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32 Parenting Products From Walmart That’ll Help Ease Some Of The Summer Chaos

School’s out, camp’s in, and the kids have more energy than ever. Here’s everything you need to handle the most draining months of the year.

Posted 7 hours ago

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by John Mihaly BuzzFeed Contributor

I'm the father of two small humans and one very small canine and the former SEO Strategy Manager & Editor for the BuzzFeed Shopping Team.

1. A pack of 80 DEET-free mosquito repellent patches for kids and adults, infused with peppermint and citronella oil, for 24-hour protection and to cut down on all that scratching. Stick one on, and those bugs will bug right off.

Walmart

Price: $9.96

2. A two-pack of car sunshades to block all of those harmful UVA and UVB rays from burning up or blinding your most precious cargo. 

Walmart

Promising review: "These work great on my windows in my car. I noticed my car is so much cooler with these on my windows. There is a label on there that let you know when it is really hot out. They scroll up very easily and stick to the window well. They are easy to install and cover the majority of my windows." —Patrina

Price: $14.54

3. A set of five reusable ice packs so food and drinks can chill all day (in a properly insulated bag) in high-rising temps, because no one wants to drink a lukewarm Capri Sun.

Walmart

Promising review: "Purchased two of these for school lunches, and they work great. They keep everything fresh and are so compact that they don't take up much room. And they were CHEAP! Very happy with this purchase." —Randall

Price: $5+ for a five-pack (also available in blue)

4. An inflatable bounce house, because not a good-weather day goes by when my kids don't ask me, "Can we play in the bounce house?" They get their zoomies out, they're outside, and sometimes they even just chill out there with an ice pop. This is as solid an investment as you can make!

Walmart

This bounce house is suitable for kids ages 3–12 and can accommodate up to two children with an individual weight limit of 100 pounds.

Promising review: "I bought this for my son's birthday party, and he and his friends had such a great time. The bounce house works both inside and outside and provides plenty of entertainment for the kids (and a worn-out child for the parents afterward). Highly recommended." —Carl

Price: $109.99+ (originally $179; available in two designs and with or without a blower)

5. A 107-piece pack of rainbow scratch paper to scratch that creative itch (and occupy the kids' time) while keeping the front of the refrigerator well stocked with the kiddos' latest artistic endeavors.

Walmart

Promising review: "There are so many sheets and drawing tools. Some cutouts come with ribbons to make hanging ornaments, and cute stencils that you will need to use with toothpicks because they are very small. There are a lot of materials, and it's well worth the purchase. Just be sure and do the scratch art on a table with a durable covering, not because of damage, but because of all the black flecks and shavings. They don't sweep up well and stick to hands and pretty much everything. Aside from this, anything made with these sheets looks extra cute and colorful." —Mariface

Price: $12.99 (originally $19.99)

6. A portable clothesline with 20 clothespins, because nothing dries swim trunks and beach towels quite like the center of our solar system. Plus, there's nothing worse than that not-quite-dry swimsuit smell in the car ride home. 

Walmart

Promising review: "Great! I installed the awning supports so the towels would be protected from rain. It was so easy to set up and put away! I loved the bag that holds everything for storage; it's very cute and goes great with our camping motif! I also loved the orange color... This way, everyone could see it and avoid 'clotheslining' themselves! Super product!" —lars

Price: $9.99

7. A leak-resistant, easy-to-clean, nine-can-capacity Igloo tote cooler bag that'll fit drinks, snacks, and flat-packed meals and keep them nice and chill for picnics and park time.

Walmart

Promising review: "The size and versatility of this lunchbox are great. I eat a variety of vegetables and fruits throughout the day, and there is ample room for them. I can also include a container with an entree and a slim ice pack or two!" —Diana

Price: $9.97 (also available in a two-pack)

8. A 15-inch Skylight touchscreen family calendar to keep everyone's important dates in one centralized place. There's also a "chores" chart that can keep track of what needs to be done and who needs to do it (we call that an argument-ender). Also, it's wall-mountable.

Walmart

Juggling a schedule as a parent is peak-level admin work. You've got a calendar on your phone, your work calendar, and maybe one from Google, too. But they all never seem to be the same. And that doesn't even account for the calendars of others in your home. When is that doctor's appointment? Is "dress like a watermelon" day this week or next week? Or the ever-dreaded, "Is this Wednesday an early-dismissal day?

Skylight, though pricey, has been a miracle of sorts in my home. When we wake up in the morning, it turns on, and we get to take a quick and easy look at the shared week ahead. And when it's not on, you get to enjoy an easily uploadable photo gallery. 

You can link up all those calendars you're using, and when you make a change there, it will be reflected in Sklylight for everyone to see. So no more forgetting about so-and-so's birthday party, ever again! 

Price: $299.99 (originally $319.99)

9. A 1.5-gallon wet/dry vacuum with a 10-foot cleaning reach, because nothing says wet/dry during the summer like sand brought home from the beach or puddles left from swimsuits tossed on the floor. 

