Over time we have started to learn the value of packing lists to make sure we don’t forget anything. It started after a trip where we had to purchase camping chairs for the 3rd time, from the same store. We have started leveraging the Google Keep app, which makes it easy to have a checklist and share it with each other to check things off. This also allows us to copy and reuse lists to build them out for other trips. So, here is our recent indoor waterpark packing list.
Some of these items were more important for us this time around because we were staying in a condo and needed to feed and entertain a 22-month-old in the condo between all the fun. We’ve also started to bring a storage tub where we keep common things we take with us and just add specifics for the trip. The tub is easy to put in the car and pack around but also allows for smaller/loose items to be packed easily. On each trip, we learn new things that would be useful and them to the list to make sure we don’t forget next time.
**I don’t include basics that you won’t leave for a trip without, like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
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- Toddler Items
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Medicine (Ibuprofen or any current prescriptions)
- Bath soap
- Bath toys
- Bath thermometer
- Baby grass
- Wash basin
- Bottle soap
- Bottle brush
- Toys
- What we’ve found works well are packing things like balloons or other toys that aren’t bulky and don’t make a mess.
- Water coloring books have been great for travel and restaurants
- Blanket
- We always pack a larger blanket to lay down on the floor for changing. Some of the condos we’ve stayed at had all hard wood and this is helpful.
- Baby Monitor Camera
- When we travel I always pack a Wyze cam. These are quick to set-up to a wifi connection and then can be accessed from your phone or iPad as a monitor. See my additional review of the camera that explains more on how we use this.
- Camera Mount
- Baby monitor
- Sometimes the wifi isn’t strong enough, so we pack a basic sound monitor just in case.
- iPad mini
- Two purposes for this, one for the baby monitor paired up with the Wyze cam, the other for games when we’re at restaurants if needed. I usually pick these up renewed to save money.
- Clothes
- I know, something you think you wouldn’t forget, but when there are two of you packing it helps check the box.
- Baby bath towel
- Comb
- Lotions
- This was essential when playing around in the pool all day. Before bed we would make sure to apply the lotion to make sure he’s not drying out.
- Nail file
- You never know when you’re going to need to fix a nail, especially if they get it caught on something while barefoot.
- Stroller/Wagon
- We only brought a umbrella stroller which got the job done and I wouldn’t do this trip without it. We did see several families with wagons, which also own the Wonderfold and it’s great. I’d say with one toddler the stroller was fine, if more than 1 child, the wagon would be ideal. I’ll update with the Wonderfold review when it’s ready.
- Pack n play
- Not all hotels offer cribs, ours did for this trip. Be sure to call ahead and check, otherwise a pack n play will be needed. We also found a nice mattress for the pack and play that folds up and travels well, we would highly suggest.
- High chair
- Some hotels will also have a highchair, so ask when you call about the crib. We do always pack our hook on chair which has been great at restaurants and within the rooms at hotels/condos. We always get asked about this chair when we’re out and using it. The most clutch time having this chair has been at a restaurant with all high top tables. I will post a link here for a review of the chair.
- High chair tray
- Baby bibs
- These have been great, easy to clean and dry fast. You can even just use wipes when out at a restaurant and keep one in the diaper bag.
- Baby utensils
- Baby books
- Our little guy loves to read, so we always pack some of his recent favorites.
- Wash clothes
- Hatch
- This is critical when staying at a hotel/condo. Blocks out all the noise you’re not used to at home, or if you always use one at home keeps the familiarity for sleeping for the little ones. I will post a full review of the product and post a link here.
- Cups
- We always bring a few, and don’t forget ones with lids for traveling.
- Shoes
- A basic thing, but you may need different pairs based on the activities you’re doing.
- Aquafor
- You never know what kind of skin issue may pop up.
- Swim diapers
- Definitely need these for the waterpark, and don’t go with too few.
- Teddy (a stuffed animal)
- Our little guy always sleep with a stuffed animal. Forgetting one would be devastating. This keeps the bed time routine familiar and has helped us avoid any meltdowns sleeping in a new place.
- Baby blanket
- Obviously this came as our little guy got a little older, but he has one blanket he brings to bed. Same as the Teddy, famiiliarity.
- Swim Vest
- They had a few life preservers at the park, but this clip on was great. He didn’t even notice he had it on while playing and it let him float around. Here’s a link to our full review of the product.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Sweatshirts
- It was an indoor waterpark, so we made sure to have a few sweatshirts for the walk in between pools or the room.
- Water shoes
- These were a nice to have vs. shoes and socks for the pools. The native brand have really been the best quality of the ones we’ve tried.
- Snack containers
- These have come in handy just for basic snacks on the go, but we’ve also had to do peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in these in the car. It keeps him cleaner and less spilling.
