We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A portable Bluetooth speaker with surround sound so your park party can immerse itself in the brilliance of your well-curated playlist. This super durable, waterproof, and impact-resistant speaker has a loud, deep bass everyone will hear and feel and vibe to.
Promising review: "OMG this is the best Bluetooth speaker out on the market hands down! I've had Harmon Karmon, Beats, and Bose Bluetooth speakers! This gets a GOLD star. You can play it at a high volume and it doesn't blow the speaker like the other three. It also has a 20-hour battery life. Who does that?" —Ellen Durham
Get it from Amazon for $69.97+ (available in three colors).
2. Or a set of affordable noise-reducing wireless Bluetooth earbuds that are water resistant so you can sweat it up on your next solo park run without worrying about ruining your music-listening experience. Or, sit under a tree and listen to your favorite podcast without the sounds of children playing and people talking invading your ears.
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 10 hours with each full charge).
Promising review: "Five stars all the way around! I am loving everything about these earbuds! One of the best features about these is NO CORDS!! I have really long, thick hair and my previous Bluetooth earbuds were good but had the wire connecting them and it was constantly getting in the way or tangled in my hair, so it's SUPER nice to not have to fight my hair or shirt with these earbuds. They look nice, the case is great, they are very comfortable to wear, and the sound quality is fantastic. I can really hear the bass! I like that I can use the earbuds separately as I wear them at work for background music and get a full day out of the batteries by swapping them. I have used them for a couple of calls and the person on the other end had no issues hearing me or with background noise so that's a definite win! The noise cancellation is great, maybe too good; even if I pause my music when talking to someone, I still sometimes have to take the bud out to be able to hear them properly but not a big deal. It's great to drown everyone else out at the gym. My boyfriend was super impressed with them as well when I let him listen. He guessed they were double the price. I am very happy with this purchase!" —Elizabeth Good
Get it from Amazon $18.99+ (available in five colors).
3. A durable and waterproof extra-large picnic blanket big enough to fit four adults comfortably. Go ahead and lounge the day away. Plus, it folds up nice and neat with a handle for easy carrying.
Scuddles is a small business!
Promising review: "This blanket is lightweight, compact, and easy to refold. It is thin yet effective. I've used it on a photography job for a family to sit on instead of the dirt/ground. It was easy to carry around. I'm using it now to relax in my yard and it is comfortable. I spilled a little tea on it and it was quick and easy to wipe up and dry. I highly recommend it." —LindaM
Get it from Scuddles on Amazon for $26.99 (available in seven other sizes and eight other colors).
4. Or a pair of portable chairs if sitting on the actual ground is above you. These super lightweight (but heavy-duty) chairs feature double seams to ensure they are rip-proof.
Promising review: "My husband and I were looking for small/light folding chairs as we often bike to the park (and carrying the traditional size is no fun on a bike). These chairs are PERFECT. I chose them for the design of the legs; the square format seemed stronger. They're a little bit lower to the ground than others we've been seeing around, but that doesn't bother us at all. I LOVE how they fold up; once you know how to do it, it basically folds itself. Overall would highly recommend!" —Gabriela
Get two from Amazon for $65.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).
5. A 12-pack of acrylic paint pens so your kid(s) can give faces to all the rocks they've found at the park. This will keep them busy while you and your other parent friends enjoy an adult conversation for once.
6. An Iron Flask insulated thermo mug that comes with three leakproof lids including one with a built-in straw so you can enjoy your still-cold drink hours later. You'll wanna keep this stainless-steel treasure around.
Promising review: "When searching for a water bottle, I initially was tempted to get a Hydro Flask, but found this Iron Flask was cheaper. What sold the Iron Flask for me was that while it does keep water immensely cold over long periods of time, like the Hydro Flask, the Iron Flask comes with two additional lids and an extra straw. I like to use the water bottle wherever I go, and when filled with light ice, it has kept the water ice cold for up to 6+ hours. I have run my bottle into things by accident, and it has held up well. I've also knocked it over and left it on its side while driving, and there has been no leakage. Overall, if you're looking for an alternative to the Hydro Flask without breaking the bank, the Iron Flask is more affordable, and better from what I've experienced." —Marissa
Get it from Amazon for $16.10+ (available in 6 sizes and 28 colors).
7. A pack of three vegan Sun Bum hand sanitizer sprays formulated with coconut oil and aloe vera to moisturize as they kill germs.
