“Oh man! I forgot the sunblock!” This was my epiphany as I drove my husband and son up to the local aquatic center’s outdoor water-park. In my quest to get everyone out the door with everything we needed I forgot the MOST important thing besides my kid. The big problem is that my husband is fair-skinned and my son got handed the same gene sequence. Not wearing sunblock is a guaranteed bout of sun poisoning. I just had to drop them off and run back to the house to get the spray. I really could have used a free printable pool bag checklist because a similar scenario happened at the YMCA where I forget everyone’s flip-flops.
That’s when I came to the conclusion that I can’t be the only mom who goes through this with every pool or beach trip. In fact, I only have 1 kid so I can’t imagine those wonder mom’s prepping for 3-5 kids. That’s why I decided to go ahead and create a free printable pool bag checklist that you can print, laminate and keep in or around your bag at all times. When you plan to go to the pool, lake or aquatic center, just take it out and go item by item to make sure you have what you need. I even included blank spaces so you can add your own items.
Supplies Needed:
- Large Beach Tote
- Free Printable Pool Bag Checklist- click here to print or click the picture below.
- Items you need off the free printable pool bag checklist.
- Large clear plastic page cover or get page lamented at your local school store or office supply store.
Tips For Keeping It All Together
- Make Sure You Have Doubles- I make sure that I have two of everything ready at all times. That way if I take something out or loose something like sun block I can easily replace it in the bag. It also helps when you are going through your checklist in a hurry to be able to have one handy should you find it has disappeared.
- Keep Some Cash- You never know when you will need a little change for something. It could be the vending machine, the snack shack or just using cash to pay your way in. My local aquatic center charges a 2.5% fee for using a credit of debit card to pay. Cash please!
- Set Yourself Up for Success- As a parent, you usually know that doing something the night before (after the kids go to bed) sets you up for the best chance at success. If you plan to head to the water, pack the bag the night before. Packing ahead guarantees that you aren’t missing anything because you had to walk away from packing 10 times to deal with 10 mini crisis.
I hope that you have found this information helpful and the free printable pool bag checklist useful! Please feel free to share with us your go-to pool bag fillers, favorite pool snacks or any items you seem to always forget in the comments section below!
Kim Anderson
Kim’s is the party planning, cupcake loving, celebration catalyst behind the Thrifty Little Mom Blog. Kim was a pro event planner for over 7 years before she became a full-time blogger. Kim is the author of: Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She’s been featured on Time.com, Money.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day and more! Kim aims to inspire you to create parties, celebrations and gatherings that everyone loves!
Rhonda says
This is a great idea for the diaper bag too! When lil one was an infant, I kept a laminated list in the diaper bag at all times that way anyone can help to make sure it’s packed appropriately AND no one forgets the diapers (it’s happened-reason for the checklist)!!!!
Also, it’s very thrifty because how many of us have had to pay crazy high prices for something we left at home!
Our favorite poolside snacks are pretzels & hummus with frozen grapes.
Aubrey says
Ooh! Great idea. We’re about to dive into pool season (har har), and this will come in really handy. Thanks! #typeaparent
Eileen says
This is fantastic, LOVE the idea of keeping organized so little ones can have a blast at the beach! If ever interested on sharing some checklists on PureWander.com like this, please do let us know! 🙂
Kim Anderson says
Awesome Eileen. I’ll have to check it out.
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
Great tips! I leave our pool bag packed year round to help keep organized and ready to head out at a moment’s notice. #typeaparent
Kim Anderson says
Thanks so much for commenting! Glad you enjoyed the post!