- Household
- Laundry detergent
- Depending on how long you stay, but also you’re traveling with a toddler. Who knows when you may run into a situation where laundry is needed. We found these great individual packets that are easy to throw a few in the suitcase. These are also good for baby clothes as they are natural/plant based.
- Cooler
- We had groceries delivered before we left so that we could have things in the room for breakfast, so the cooler was needed for transporting. However, I’d highly suggest a cooler bag as well to put a few cold packs in and take drinks (adult beverages included) to the pool.
- Blankets
- When you’re sitting around the room it’s nice to have a few blankets. Most hotels or condos we’ve stayed at don’t have blankets…or you don’t trust how often they get cleaned.
- Paper towel
- The last one we stayed at didn’t even have one roll, but even if they do it’s nice to have back-up.
- Toilet paper
- Sometimes you’re left with only 1 roll if it’s a rented condo. If it’s a hotel this isn’t as much of a worry.
- Bottle opener
- We’ve got a horror story here of no bottle opener and an ER visit for stitches. Long story, just pack an opener if you’re planning to have bottles.
- Zip lock bags
- This has come in handy for us so many times with left over food or open items that need to be packed to come home.
- Garbage bags
- Similar to the toilet paper, you may not always have as many bags as you need. In some cases we’ve had really small garbages, so having the larger kitchen bags has helped.
- Clorox wipes
- The counters/table can get dirty with a toddler eating at them. Always a nice to have.
- Ice packs
- A dry way to keep things cool in the cooler bag. Sometimes when we pack lunch to go these are great to have as well.
- Coffee travel mugs
- These have come in handle for taking coffee on the go, or for taking adult beverages for walks through the hallways. Your choice.
- Sponge
- When you’re doing dishes in a condo/hotel you’re going to need one. When they’ve had one in the room it’s usually been used and who knows for what.
- Coffee maker
- Not always required, but something we’ve started to do. With a toddler it’s not easy to get our for coffee and saves a few dollars. A few condos we’ve stayed at the coffee maker was filthy, so we found a small travel one that has worked well.
- Coffee filters
- Hand soap
- The kitchens in most of the rentals lack hand soap.
- Dish soap
- Sometimes there is some in a condo rental, or enough for one round of dishes.
- Laundry detergent
- Entertainment/Tech
- Dice games or board games
- iPad
- This is the full size iPad, which we use for in car entertainment on roadtrips. Most of the streaming apps that you subscribe to allow for downloading content. Do this before you leave, that way you’ve got entertainment without the wifi connection.
- Here’s a great headrest mount that we found for watching the iPad in the car.
- Batteries
- Not your standard batteries, but battery packs. Sometimes there aren’t enough outlets by a bed and you need to charge your phone, or in the car to keep the electronics charged. Here’s a review for my recent battery pack purchase.
- Fire stick
- Or this could be your preferred streaming device. Unless you want to watch some old DVDs or re-runs, this provides entertainment in the room. With a toddler that goes to bed a 7, this let’s us watch movies or our normal shows.
- Phone chargers
- Koozies
- Echo Show
- This was a new add to our list. Our little guy is starting to get a playlist going of songs he likes and this allows us to have music in the room as well. Another benefit is that this can play some videos on Youtube or other services in desperate moments.
- Other
- Extra car key
- You don’t want to be far from home and lose your primary key. We’ve also added a Tile to our primary key to try to avoid that situation ever happening anyways.
- Beach towels
- We found these great lightweight quick dry towels for a beach trip and they pack easily vs. larger towels. They do really dry well.
- Sun screen
- Not something you’d think about for an indoor waterpark but the one we went to had a full glass ceiling over one of the pools so that people could tan all year round.
- Pool bag
- I read some advice to get a smaller bag taht you can fit into a locker if you need to. This was true, and it was plenty to take what we needed to the pool and also fit in the back of a stroller.
- Swim suits
- Waterproof phone holder
- Extra car key
- Food
- Now this is all based on preference, but this is a suggested list of what we brought so that we had breakfast in the room and lunch supplies for the toddler so he didn’t have to eat out more than once per day. We had thes delivered the morning we left, which was very convienent.
- Milk
- Mac and cheese
- Veggie straws/Pirates booty
- Beer (this is a vacation, isn’t it?)
- Basic spices to make an omlette
- Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- Butter (for mac and cheese)
- Shredded cheddar cheese for omlettes
- Frozen Pancakes
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Cream cheese
- Bagels
- Wheat thins
- Cheese spread
- Apple sauce pouches
- Bananas
- Coffee
- Coffee creamer
- Now this is all based on preference, but this is a suggested list of what we brought so that we had breakfast in the room and lunch supplies for the toddler so he didn’t have to eat out more than once per day. We had thes delivered the morning we left, which was very convienent.
