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Spring & Summer Kids Gear for Forest School, Summer Camp, and Long Outdoor Adventures

If your kids spend most of spring and summer outside, muddy, climbing, hiking, creek stomping, biking, or heading off to forest school or camp, you know the right gear makes a huge difference.


We’ve tested a lot over the years while traveling full-time and spending the majority of our days outdoors, and these are the pieces we reach for again and again. Our daughter also attends a nature school that is 100% outdoors, so we’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what actually works to keep her safe and comfortable all day in the elements.

The goal is simple: comfortable kids who can stay outside longer.


Generally speaking, we’re talking about bigger adventures here: all-day outdoor time, camping, hikes, and nature school. Most of the time, kids don’t need special gear. A T-shirt and Crocs work just fine for everyday adventures close to home. But we’ve found that having solid gear for nature school is essential, and a lot of it carries over into the bigger all-day activities we spend our summers doing.


I truly hope this guide is helpful, and I’d love to hear what’s worked well for your family too!



What You’ll Find in This Guide



Our Go-To Outdoor Kids Clothing


RAIN Gear That Actually Holds Up


Child in purple rain gear near a creek
This purple set is just SO CUTE, but also super functional for wet, rainy days.

For spring weather, wet mornings, muddy trails, and unpredictable mountain storms, waterproof layers are non-negotiable.


We love the Reima waterproof pants and jacket sets because they’re lightweight, durable, and easy for kids to move in. They keep kids dry without feeling stiff or bulky, which matters when they’re spending entire days outside (Plus they are super cute)


When our daughter was smaller, we used a full LLBean rainsuit, but once she got older and fully potty trained, we found the separate pants and jacket combo much easier for independent bathroom breaks.


They no longer make the toddler rainsuit we used to have but here are a few that look pretty close:



Child splashing in muddy puddles, yellow rain boots
Barefoot Rain boots for kids DO exist!

For boots, we are obsessed with Wildling’s RainDae boots. They’re like traditional rain boots but barefoot-style, so they flex and move with your child instead of restricting their feet. We’ve found they help support balance, natural movement, and honestly just make rainy adventures way more fun.




Merino Wool Layers We Use Constantly


Child running through a labyrinth
We have this set in 3 different colors


Merino wool isn’t just for winter. It’s one of our favorite fabrics for summer adventures because it regulates temperature so well, dries quickly, and doesn’t hold onto smells after long outdoor days.


The Iksplor shorts and tank tops are staples for us during:


  • Forest school

  • Hiking days

  • Summer travel

  • Camp

  • Multi-day adventures


They’re soft enough for sensitive kids and hold up incredibly well. We’ll often layer them under rain gear on cooler wet days, and they work perfectly without overheating.


I also use the shorts underneath dresses on casual, less adventurous days. It’s nice having shorts underneath instead of just underwear, as all girl moms know, little adventurers tend to accidentally flash everyone eventually.



Merino Socks + Underwear


man and children hiking sand dunes with sand boards
Sand Boarding!

Good socks matter more than people think, especially for kids constantly in motion.

We pack:



Merino is especially nice during summer because it helps prevent sweaty, uncomfortable feet and dries quickly after creek crossings or water play.



I’m definitely a natural fiber mom, and if I could dress my kids exclusively in organic natural fibers I probably would. But realistically, it’s not always possible. I do prioritize organic natural fiber underwear at the very least since it’s the material touching their most sensitive areas all day.


Sun Protection We Actually Trust


Sun Shirts


Child playing in muddy creek
Whatever parenting style this is....

Our kid practically lives in Milk x Whiskey sun shirts all summer long. They’re lightweight, breathable, and help us avoid constantly reapplying sunscreen.

We also love:




For long lake days, beach days, hikes, and camp afternoons, UPF clothing is one of the easiest ways to keep kids protected.


I also try to find sun shirts made from natural fibers whenever possible instead of polyester-heavy options. After reading more about synthetic fabrics shedding and potential toxin exposure when heated and sweaty, it’s something I’ve become more mindful about.


