What I Use to Keep My Kids Cool, Full, and Happy All Summer Long

In my house, we go all in on summer. Three out of four of us are Leos, so birthdays abound in July and August (as do the ice cream cakes). But that’s not the only reason to celebrate—the sun and school are out, which means beach trips, patio dinners, and warm-weather treats.It’s summer for everyone, whether your kids are in camp or they’re hanging out at home (while you continue to work a regular schedule, boo). As a mom of two little ones, here are some of the things I think will make these weeks even brighter and will create core memories for years to come.Live the ice cream dreamIs it actually summer if you don’t eat an ice cream cone? I grew up in the Midwest—arguably the best place on the planet for ice cream—and every weekend, my family would visit our local scoop shop. I also remember my parents bringing out their old-fashioned ice cream machine; my brother and I would patiently wait while my dad cranked the handle for the slow churn. Making ice cream with kids is magical, and today, it’s a whole lot easier with modern ice cream makers.CuisinartCuisinart ICE-21 1.5-Quart Ice Cream MakerBut if you want to go totally old-school—or you have a kid that needs something to do—pick up a set of lidded wide-mouth mason jars, and have them shake the chilled cream and sugar until it’s ready to eat. (Save any extras to catch and release lightning bugs.)Of course, if you’re making ice cream, you’ll also need a proper scoop. The Zeroll is a fan-favorite due to its heat-conductive handle that allows for a smooth release. I, though, prefer a scoop with a lever, and this one from Oxo Good Grips strikes the perfect balance between classic and new.Gimme gimme s’moreNext up on the summer treat agenda: s’mores. Yes, you can make them in your oven if you’re lacking the proper equipment, but nothing speaks more to a quintessential evening under the stars than toasting marshmallows over a live fire. The Solo Stove fire pit and stainless steel roasting sticks can make that midsummer night’s dream a reality. Pick up a Hershey’s s’mores kit, and you’re golden.Photo courtesy Solo StoveSolo Stove Bonfire Fire PitWhen the snack life is your lifeKids and their snacks… IYKYK. The only thing summer does to snacking is seemingly increase it twofold, perhaps because they’re both home more and over-the-top active. I like keeping bins in the fridge and pantry for self-service, parent-approved snacks. It keeps things organized, and the kids feel empowered about grabbing their own food.To serve the actual snacks, having a small set of shatter-proof, dishwasher-safe bowls is a must. Crow Canyon has just that, in fun prints, to boot. You can bring these enamelware dishes outside, and you don’t have to worry about kids tossing them into the sink.Crow CanyonCrow Canyon Small Serving BowlFor the beach-goers and day-trippersSpeaking of snacks (as in a cooler full of them)—plus a pile of sandwiches and an armful of beverages—you’re gonna need a portable cooler if you're headed out for the day. I’m a big fan of Yeti’s cooler backpack. The old model is our most-used cooler; it’s been a part of every family road trip since the kids were born, and my friend even borrowed it to fly halfway around the world.I’m also digging this colorful and functional Cotopaxi Hielo 24L Cooler Backpack. Why a cooler backpack? It’s hands-free—a parenthood necessity when you already have 15 other things you’re carrying (including your tired kid).Cotopaxi Hielo 24L Cooler Backpack in Del DiaA summer hydration staple“Don’t forget your water!” might be the phrase my kids think they hear most from me (which is so funny considering I don’t really remember this being a thing when I was young). We’ve tried lots of water bottles in my house, and nothing quite stands up to the Yeti Rambler Jr. It’s ultra-durable—ours have fallen out of the car, rolled in playground dirt, and sustained through all the toddler years with only minor dents. I love how cold the Rambler keeps drinks on the hottest of days, and I love even more that you can personalize these water bottles on the Yeti website, because they’ll inevitably get left somewhere.A fun food-adjacent summer thingI want to pick up these mini-and-me hair claws from Jenny Lemons for my daughter who loves to help me in the kitchen. I always make sure her locks are up when she’s cooking (teach ‘em young, I say). These would make the perfect summer accessory for my hot dog-obsessed twinsie.Jenny LemonsJenny Lemons Mini-and-Me Hot Dog Hair ClawsMore Summer Gear You'll LoveEditors' Are Excited About These Summer SnacksEverything You Need for Dining Al FrescoStay Hyrdated This Summer With the Best In Water Filtration