A smart thing that you can do prior to each sports season is to spend a few minutes to gather together and put into the car the gear you need to enjoy the season- so that you can be prepared for anything that comes your way! It's one of the ways that I like to get organized for the new school year! Here are 9 Things To Keep in Your Car When Your Kids Play Sports!
Something to sit on and a couple of golf umbrellas
You never know when you show up at a field if there will be stands to sit in or if you'll just be standing around on the sidelines- so my advice is to keep a couple of
collapsible camp chairs
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I also keep one of these
stadium blankets
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Also- have those jumbo-sized
golf umbrellas
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A spare sweatshirt or jacket
Find a fleece sweatshirt This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. that fits the largest-sized person in your family (like Dad), and keep it in the car. This will save you on days when you realized that the field is MUCH windier than you realized and your 6-year-old decided to wear just shorts and a tee-shirt on a 55-degree day!
Extra hydration and snacks
No matter how hard I try to remember to send every child to his or her practice with a water bottle, once in a while I do forget. And rather than head all the way back home and then back to practice again- it is so much easier to just walk around to the trunk of my car and pull a bottle out from the case of water that I keep in the back!
I also keep a small box of snacks like granola bars, Rice Krispie treats, and even a small assortment of candy and gum. These items are not necessarily for the athlete, but for the younger siblings that are dragged along to so many practices and games! Sometimes they need a little snack or treat to avoid a meltdown!
Spare equipment
Depending on the sport, if you can keep some spare equipment in the car in the event that your child (or a teammate) forgets theirs on the day of the “big game”- you can really save the day.
I always keep an extra set of shin guards and soccer socks for my soccer players. And I think I have lent them out to others more times than we have used them ourselves!
Sunscreen and bug spray
After a long winter spent under layers and layers of clothing- it is hard to get back into a routine of remembering to apply sunscreen before games! I keep a bottle of sunscreen and a bottle of bug spray in the pocket of my driver's side door so that I always have it on hand!
Sibling diversions
It can be hard to be the little one who is buckled into his or her car seat and toted around endlessly (or so it seems to them!) to practices and games. So it is important to be prepared with some activities and things for them to do too.
Of course, if your athletic field is located near a playground- super BONUS! Your younger ones can climb and swing to their heart's content, soaking up the fresh air, and having the chance to burn off some of that childhood energy!
But in the event that you need to be at a field that offers nothing in the way of diversion for the young ones, you need to be prepared!
I like to take along a bag of craft kits This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. (ones they receive as birthday presents from friends are great for this!) and art boxes and paper. A few books, a board game, or even a deck of cards can all make for some bonding time with parents and other siblings while the athlete is on the field.
What do you like to have on hand in the car if you have kids who play sports?
J says
Instant icepacks: We keep one in the equipment bag for quicker access. They can be used for injuries and for hot days.
Washcloths: to buffer a cold icepack, wipe off excessively dirty kids, or wet it to help cool down on hot day (keep in zip lock bags)
Towels: to dry off and/or protect the car seats
Slides/extra shoes: never know when you have to stop somewhere before or after where it is frowned upon to wear cleats or muddy shoes (plus keeps floor mats a little cleaner when removing cleats before getting in car)
Sharon Rowley says
Great additions! Thank you!
Heather says
We keep a cardboard box in our trunk for muddy cleats. Also, Hot Hands have saved us during cold games, and cooling towels are a game changer for hot days! We never remember them, but we’ve had to borrow an ice pack from more than one parent.😬
Sharon Rowley says
These are all great ideas! Thanks for leaving a comment!!
Amy says
I always bring baby wipes and a first aid kit with a bee sting kit in it. The bee sting kit has been used just as much as the wipes. You never know when you are going to disturb a bee hive under the edge of the bleachers.
idreamleaguesoccerkits.com says
please add a camera to record the lovely moments of your kids
Michelle says
I always keep a first aid kit with me. You never know when an injury will occur or an allergy or headache or anything else and what will be available at the field. Always be prepared. I’m also the scorekeeper for my kids teams so I make sure I keep extra pencils. I also carry a battery operated fan for those hot days!
Arina says
I think we also have to put some money on the car so in an emergency, it will useful for us. I like the idea to put the jackets on the car. I will remember it definitely.
Anonymous says
I always bring big plastic bags for the muddy uniforms and shoes. Keep the car clean.
Curso de ingles online qual o melhor says
You could not forget a sun shade if there is not
a cover
Grant Williams says
Pretty good suggestions. I would also add keeping a pack of wet wipes, as they’re only about $1 at Wal-Mart and do very well for freshening up, wiping off dirt from the outdoors, and even cleaning up some spills, and for using in the restroom to clean up and not be uncomfortable later during the day.
Thanks.
Carl says
The sibling diversion is a tactically very important part of taking your child to sports practice! I don’t understand why doesn’t every sports organisation have a small playground next to the field 🙂 My trick is bringing colouring books and crayons nothing draws the attention of my little daughter as much as colouring books.
Julie Austin says
Don’t forget the swiggies, wrist water bottles to keep them from becoming dehydrated.
Kaitlyn says
These all sound so useful and great to have on hand in your car. I imagine snacks and activities always come in handy for the little ones!