The Sunny Holiday Packing Guide Every Parent Needs

Summer trips with kids are everything: ice cream drips down chins, sandy feet track through hotel lobbies, and someone always needs a change of clothes at the least convenient moment. Whether you're heading to the beach, the pool, or a sun-drenched city, packing smart makes the difference between a relaxed family holiday and a frantic search for a pharmacy at 9 p.m.

We've put together the ultimate guide to what to pack for kids on a sunny vacation — covering clothing, swimwear, sun protection gear, and all the little extras that make a big difference. Think of it as your vacation-ready checklist, edited by people who genuinely love dressing kids for summer.

Start With the Right Swimwear

If there's one thing that can derail a beach day, it's a swimsuit that doesn't dry, doesn't fit, or isn't built for real kid activity. Before you roll up the first towel, make sure you've got this sorted.

For girls, a well-cut one-piece is a holiday staple — easy to put on, no awkward wardrobe malfunctions mid-splash. Our Girl One-Piece Bathing Suits are made from REPREVE® recycled polyester with UPF 50+ sun protection, so they're working double duty while your little one builds sandcastles. If she prefers a two-piece look, our Girl Swim Bottoms offer mix-and-match options in quick-dry fabrics.

For boys, nothing beats a great pair of boardshorts — graphic prints, quick-drying fabric, elastic waist. Our Boy Boardshorts come in patterns designed to survive everything from ocean waves to waterpark slides.

How many swimsuits to pack?

• For a one-week trip: 2 to 3 per child minimum
• Wet suits don't dry overnight in humid climates
• A dry backup means no morning negotiation

The Everyday Holiday Wardrobe: Keep It Light, Keep It Fun

Swimwear covers pool time, but kids need real outfits for the rest of the day — meals out, exploring, evening walks along the harbour. The key is breathable, easy-to-wash pieces that still look put-together.

For Girls

Lightweight dresses and coordinated sets are the easiest wins. They're one decision for the whole outfit, which matters when you're managing sunscreen, bags, and a child who just found a lizard.

Our Girl Sets offer printed tunics, tank tops paired with shorts, and playful mix-and-match options that travel well without wrinkling badly. Pack 4 to 5 outfits for a week-long trip, factoring in the inevitable ice cream incident.

Girl packing essentials:

• 2–3 lightweight dresses or sets
• 1–2 pairs of shorts or skirts
• 3–4 breathable tops
• 1 light cardigan or long-sleeve layer for air-conditioned restaurants

For Boys

Boys need pieces that go from beach to restaurant without looking like they just escaped a pool filter. Printed tees, pull-on shorts, and a clean polo for nicer evenings cover most situations. Browse the Boy collection to build the full lineup, and check Boy Accessories for caps and hats — a must-pack item that parents consistently forget until day two.

Boy packing essentials:

• 3–4 graphic or solid tees
• 2–3 pairs of shorts (separate from boardshorts)
• 1 button-down or polo for evenings out
• 1 hat or cap

Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable Layer

Children's skin is significantly more sensitive to UV exposure than adult skin. According to dermatology.ca, UV-rated clothing is one of the most reliable forms of sun protection — more consistent than sunscreen alone, because it doesn't wash off or wear thin.

This is where your swimwear and clothing choices matter beyond aesthetics. Look for:

• UPF 50+ rated swimwear — blocks over 98% of UV rays
• Wide-brim hats — protects face, ears, and neck
• Light long-sleeve layers for midday beach time or boat trips
• Rashguards — ideal for kids who spend long stretches in and out of the water

Our swimwear is built with UPF 50+ protection as standard, using REPREVE® recycled fabric that holds its protective quality wash after wash.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Sun hats and caps are the most forgotten holiday item — and the most missed once you're standing in full sun at 1 p.m. Pack at least one per child.

Browse our Girl Accessories for printed caps, headbands, and beach-ready extras. For boys, the Boy Accessories collection has structured caps and hats that actually stay on active heads.

A Complete Packing Checklist by Category

Here's a breakdown to work through before you zip the suitcase:

 

Pack Less, Choose Better

The real secret to a well-packed family suitcase isn't bringing more — it's bringing pieces that work harder. Swimwear that doubles as a sun shield. Sets that mix and match without effort. Accessories that protect as much as they style.

Our Vacation Ahead ☀️ collection brings together everything you need to pack with purpose — designed in Canada, built for real kids on real holidays.

When the suitcase is sorted, all that's left is to show up, let them run, and watch how quickly they find the water.