Sun Hats


father and child looking at a tadpole
Critter Finding

Wide-brim sun hats are always packed. Bonus points if they:


  • Stay on during windy hikes

  • Dry quickly

  • Cover the neck

  • Survive being shoved into backpacks


Three sun hat brands we love for little kids:



Sunglasses for Littles


Kids sunglasses disappear constantly (we like having a chums protector on there), but having a lightweight pair they’ll actually wear is worth it. We look for flexible frames and polarized lenses whenever possible.


Three great kids sunglasses brands:



The Cleanest Sunscreen We’ve Found



After testing a lot of “clean” sunscreens, we keep coming back to Badger Balm sunscreen.


It’s mineral-based, simple, reef-friendly, and one of the few options we feel good using constantly during summer.



Shoes That Let Kids Move Naturally


Barefoot Shoes


MOther and daughter hiking

We’ve become huge fans of barefoot-style shoes for kids, especially during long travel days and outdoor adventures.


Wildling shoes are our favorite for everyday exploring because they’re:



  • Extremely lightweight

  • Flexible

  • Pack down small

  • Comfortable for long days


collection of childs barefoot shoes
Well loved Wildling Shoes!

Other barefoot shoe brands we love:



Barefoot Water Shoes


family playing in a desert oasis waterfall

For rivers, lakes, tide pools, and creek crossings, barefoot-style water shoes are one of our most-used summer items.


They protect little feet without feeling bulky or restrictive.


Three great options:


  • Saguaro barefoot water shoes (looks like they sold out of the kind we have :/)

  • Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom

  • Aleader Kids Water Shoes


Hydration Setup for Outdoor Kids


Hydration Backpacks


Child climbing rocks in shenandoah

Giving kids their own hydration backpack changes everything on hikes. They drink more water, complain less, and love the independence.

We keep them lightweight and only pack:


  • Water

  • Snacks

  • A layer

  • Tiny treasures they inevitably collect


The one we personally use and love is the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. It’s lightweight, durable, and actually fits younger kids comfortably.



Extra Water Bottles


In summer, we always pack more water than we think we’ll need — especially for camp days, road trips, and hot-weather hikes.


We mostly use Hydro Flask and YETI because they survive getting absolutely destroyed by kids and still keep water cold all day.



Lunch Packing for Long Outdoor Days


Lightweight Bento Lunchboxes


Childs bento box lunch
We don't go anywhere without a bento box

Bento-style lunch containers make outdoor lunches so much easier.

We look for:


  • Lightweight designs

  • Leak resistance

  • Easy-to-open lids

  • Enough compartments for variety


Kids are way more likely to actually eat their lunch when everything is easy to access.

A few lunchbox options we like:


  • PlanetBox

  • Bentgo Kids

  • LunchBots stainless steel containers


Hydrating Foods We Always Pack



Especially in summer heat, hydration isn’t just about water.

Our favorite lunchbox additions:



  • Watermelon

  • Cucumbers

  • Strawberries

  • Oranges

  • Applesauce pouches

  • Coconut water

  • Frozen yogurt tubes


These make a huge difference on long outdoor days.



Full-Coverage Swimwear


Child and dad at the beach
The more coverage, the less sunscreen battles

For lake days, beach trips, river hangs, and camp, we strongly prefer full-body or long-sleeve bathing suits for kids.


Less sunscreen battles. More time outside.


And honestly, they’re usually way more comfortable for kids after hours in the sun.

Three brands we love:


  • Honeysuckle Swim Company

  • Reima swimwear

  • Snapper Rock


Final Thoughts


Child tending a campfire
Merino Layers for Camping

The best outdoor gear for kids isn’t necessarily the trendiest, it’s the gear that keeps them comfortable enough to stay outside longer.


For us, that means:


  • Layers that dry quickly

  • Shoes that allow natural movement

  • Sun protection that’s simple

  • Lightweight gear kids can manage themselves

  • Durable pieces that survive real adventures


These are the pieces we keep repacking season after season because they genuinely make outdoor life easier.


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