Walmart

Promising review: "Totally impressed with my mini vac! This vacuum is as powerful as our mid-size vac in picking up everything that's on our floor. Tested with powder stuff spilled in the kitchen, and it picked up quickly, no problem. So cute — more importantly, so easy to store and carry around the house because it is so tiny and lightweight." —CABudgetMom

Price: $32.28

10. A twin-pack of tear- and sting-free clear SPF 50 Banana Boat Kids Sport sunscreen spray that's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Easy to apply and quick-absorbing, too!

Walmart

Promising review: "I love this sunscreen. It's great, and my kids love it. It's quick and easy. At the last minute, you realized you forgot to put sunscreen on, so you just sprayed it quickly. Kids can rub it in while giggling at the spray. Anywhere, anytime. I will definitely be buying more when mine gets low." —Breanna

Price: $13.97

11. A pair of Crocs Baya Clogs because they're easy to slip on, easier to clean, and protect little toes better than flip-flops, especially when running on hot sand or slippery concrete around the pool.

Walmart

Promising review: "My 3-year-old loves his Crocs! They seem so comfy, and he is at an independent age where he often puts his shoes on himself. Which is easy to do with this style. I love that you can slip them on with or without socks, and they are easy to clean up. We will definitely buy more colors!" —Walmart customer

Price: $20.99+ (originally $39.99+; available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes and in 20 colors/patterns)

12. A six-pack of reusable water balloons that only requires a bucket of water (or even a sink or tub) to load up. No more being asked to fill up and tie a dozen balloons that'll just end up in tatters on your lawn minutes later.

Walmart

Promising review: "Definitely going to be purchasing more because we have a lot of summer babies in our circle, and we always have water days. Having reusable water balloons will come in handy. I like how they close magnetically, and in my opinion, it's easier to fill up than any other one. Get you a bucket of water, snap them closed under the water, and let the fun begin." —BKsBabiigurl

Price: $12.97

13. A pack of Tide To Go stain remover pens for those times when there's no washing machine in sight. Little clothes will most likely get stained, so you'll be glad you have this on hand for sauce and juice spills.

Walmart

Promising review: "I feel like a superhero with these in my purse. Blood, gotcha. Wine, no prob. My kiddos mysteriously get spots on absolutely any shirt they wear, thank goodness." —Laura

Price: $8.97 for a set of three (also available in multipacks)

14. An adjustable outdoor standing mister to cool things down around the pool or patio on the hottest of days, especially when there's no shade. It's also a great gardening tool for keeping plants from getting fried in the summer sun. 

Walmart

Promising review: "It took me just a few minutes for setup. It started working right away with no problems. Just the right amount of mist for my patio. Perfect for being outside in AZ!" —Eka2456

Price: $33.99 (originally $59.99)

15. A Wet & Forget weekly shower cleaner, because you know the shower doesn't clean itself. (You do know that, right?) No more scrubbing, wiping, or elbow grease needed. Just spritz away on shower fixtures, curtains, glass, tiles, or porcelain, and let it do all that hard work for you during summer break.

Walmart

Promising review: "This is the best and easiest solution I have found to cleaning my shower. Just spray it on when you finish showering, leave it until the next day, and rinse it before you shower. I especially like the way it cleans the residue off the glass doors. It has a light vanilla scent. Perfect." —Susan

Price: $19.99

16. A double-sided Little Tikes soccer trainer to help the kiddos focus on their kicking skills and aim (outside of the home). The bounce-back net makes for easy ball returns to keep those drills coming fast.

Walmart

Price: $22.49 (originally $44.99)

17. A do-it-all travel duffel/weekender bag that features a shoe compartment, a wet pocket, two inner and three front open pockets, and plenty of room inside for all the kids' tchotchkes. It can work great as a carry-on or in the car.

Walmart

Promising review: "It's beautiful and so spacious; I definitely can use it as a weekender!" —Mary

Price: $19.99 (originally $32.99; available in 22 colors)

18. A storage organizer to keep trunk floors free for maximized space (maybe for a stroller or luggage). Velcro strips keep it from rattling around, but you can also use it for backseat storage.

Walmart

Promising review: "Works perfectly for Corolla Cross. Great for holding kids' things, along with groceries, and overall utility! Still have room for bags and other things." —DavidC

Price: $45.88 (originally $50.99) 

19. An eight-count of grape-flavored Dramamine Motion Sickness chewables for kids so you can get through any car trip without the chaos of stopping, scrambling for a plastic bag, and eventually having to clean up puke.

Walmart

Promising review: "My family truly enjoys this product. My kids get motion sickness when driving in the car for long periods. They always do great as long as they have Dramamine before our trip. They love the flavor of these chewables! The little container they come in is great for travel. Highly recommend!" —Kady

Price: $11.44 for an eight-count pack

20. A Paint By Stickerbook of zoo animals that sounds exactly like what it is: fun craft time that's a little sticky (but not nearly as messy as breaking out the paints) and a fun, calm, and time-consuming activity.

