Packing a Successful Park Bag: A Guide

Nothing is worse than getting to the playground or park, and then realizing you need something and you don't have it. It is much easier to pack a bag with general items to be kept 'ready to go' at all times. I'll bring my already packed bag with me to the park, and restock the items I used when I get home - that way it's always ready the next time I need it!
Here are some essentials for a successful park trip:

• Bag/Backpack: Preferably an old one you don't mind getting dirty
  
• First Aid Supplies: Assorted sized band-aids (come in handy more than almost anything else), Neosporin + Pain Relief, Alcohol Wipes, and Q-Tips
• Sun Screen: I like the spray on kind, as well as the "chap-stick" tube kind for the face
• Bug Spray: Not as important in the spring, but almost always necessary in the summer - dryer sheets also work very well to keep the mosquitoes away
  
• Hand Sanitizer: self-explanatory. I almost buy this stuff by the bucket - the kids never fail to pick up something gross
• Tissue: Summer colds are the pits
  
• Wet-Wipes: Wet paper towels packed in a zip-lock bag just before you go work well too - double function as napkin and cleaning cloth
  
• Sun Glasses/Hats: Important for both of us - I like to keep spares around. Handkerchiefs save of space and work great in replace of a hat - especially for little girls with crazy hair
  
• Plastic Trash Bags: Some parks don't always have trash cans - you can make your own! Also good for wet clothes
  
• Change of Clothes: Light jacket, pants, underwear, and socks
• Snacks: I prefer single packaged, harder to break food like fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, or harder chips and juice boxes/pouches
  
• My Stuff: A good book, cell phone/pda, bottle of water, an old pair of iPod ear buds, and travel size deodorant (very handy!)
  
• Money: Not much, just some emergency cash or a couple dollars worth of quarters

Some parks may require different items:

• If the park has a water feature then water shoes, towels, and water-resistant hat may come in handy.
• Parks with sand boxes or a lake - sand toys with your name in permanent marker, and a bucket
• A picnic blanket stored in the car is quite convenient