Promising review: "I love everything about this product. It smells amazing, is easy to use, fits in my purse or diaper bag, and it’s at a decent price." —catherine shoemaker
Get the pack of three from Amazon for $16.99.
8. Or a box of 110 individually wrapped sanitizing hand wipes if you need to get the stickies off of your little one's hands.
9. A pack of four big acrylic hair claws with a trendy matte finish so you can get your hair out of your face and away from your neck when the sun decides to beam down a little too intensely.
Promising review: “I didn't even think they made these clips anymore! I haven't been able to find them in stores and didn't even think about looking online. Then I just happened upon these and I am SOOOO HAPPY!! I can twist my hair up and snap one of these babies on in seconds and BAM! Instant relief from the heat and it keeps my hair out of my face. All without giving me a tension headache like most clips and ponytail holders do.” —melanie hawkins
Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in three color combinations and in larger packs).
10. A water-resistant SPF 50+ Neutrogena sunscreen stick because it'll help protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays without the mess of a liquid formula. This lightweight sunscreen glides on easily and is fast-absorbing so you can more quickly enjoy your fun in the sun.
Promising review: "This line of sunscreen is my holy grail. The fact that this is a stick makes it perfect for packing in a carry-on bag. It will last through an entire trip and won't fill up your liquid bag. I used this in heavy smog in LA in late summer and in Hawaii for eight days. Never got burnt once. Buy this!" —Angela
Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
11. A giant stacking game to take building blocks to the next level. This game stacks to over 4 feet, so take cover when they come tumbling down! It even comes with a carrying case so bringing it to the park won't be an issue.
12. A portable cordless phone charger if your device is chronically under 10% when you're out. You don't want your phone creeping to 0% while you're dropping a pin to show your friends where in the park you are.
Check out a TikTok of the portable charger in action.
Promising review: "The holy grail of portable chargers!!! I was traveling to Disney for vacation and knowing me, I would drain my battery with just taking pictures alone. I wanted a portable battery but didn’t want a carry a cord either, so I was excited when I found this little baby! It does exactly as described, has a pretty pink color, and I get one full charge of battery for my iPhone 11. Get it. You will not be disappointed!" —Meghan Doble
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (don't forget to clip the 15% off coupon; available in six colors).
13. An easy-to-pack, UPF 50+ wide-brim bucket hat so your kiddo can play at the park (or beach) all day since their precious faces will be protected from the sun. Pair with a great facial sunscreen lotion so they are doubly protected.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure of how much UV radiation reaches your skin through a fabric. UPF 50 means it's designed to block 98% of the sun's rays.
Promising review: "Bought these for my kids for our Hawaii trip. Been using them ever since. Great quality! Awesome facial coverage for extra UV protection for my little ones! They're comfortable. And come with an adjustable strap to ensure it won't fall off in the wind. And the pattern is an extra cute bonus! Would definitely repurchase!" —Kaity Miller
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 4 sizes and 22 patterns/colors).
14. A collapsible, insulated cooler bag because it can hold up to 60 cans, which means you'll have cold beverages all day long. It'll even keep food and drinks cold for up to 12 hours!
15. A mini digital camera perfect for exploring all kinds of portraits since it can also take selfies. You might just have a young Annie Leibovitz on your hands! They'll love snapping shots of all the cool things they see at the park.
16. A fragrance-free insect-repellent lotion to help repel ticks and mosquitoes all summer long. It dries quickly and is nongreasy so you don't have to worry about it ruining your clothes.
Promising review: "I live in New Jersey alongside a salt marsh. Greenhead flies are relentless in the summer, along with the other bloodsuckers. This product is exactly what you need if you prefer to avoid using DEET. A+ for bug repellent, longevity, and scratchless nights! Cheers." —Andrew J. Santarsiero
Get it from Amazon for $7.77.
17. And a pack of insect-repellent wipes that'll work for up to 12 hours! These DEET-free wipes are easy to travel with and safe to use on kids so they can keep playing outside without the threat of mosquitoes.
BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly is a fan of these wipes:
"When I was a kid, someone told me that mosquitoes love me because I'm so sweet. And I FULLY believe that as an adult because I still get eaten alive if I'm out for long periods of time without wearing some kind of repellent. I've used these wipes on several park days here in NYC (sitting on a picnic blanket drinking wine with friends is more or less screaming COME GET ME to skeeters). But I've really found success with them on a recent hot weekend trip to Savannah, Georgia. I don't notice any smell when using them and have found one wipe to have enough repellant for my arms and legs. So basically, a one and done. I don't think that I've gotten *any* bug bites on days I've used these wipes. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin but haven't had any irritation from these seemingly powerful wipes!"
