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If there’s one thing we’ve mastered as a family in Santa Cruz, it’s how to pack for a spontaneous adventure. Whether it’s a beach morning with coffee in hand, a quick hike through the redwoods, or a full-blown picnic day, we have our favorite go-to gear that makes it easy (and fun!) to get outdoors.
Here’s what’s always in my family adventure tote — with Amazon finds I actually use and love.
☀️ 1. Picnic Blanket You’ll Actually Want to Sit On
A good picnic blanket makes all the difference when you’re spending the day at Natural Bridges or watching the sunset at Seabright Beach.
I love a waterproof, sand-proof one with soft fleece on top — it rolls up easily and fits right into the car trunk.
Amazon pick: Waterproof Outdoor Picnic Blanket – Extra Large & Foldable
☕ 2. Insulated Travel Mugs for Beach Coffee Mornings
There’s nothing better than sipping hot coffee while the kids play in the sand. A durable insulated mug keeps drinks warm for hours and fits perfectly in your beach bag.
Amazon pick: Hydroflask coffee cup
Stanley Classic NeverLeak Travel Mug — leak-proof and nearly indestructible.
Alternative: Hydro Flask Coffee Mug — stylish and keeps your drink at the perfect temperature.
🏖️ 3. Reusable Beach Totes or Wet Bags
Wet swimsuits and sandy towels? No problem. A reusable wet bag or beach tote is a parent’s best friend for easy cleanup.
Amazon pick: Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag — cute patterns, machine washable, and eco-friendly.
For larger families: —G4Free Beach Bag, Waterproof Sandproof Beach Tote Bag literally designed to repel sand (thank me later!).
💧 4. Eco-Friendly Reusable Water Bottles
We never leave home without our water bottles — especially on hikes in Wilder Ranch or days at Twin Lakes.
Amazon pick: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle — keeps water cold for up to 24 hours.
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 24 OZ | Built-In Straw with Larger Opening
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with straw THIS IS MY FAVORITE FOR WEEK DAYS TO WEEKENDS AND TRIPS
Kid favorite: ThermoFlask Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid — easy to carry and leakproof.
🗺️ 5. Adventure Passports for Kids
Want to make weekend adventures even more special? Create a mini “Adventure Passport” where kids can jot down each hike, beach day, or park they explore. It’s a fun way to track local memories!
Amazon pick: Adventure Journal for Kids – Outdoor Exploration Notebook
You can also make your own and personalize it with Santa Cruz-themed stickers or stamps.
🏕️ Bonus: Compact Adventure Gear for Parents
A few other must-haves we keep in the car for spontaneous adventures:
Portable Bluetooth Speaker – for those impromptu beach picnics.
JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Speaker
Mini First Aid Kit – because kids.
Compact Travel First Aid Kit
Foldable Beach Wagon – saves your back when carrying everything from snacks to surfboards. A MUST HAVE
Mac Sports Collapsible Utility Wagon
🎒 6. Family Adventure Backpacks (Great for Hikes + Day Trips)
A good-quality backpack is something parents will actually need!
Amazon picks:
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – lightweight, durable, and stylish.
Osprey Junior Kids Backpack – perfect for kids’ hikes or travel days.
💰 Average price: $45
📸 7. Compact Family Travel Camera or GoPro
Travel and family audiences love capturing memories
Amazon picks:
- GoPro HERO12 Black – waterproof, 5.3K video, great for beach + hikes.
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – compact, vlogging favorite.
🏖️ 8. Portable Beach Canopy or Shade Tent
A big win for families with kids who spend hours at the beach.
Amazon picks:
- Neso Beach Tent – Lightweight Sunshade
🪑 9. Folding Beach Chairs or Lounge Sets
People love comfort upgrades for beach or park days
Amazon picks:
- Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair THIS CHAIR IS MY FAVORITE FOR ANY BEACH AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IT IS A MUST HAVE
🔋 10. Portable Power Bank or Solar Charger
Perfect for parents who need to keep phones charged while out exploring or taking photos.
Amazon picks:
- Anker 633 Magnetic Battery, 10,000mAh Foldable Wireless Portable Charger– solar-powered, rugged design.
🎧 11. Wireless Earbuds for Parents
A “treat yourself” item that fits the vibe — great for beach walks or quiet moments.
Amazon picks:
🚗 12. Car Trunk Organizer for Adventure Gear
If your car looks like mine after a weekend of beach days and hikes 😅 — this trunk organizer is a game changer! Keeps all our gear, snacks, and sandy shoes in one place so I can actually find things again.
Amazon pick: Trunk crate pro Collapsible Trunk Organizer
If your weekends often end with sandy feet, salty hair, and a messy car (same here!), a few smart tools can make your post-adventure routine so much easier. I love to have these on my car. These are my go-to essentials for keeping things clean, dry, and organized after a day outdoors:
🪥 13. Surf Brush (8-Inch Custom Wood Handle, Pink Bristles) – This simple brush is a lifesaver for getting sand off feet, shoes, and car mats before heading home. No more gritty car rides!
🧖♂️ 14. SUN CUBE Kids Changing Robe Surf Poncho – Soft, quick-dry, and perfect for little ones who love the water. It makes changing after swimming or surfing effortless and keeps kids cozy while you pack up.
🚿 15. Pomo High Pressure Portable Shower (5L) – My personal favorite! Whether you’re rinsing off sandy feet, surfboards, or even the dog, this hand-pump shower is a total game changer for beach or camping days.
👜 16. Hang 11 Wetsuit Changing Mat Bag – Keeps wet suits and sandy towels from touching anything else. Just change on it, cinch it up, and toss it in the trunk — everything stays contained and your car stays clean.
17. O’Neill Men’s Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit:
🧊 18. Electric Cooler or Portable Mini Fridge
This one is a hidden gem — families love it for road trips or beach picnics.
Amazon pick: Dometic CFX3 25-Liter Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
or
this version of Cooler
📱 19. Smartwatch or GPS Tracker for Active Families
Perfect crossover between adventure and safety — parents love tracking kids on hikes or beach days.
Amazon picks:
20. If you plan on hikes here are my favorite shoes for adventures in Cali and beyond;
You can find all these family adventure essentials (and more of my favorites!) in my Amazon Storefront — where I’ve linked everything with full details and options for every budget.
eady for your next adventure? Don’t miss these helpful guides:
🌲 How to Plan the Perfect Northern California Road Trip
🌴 Family Beach Essentials You’ll Actually Use
🔦 Camping Packing List for Families
