Summer Essentials Guide for Families 2025/2026

Summer is almost here and soon enough families everywhere in Melbourne will be hitting the beach or the pool, going away for the Summer holidays and in general spending lots of time outside. We have put together a list of our favourite Summer Essentials so you can be prepared for Summer!

10 Things Your Family Needs This Summer

Find below 10 things you need to get ready for Summer! We love supporting local, so are happy to recommend products from many Australian owned companies.

1. Family Beach Tent

If you love the outdoors, whether it be out in the backyard for a picnic, or at the beach, a protective beach tent is a must have Summer accessory for the whole family.

We love the SunPlay pop up beach tent for families with younger kids. It can be set up and packed away in under a minute. Unlike many other beach tents which require time (and patience) to put together, our kids can put it up themselves! We have also recently purchased the Cool Cabanna and so far loving it with our older kids as there is so much room!

See our full guide list: Beach Tents for families

2. Sand Free Beach Towel

Heading to the beach with kids can get messy. That’s why we love sand free towels. These beach towels are highly absorbent, fast drying, and sand resistant, making a day at the beach much easier. You can also choose from single or double size with a fun range of colourful designs to suit your personality. Pictured are the Tesalate beach towels and have been our go to for years!!!
See our favourites: Best Sand Free Towels

3. Picnic Mat

Summer means spending more time outdoors. It may be a simple backyard picnic, it could be heading to your local park, or even on a day trip. A picnic blanket will always come in handy and can easily be left in the boot of your car just in case you need it. We love the Saltwater Picnic Co mats, so many beautiful designs.
See the range here>>>

4. Summer Pj’s

Summer Pj’s are a must have with the warmer weather and we absolutely love the Cachia range! Not only are they super comfortable but they also look amazing. The matching family sets are so much fun too with kids sizes available and this year a brand new baby range!
Check out the styles here>>>

5. Sunscreen

We all know how important it is to keep kids safe from the sun. Australia is known for having some of the highest rates for skin cancer in the world. Finding a good sunblock or sunscreen for kids isn’t always easy though. Not all sunscreens are ideal for children. We have rounded up the best kids sunscreens for families, check them out.
Best Sunscreens for Kids>>>

6. Beach Bag

Every family needs a large beach bag or carry bag to bring along all of the kid’s gear. They come in handy when packing towels and bathers for the beach or pool. And if you are heading out for a picnic, a stylish carry bag is great to hold the kid’s toys, games, extra clothes and snacks.
See the List: Best Beach Bags

7. Kids Hooded Towels

Keep the kids warm after coming out of the water with their very own hooded towel. We love the zip up kind. Just slip them on after the kids get out from the beach or the pool to dry off and keep warm. They have various different colours and sizes from babies to older kids and even adults too. Short sleeve or long sleeve to match your needs.
See the list: Best hooded towels for kids

8. Sunsafe Swimwear

If you are planning on spending your Summer days outdoors, at the beach or in the pool, you and your family will need some protective swimwear that is is going to last.

Ocean Tales have a fabulous and fun range of children’s swimwear which is UPF50+. The range includes toddler suits for little ones, surf suits and two-piece bathers, board shorts, rashies, and hats. They are all stylish, comfortable and made to last.
See more info here>>>

We also love Tom and Teddy who have the best matching sets of board shorts and rashies. We have been using these for years, they are great quality and come in so many fun and colourful designs.
Check them out here>>

9. Kid Proof Sunnies

Most adults own a pair of sunnies but parents often forget about their kids. Kids’ eyes are just as important and need protecting from the harmful sun rays. Babiators are the perfect solution for young children, as their sunglasses are flexible and won’t break when kids bend them backwards.

Babiators have a large range of styles from your classic sunglasses with the standard or mirrored lenses, aviators, and even heart and flowered shaped sunglasses too. We love the colour range, there is something for every boy girl and even for babies too!
See the full range here

10. Cooler Bags or Eski

Cooler bag or an eski is a great way to store all of your food and drinks. Whether it’s soft-sided or a hard cooler, either will do, just something to keep your food and drinks cool while you are out for the day.

Are You Ready for Summer?

Make sure you are ready for summer with our list of Summer Essentials for 2023! Make sure you check out our list of summer kids activities for summer fun!

Looking for more things to do in Melbourne with kids? Check out our main page MELBOURNE WITH KIDS, follow us on FACEBOOK or join our FACEBOOK GROUP – Melbourne for Kids, What’s On!