Promising review: "The wipes made it much easier to get coverage on my squirming toddler who hates being wiped with anything." —Rose
Get three packs of 12 wipes from Amazon for $25.47.
18. Or a vegan insect repellent spray made using lemongrass, catnip, thyme, lavender, and peppermint essential oils so not only will you be unappetizing to bugs, but you'll also smell amazing. Win-win!
Based on a 2-acre farm in Oregon, Wild Rose Herbs is a small Etsy shop making natural skincare products, from lip balm to tattoo aftercare products.
Promising review: “This is the ONLY insect repellent that I trust on my children and myself. The organic, natural ingredients and the care and attention Wild Rose Herbs puts into everything they create makes this an easy choice. The scent is also really lovely, which is a big plus, and IT REALLY WORKS!” —Elhi33
Get it from Wild Rose Herbs on Etsy for $9.95.
19. Unstable Unicorns, a friendship-destroying strategy game about unicorns and betrayal. Be the first to build up an army of seven unicorns using action cards to slow down your opponents. Get ready to make a scene at the park!
Promising review: "I love that this game is easy to understand. The first time I played with a group of friends, the game went on for two hours because we could brilliantly sabotage each other and team up so no one won but everyone was close. I've played quick rounds and long rounds, and you can kind of control what is happening with what you're willing to play. ONE OF THE BEST PARTS: You can play with a big group or with just two people. There is a guide for how to play with two people (taking out some cards) that still works and is really fun!!!" —Brooklyn
Get it from Amazon for $14.49.
20. Kid-sized binoculars if your little one is a burgeoning bird watcher. Support their self-propelled learning and curiosity with these!
21. Four sets of eco-friendly, reusable travel utensils because being outdoors doesn't mean you have to eat like animals. These durable utensils come with a carrying box to make sure they don't get lost or dirty inside your oversized tote bag.
Promising review: "I travel a lot, so often you get caught somewhere looking for a spoon, fork, or knife, and BOOM! I had one in my bag. Soooo convenient and handy!" —Amazon Customer
Get the set of four from Amazon for $6.99+ (also available in other set sizes and color combinations).
22. A wide-brim straw fedora so you can get your Jason Mraz on! This classic style is breathable and lightweight so you can comfortably wear it anywhere. Plus it's foldable and packable so you can just toss it in your purse until the sun is shining too brightly.
Promising review: "When I tell you I have been looking for a cute sun hat for YEARS….I mean years! I took a chance and ordered this hat praying it would look good on me and it did! Woohoo! I have a very round face and a small head and it has been so hard finding a cute sun hat! I really feel like this hat would look great on everyone!" —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in one size and in 22 colors).
23. A doggy sunscreen made with moisturizing aloe vera that'll help your pup stay safe while playing this summer. Just spray their coat with this quick-drying and safe-to-lick spray for relief from dry and cracked skin. This also works great as itch relief and a snout soother!
Warren London is a small biz making dog grooming products that help with all kinds of skin problems.
Promising review: “This product is so helpful. My poor pup has a white-spotted nose and it gets sunburnt so easily, along with the inside of his ears. So I just spray a little of this when he decides to sunbathe and he hasn’t been burnt since!” —Danielle Fender
Get it from Warren London on Amazon for $13.99.
24. A mom-made bug bite suction tool from Shark Tank for mosquito bite relief if you're excited for tank tops and short shorts but not the fact that you'll be exposed to some nasty bloodsuckers. It pretty much sucks the irritant out from under your skin so you can live an itch-free life.
Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times, so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived Monday and Tuesday morning I woke up with a bug bite on my arm, so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions) and immediately after use, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bite = gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing but that is a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: It’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in five colors and multi-packs).
25. A pair of polarized aviator sunglasses because you deserve to look ~fly~ while protecting your eyes from UV rays.
Promising review: "These black aviator sunglasses are flawless! I was hesitant buying these sunglasses because I have a nonexistent nose bridge so I thought these wouldn't stay on my nose, but they do! Go ahead and buy yourself a pair! Definitely worth it!" —Jerolyn
Get it from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in 10 colors).
26. A portable HP Bluetooth photo printer so you can print your new picnicking memories as you make them!
Promising review: "I love this little printer! I make scrapbooks and am beginning to create photo journals. It’s so much fun to use all of the features. The pictures are the perfect size and I love that they’re stickers. The photo quality is great also." —Sarah Nathan
Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in four colors).
