What is in our family travel bin?
Heading to the lake for a beautiful Saturday? Kids in the water, reading a good book on the shore, taking a boat ride, BBQ’s. Such a lovely way to spend the day. What to bring to the lake for day? When we head up to the lake as a family, we have a bin that is ready to go. Just add a garbage bag and hand towel and we’re set. What’s in this magical bin? Let’s take a look. Side note: I tend to pack for every scenerio like a Boy Scout for us and for…all…other…humans in the vicinity so your box may be smaller and look different from mine-haha!
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Why a bin for the lake?
We learned pretty quickly that squirrels can be very resourceful when they really want to get into your stuff. I kid you not, we had a container of trailmix on the picnic table and the little guy had the guts to get up there and try to pry the lid off in the middle of us all looking at him. A plastic bin and cooler has been the only thing to keep those little critters from snacking all the way through the chip bags and cleaning us out!
I picked a clear plastic bin so I can peak around to find stuff easier. A fold flap or latch on lid have both worked. Oh, and when the kids drip water all over it or a whole plate of food gets dropped, it can be washed off. When we lived up in the mountains, we had an emergency winter bin for the car following the same concept. These store really well on the garage shelved and it takes the prep time down to a shorter “get out the door” pace. They can also have stuff stacked onto them in the car.
What to bring to the lake essentials
First Aid
- Bandaides
- Neosporin or Correct-X
- Tweezers to remove splinters and ticks
- Pain reliever- Asparin included
- Tummy help like Tums or Digestzen tabs
- Allergy medicine like Benedryl chewables
- Sport tape
Food Tools
- Picnic wear: plates, cups, utensils
- Coffee percolator
- Coffee
- Container of flavor powder for water- Crystal Lite
- Nesting pots, skillet (these are in the bin by default for camping overnight)
- Foil
- Spray oil
- Garbage bags and extra ziplocs
- Serving spoon and cutting knife
- Slim cutting board
- Vinyl tablecoth
- Matches and lighter
- Handsoap
- Handtowel and washcloth
- Oven mitt
- BBQ tongs and spatula
- Big water container
Sun, Water, and Land Fun
- Sunblock
- Sunburn soother like aloe vera gel
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Whistles for lifejackets
- Waist belt for insulin pump
- Glasses safety strap
- Floatie inflator and batteries
- Extra rope to tie up inflatables to dock
- Water proof bag for wallet and phone
- Binoculars
- Playing cards
- Walkie-talkies
- Flashlight
- Babywipes
- S’more items
This seems like a huge amount of stuff to lug to a day at the lake! I tried to take some things out but sure enough, as soon as I did, we needed it and everyone was wondering where it was. This bin keeps me from forgetting half the stuff and stressing out with people talking at me trying to pack the car. Our bin is used constantly during the summer at a place right on the lake beach with BBQ firepits and also propane grills.
Non-bin Items
- Beachtowels
- Inflatables
- Paddles
- Lifejackets
- Change of clothes
- Campchairs
- Coolers
- Briquettes and lighter
- Fishing gear
- A good book
- Picnic blanket
Phew! That’s a load of stuff! And I’m not even listing baby items if you have a baby. No wonder Suburbans are so popular! Get your free printable sent directly to you. Need inspiration on meals for the lake? Check out our megalist of recipes.
We have a tote for camping that we love because it’s easy to store at home and to carry to and from the car! Plus it doubles as a table by the campfire!