What You Need to Survive Kids' Sporting Events
Head out to the field this season with everything you need to survive every game and practice.
Through the wind, the cold, the heat and the rain, we parents are at our kids' sporting events, cheering them on and making sure they have everything they need. The key to surviving every sporting season is having the right items with you to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
A few essentials to get you started: bug spray, sunscreen, snacks and drinks, and on-the-go games or activity books to keep tagalong siblings entertained. And don’t forget to have cash on hand. Sometimes it's all they'll take at the gate to get into the event, and it's helpful to have for concession runs.
Keep scrolling to see what else is on our essential list for toting to games and practices.
Have a supply of snacks and drinks on hand for all the kiddos and grown-ups in your group. This insulated cooler backpack has a leakproof liner and keeps food cold or hot for 16 hours. With multiple compartments and large capacity, easily tote everything you need to keep everyone happy and non-hangry.
These are our favorite new portable chairs. They're super comfortable, and you can rock away while watching your kiddos. The lightweight, sturdy design has padded armrests and a cup holder for your favorite beverage.
For a non-rocking option, this is our other favorite pick. The armrests have a built-in cooler for stowing drink cans and snacks — the essentials for surviving hours on the field. The seat and back are fully cushioned for ultimate comfort, and a handy side pocket ensures you don't misplace your phone and keys.
Say goodbye to stiff backs, bottoms and necks with a stadium seat designed to maximize your comfort. The polyester fabric of this seat wicks away moisture, making it breathable, while also keeping rain or water from pooling. Thick cushioning molds to your body (similar to memory foam). To prep for game watching, all you have to do is fold the seat until it locks into place.
Not just for rainy days, an umbrella provides instant shade when the sun is beating down on you. This extra-large golf umbrella, available in three different sizes and a slew of colors, is your ticket to keeping your whole family covered.
Hydration is key for players and their sideline fans. These stainless steel water bottles have hideaway flip straws that stay clean and concealed under a leakproof locking lid. Plus, drinks stay cold for up to 24 hours.
In warm or cool weather, sunglasses are a necessity. Originally designed for runners, these incredibly lightweight and snug-fitting sunglasses will stay put as you haul, load and keep up with kids.
In our opinion, these are the best sunhats. They're lightweight, breathable, fully cover your neck and face, and easy to wash. We use them at the beach, while hiking and of course, on the sidelines.
After sitting through weeks of blaring sun and heat waves, suddenly we're outside freezing — the joys of sports. This sherpa fleece blanket is oh-so-cozy on the inside and waterproof and windproof on the outside.
Another must-have for cold days is touchscreen gloves. You don't want to miss a single shot of their game because of numb fingers. These unisex gloves come in a variety of fabrics and three different sizes.
You truly never know when you'll need a bandage, anti-itch cream, pain reliever or a cold pack. Stick this convenient first aid kit in your car so you're always ready to handle little bumps and bruises.
