breathable, stretchy and soft, you’ll wish you had a pair, too! The Jurassic Jungle print in pink and navy are perfect for dino lovers but there are plenty of other patterns to choose from as well.

Items from the Kenny Flowers 'The Sunshine State' Family Matching Swimwear collection.
Kenny Flowers ‘The Sunshine State’ Family Matching Swimwear

Family vacation never looked so cute! The Kenny Flowers family matching collection in ‘The Sunshine State‘ ensures that everybody is photo-ready. The pieces in this collection offer UPF 50+ sun protection in a stylish, tropical design. Whether your family is heading to a sunny resort or spending a day at the beach, these pieces will keep you and your little one protected from the sun without sacrificing comfort or style.

Ello stainless steel kids water bottles in purple and blue.

Ello Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle

Proper hydration is essential for keeping kids healthy and happy while they’re traveling, especially on long flights or on extremely hot days. They’ll be happy to sip away from these Ello stainless steel water bottles made just for kids. These 12-ounce, vacuum-insulated bottles keep beverages cold for hours and the silicone bottom acts like a coaster, protecting the bottle from bumps and bruises, dings and dents. But best of all, this bottle is truly leak proof, thanks to its locking one-touch flip lid.

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSNFacebook, InstagramPinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.

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