Family Vacation Packing List (20 Things to Bring in 2023)

Traveling with a family can be a challenge, and I’ve been on plenty of family vacations where we forgot at least one important item! I’m a Colorado mom of four, and after years of traveling with family, I’m here to help you with your family vacation packing list. 

As you’re planning your family travel packing list, take a deep breath. It’s okay if you forget something! You can adapt to most travel mishaps (see my family travel tips for advice on that).

But I’m here to help you avoid that with this ultimate family packing list:

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Family Vacation Packing Checklist

Kids’ Backpack 

One of the key rules to traveling with kids is to have them handle as much of their own stuff as they can! The Osprey Daylite Kids’ Backpack lets them bring toys for the plane, snacks and water on a hike, or other necessary items for a day of exploring.    

The pack is made here in Colorado with recycled materials and is great for kids 4-12 years old.

Tripod & Remote 

It can be hard to get the entire family in a picture together – especially a picture that actually shows where you are! The GEEKOTO 77’’ Tripod is a lightweight solution to preserve the memories you make. Pair it with a cell phone mount and Bluetooth remote.

Packing Cubes

When packing for a family, packing cubes can help you keep each person’s clothing separate in one suitcase. You could also use them to keep similar items – like underwear or socks – all in one spot in your luggage to find easily.  

Sun Hat

When you’re looking for a kids’ sun hat, you want a few things. You want a nice, wide brim that covers as much area as possible. You also want a chin strap to keep it on their little heads. This packable Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat takes up very little space in your luggage and has all that plus SPF 50+ sun protection.

Kids Bluetooth Headphones

The batteries in these iClever BTH12 Kids Bluetooth Headphones last for 55 hours. They also recharge quickly, making them a great option for long trips. You can also set volume controls and lock them to protect kids’ hearing. 

Fast-Drying Towel

It’s always a good idea to have a towel on-hand when traveling with kids! Whether you need to wipe up after a spilled drink, or want to be ready if you find a stream to explore, this Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a must-have. 

Water Bottle

We’ve tried a variety of water bottles over the years, and Nalgene 32-oz Narrow Mouth Water Bottles are my favorite for kids. They’re sturdy and don’t leak. You can see exactly how much water is in them. And they’re inexpensive, so if they get left behind somewhere, you won’t sweat replacing them.

Sunscreen Stick

I find sunscreen sticks to be so much easier to apply to wiggly little faces than liquid sunscreen, which easily gets in their eyes. We use the Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick on faces and a spray or liquid sunscreen for arms and legs. 

First Aid Kit

Toss a First Aid Kit into your daypack when you head out with your family. You’ll be able to bandage the inevitable cuts and bumps kids get while running around. Just be aware, you may need to pack separate children’s medications since the dosages in First Aid kits are for adults.

Solar Power Bank

When you’re traveling with family, having a fully-powered cell phone is important! You can charge up to four devices at once with this portable charger, making it a great option to power up family phones! 

Travel Insurance

Even if you didn’t use travel insurance before kids, you may want to look into getting it now! For one thing, more people traveling means the odds are greater you may need to cancel a trip due to illness or other emergencies. Also, as a parent, having insurance gives you extra peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family!

Other Family Vacation Essentials to Pack

• Diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• TSA-approved toiletries kit
• Travel-size hand sanitizer
• Small thermometer
• Sunscreen
• Tablet
• Charging cords for phones, tablets, and other devices
• Passports, driver’s licenses, and/or valid IDs
• Insurance card
• Sippy cups or bottles
• Car seats
• Backpack, stroller, and/or baby carrier
• Hairbrush and ties
• Children’s medications – Tylenol, Motrin, allergy meds – and medical items
• Snacks
• Ziploc bags (for measuring out snacks, corralling small toys, keeping personal items organized, etc)
• Comfort item (stuffed animal, special blanket)
• Travel games, crayons, coloring books
• Pacifiers
• Retainers
• Electric toothbrush
• Swim diapers
• Swim goggles
• Lip balm
• Aloe vera gel
• Bug spray
• Outlet adapters (if traveling overseas)

For more packing inspiration, consult our full list of trip essentials to pack.

Clothing to Pack for Warm Weather Family Vacations

When it comes to a family travel packing list for warm weather destinations, one of the big things to think about is sun protection. Definitely add sun hats for the entire family to your packing list. 

Also, consider long-sleeved swim shirts for everyone, and look for sun-protective clothing. If you buy clothing and sandals that are higher-quality, they’ll hold up longer and you can pass them down to younger siblings. 

So what clothing should be on your warm weather packing list? Here is a quick checklist for warm weather destinations:

• 1 pair of sturdy water sandals
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 long-sleeved swim shirt
• 1 pair of sneakers or walking shoes
• 2-3 pairs of shorts (more if you don’t have access to laundry)
• 4-5 t-shirts
• 5-6 onesies (for babies)
• 1-2 sundresses
• 1 waterproof, lightweight jacket
• 1-2 sweatshirts
• 5+ pair underwear, depending on duration
• 5 pairs socks
• 1 beach towel
• 2 pairs long pants
• 2-3 pairs lightweight pajamas 

For the most part, the above packing list works for both kids and parents! Here are a few of my top picks for warm weather clothing for kids and adults.