27. A waterproof Kindle for lounging in the shade and reading the latest Akwaeke Emezi title. No need to waste space packing a dozen books when you can have hundreds of books at the ready and at your fingertips.
BuzzFeed writer Haley Zovickian only has great things to say about this:
"I recently bought a Kindle and it has, no exaggeration, revolutionized my life. I love mine for so many reasons — it's truly helped me incorporate my love of reading into my often hectic life, and all my titles literally live inside of this half-pound wonder gadget, so I can switch between books super easily. For traveling, this is a literal dream. I don't have to pick between titles and then regret the entire trip that I didn't bring the one I left at home — and, as any book lover knows, traveling with books is heavy as hell, and the Kindle literally completely eliminates that weight. Traveling will never be the same for me. BTW, I am also obsessed with the Libby app, which allows you to check out e-books from your local library on your Kindle!! My inner child is *screaming* with joy."
Promising review: "I LOVE reading and being able to access a book anywhere with this thing. It is easy to navigate, very easy to read and adjust the brightness or how warm the light is. It doesn't auto adjust, but I don't need that feature. I've read in bright sunlight to dark rooms, and it's always been so clear. You can adjust the font and use the library to search whatever books you want. Makes packing books for traveling very easy. Battery life lasts me two weeks if I'm reading every day for a few hours. You have to have internet and it only shows books. This is not a tablet to surf the internet or use other apps on." —R@L0
Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in 8GB and 16GB sizes and in three colors).
28. A hands-free portable neck fan to keep you cool while you grill your umpteenth hotdog of the day.
Promising review: "I had never seen these before but was introduced to them by my daughter-law. As we live in Florida, we go to Disney World often and the heat here is unbearable sometimes. I purchased these and used them at the park and was surprised how comfortable they were to wear and the wonderful breeze it put out. Also, saw these worn by several others and had people ask me how they were and where I got them.Plus, I think these are an exceptional value. LOVE them!" —Catherine
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in nine colors/styles).
29. Allergy relief eye drops because your red and puffy eyes deserve some peace in this allergen-ridden park. Just one drop in each eye is meant to offer you relief for 24 hours!
Promising review: “I live in the mid-Atlantic region where pollen is bad April through June. Despite having an air purifier, washing my hands regularly, changing and washing my linens regularly, etc., I still struggle with itchy, watery eyes and blurry vision. This eye drop is THE BEST! One drop in each eye is plenty. Best for severe allergies.” —ESB
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.65.
30. A portable water dispenser so now your pup can stay hydrated in between playing with new friends at the park.
Promising review: "It's very easy to use: Just press the button and tilt forward, and water comes out almost like a small waterfall. If your dog doesn't finish what's in the bowl, simply press the button and tilt back, and the water will flow back into the bottle. The bottle is made of thick, study plastic that seems to combat some of the heat from outside. It was absolutely perfect for my 6-pound Chihuahua. I HIGHLY recommend this bottle!" —Breanna Rodriguez
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
31. A travel shawl with UPF 50+ protection that'll block 98% of the sun's rays AND keep you warm as the day turns into a chilly evening. It's also pretty multitalented since it can be used as a scarf, a poncho, or a blanket!
Promising review: "I love my new everywhere scarf/shawl. I purchased the silver for travel and am now wearing it almost daily. It is sooooo soft and versatile. Looks great with jeans and a sweater as a scarf. Looks really nice as a shawl with a dress or slacks and blouse. You will love how you feel wrapped up in it on an airplane or in the car on a trip. Don’t pass up owning this great accessory, enjoy it!" —George K.
Get it from Amazon for $48+ (available in two styles and eight colors).
32. A hydrating intense-therapy lip balm with SPF 25 so you can heal your lips as you protect them! It's also rich with antioxidants, vitamin E, and green tea!
Promising review: "I live in Colorado where the summers are very hot and very dry. Finding a lip balm with a higher SPF that did not leave a horrible chemical taste seemed impossible. This is it. It does have a Vaseline-type consistency, but not having that horrible taste in my mouth is worth it. And my lips do not feel dry after being outside for an extended period of time. This was a winner." —goldfish@ntplx.net
Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in six scents).
33. Flushable toilet seat covers because the park's public bathrooms simply cannot be trusted to be clean or free of germs. These biodegradable paper seat covers will help give you a little peace of mind.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.