Rain Jacket

I have a Columbia women’s rain jacket which has kept me dry through several torrential downpours! I like that the hood cinches and the sleeves have velcro cuffs to tighten them and keep even more water out.  

Water Sandals

Sturdy water shoes like Keens and Tevas are a must on our summer vacations! The kids wear them in the water, and they protect against rocks and sticks along the shore. 

They also wash well and can be worn out to dinner as easily as they can on a hike. It’s worth it to splurge on good sandals, especially if you have more than one kid, because they’ll hold up as you pass them down. 

Baby Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt

This Patagonia Baby Long-Sleeve Shirt works for hiking or splashing in the water. It also provides sun protection for vulnerable babies. It comes in several fun colors and patterns, and the smooth fabric won’t irritate their skin.

✈️ Read Next: Tips for Flying with a Baby

Kids Convertible Cargo Pants

If you’re hiking, or planning days where you leave your room for a day of exploring, these CQR Kids Convertible Cargo Pants will change with the weather! Keep them long early in the day when it’s cooler outside, then unzip the legs to turn them into shorts as the day heats up. 

Hiking Shorts

I love these Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Shorts for hiking, and pretty much any outdoor activities. The zippered pockets are great for storing keys and other things you don’t want to lose. The adjustable belt means you can get them fitting just right. The material moves easily while you chase kids and dries quickly if you get wet. 

Clothing to Pack for Winter Family Vacations

If you’re traveling with kids to cold weather destinations, you want clothing that keeps everyone warm but doesn’t take up too much room. You can cut down by having everyone wear their jackets and boots on the plane. 

Also, look for thin, moisture-wicking wool layers – merino wool is great! Kids usually outgrow winter clothing quickly, so check thrift stores and eBay for lower prices on quality gear. 

So what clothing should be on a cold weather vacation packing list? Here is a quick checklist:

• Wool hat
• 2 pairs gloves or mittens – one waterproof, one knit
• 1-2 pairs of base layers, tops and bottoms (long johns)
• 2-3 sweaters or fleece sweatshirts
• Snow pants
• Scarf or neck warmer (optional)
• 1-2 pairs wool socks for extreme cold (hiking, skiing, sledding)
• 2-3 pairs athletic socks
• Snow boots or waterproof, warm shoes with good tread
• Winter jacket
• Rain jacket, depending on location
• Winter pajamas or sleep sacks

Base Layer

The bands around the wrists and ankles of this North Face Waffle Base Layer Set help prevent snow from sliding in. Also, the fabric isn’t irritating to sensitive skin. 

Wool Socks

Smartwool Full Cushion Socks go over the calf for more protection from the snow. Extra padding prevents blisters, makes them comfy, and adds extra warmth. Ski socks also tend to get lost less frequently than regular kid socks!

Snow Pants 

I like snow pants better than overalls or snowsuits because they’re easier to take off for a bathroom break! These pants are a great price and have an adjustable waistband. The elastic around the ankles keeps snow out, and the pockets all have zipper closures to prevent stuff from falling out into the snow.

Fleece Sweatshirt

Our fleece sweatshirts get worn year-round, so they’re definitely worth the money! This classic Columbia fleece doesn’t pill as easily as cheaper versions, has a nice, thick fleece, and comes in a variety of fun colors. 

Family Vacation Packing Tips

Save Space

Avoid overpacking! If you have laundry machines where you’re traveling, you can get away with just a few changes of clothing. See if you can buy diapers and other consumables when you get to your destination. 

Consider wearing bulkier items like jackets and shoes onto the plane. Also, consider clothes and shoes that do double-duty, like convertible pants. If you fit everything in a carry on, you can also bypass baggage claim and get kids out of the airport faster. 

👉 Read Next: 51 Best Family Vacation Ideas

Check and Pack for The Weather

You may discover that your spring break destination is having a cold snap. Here in Colorado, even the middle of winter can be quite warm. Check the temperature and weather for your trip and plan accordingly!

👉 Read Next: Weekend Trip Packing List

Have Kids Help

As soon as kids can follow a basic list, make them a packing list and have them pack! You can double-check when they finish, but this takes some pressure off of you. It also helps when you get to your destination, because kids know exactly where all their items are in their own bag and can find them themselves. 

👉 Read Next: Road Trip with Kids Guide

Pack Ahead of Time

Give yourself plenty of time to figure out what you’re bringing and if you need to make a shopping run! Packing ahead of time also ensures you have enough luggage and that you know where you’re putting everything. 

✈️ Read Next: 30 Cheap Family Vacations to Take

FAQs on a Family Vacation Packing List

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I hope this family vacation packing list is a useful tool as you plan your trips! Family travel can be challenging, and it takes some hard work to organize, but it is definitely worth it.