Walmart

Promising review: "So fun for my 6-year-old to do! My 3-year-old loved it, too, but needed help placing stickers on it. Great activity!" —Brooke

Price: $5.16 (originally $9.95)

21. A quick-drying, waterproof, sand-proof beach blanket/picnic mat for sitting comfortably with the kids just about anywhere outdoors, and making it an easy-to-find home base. It includes four stakes and a travel bag. Just toss it in the car and go!

Walmart

Promising review: "I went to the beach for a week on vacation, and my daughter took her naps on this mat while on the beach for a few days! It works very well! Easy to clean, store, and open. I think it will work very well at an outside event like watching fireworks or at an outdoor concert!" —Alex

Price: $10.50+ (available in three colors)

22. A collapsible heavy-duty wagon/cart that claims to be able to hold up to 460 pounds (while moving). While not built for the sands of the beach, it can handle just about anywhere else with harder terrain. The cart's fabric is waterproof, wear-resistant, and tear-resistant, so it's built to take a beating wherever you take it. 

Walmart

Promising review: "This was the best item I could have purchased for my last vacation — the one where my husband couldn't join us, and I was worried it would be difficult to haul our things down to the beach. I absolutely loved it! 👌 It was an incredibly helpful tool — great support, easy to maneuver, and easy to fold up. It's amazing. I hope it lasts me a long time! I recommend it 100%. 😉" —Gonzalez

Price: $69.99 (originally $169.99; also available in blue)

23. A rechargeable, three-speed flexible stroller fan to keep the kids (and you) cool while you're out strolling under the hot sun and there's no AC.

Walmart

Promising review: "Simple to use, fits anywhere, well-made, and great wind speed! The battery is rechargeable and lasts a long time between charges. I love this fan." —Bonnie

Price: $24.99 

24. A six-pack of travel-size Purell advanced hand sanitizer gels, because you can never have enough clean hands, especially when the sink is so far away or nowhere to be found.

Walmart

Promising review: "This Purell hand sanitizer is a little more expensive than some other brands, but the quality makes it worth it. It dries quickly, doesn't leave a sticky residue, and feels clean rather than harsh on your hands. The travel size is perfect for keeping in a pocket, car, or bag for everyday use. The scent is pleasant without being overpowering, which is a nice bonus." —SimonMM

Price: $6 for a six-pack

25. A three-pack of kids' sunglasses so little eyes stay protected, and little hands can't break them with any twisting or bending. Plus, every child looks cool wearing these!

Walmart

Promising review: "Wow. These glasses are better than I expected. The material is soft and flexible; it won't hurt your kid's skin. They are very well-made and polarized!! I have to say it's the best deal ever!! My kids love them." —Lan

Price: $9.99

26. A UPF 50+ sun-protective wide-brim bucket hat to keep kids' heads, faces, and necks safe from that summer sun, while the drawstring keeps it secured from blowing away and getting lost. The hat also folds up for easy on-the-go storage.

Walmart

Promising review: "Works just like what I needed! Baby can't pull it off! Easy to put on him and cute!" —Jill

Price: $8.89+ (originally $15.99; available in kids' sizes 6/12 months–4/8 years and in six patterns)

27. A set of magnet-ring fidget toys, because sometimes the chaos isn't always external. Great for kids and adults, and you know what they say about idle hands.

Walmart

Promising review: "These magnetic rings are fun! My kiddos have used these nonstop since they got them, and so far, they are proving very durable. Nice magnetic hold, powerful yet easy to move. Amazing deal." —Nicholas

Price: $10.77 (originally $20.99)

28. A 22-foot-long, two-lane water slide with two inflatable boards and sprinkler holes running down its sides for maximum aquatic conditions. Run. Slide. Repeat ad infinitum.

Walmart

Promising review: "Grandkids ages 9 and 4 visiting. Bought this two-lane slip-and-slide for them. OMG, the fun they had. I sent it home with them, and they are still using it. They loved it. They preferred to do this rather than go to the local creek with a waterfall to swim. Excellent product. Excellent quality." —LilMe

Price: $31.61+ (originally $54.99; available in five colors/designs)

29. A hybrid toy storage bag and activity play mat that reviewers say are perfect for keeping all those Legos (and other tiny toys) contained in one area, making cleanup time a breeze over summer break (and beyond).

Walmart

Price: $22.99

30. A rechargeable and portable camping shower so kids can wash off all the sand, mud, grass, ice cream, bug spray, and sunscreen before getting into the car or going back into the house. Leave the mess outside! 

Walmart

Promising review: "During Hurricane Helene, we lost water for three weeks. The shower pump has been awesome, giving kids a shower and taking a shower myself. I love that it is rechargeable, so even when we didn't have electricity, I could plug it into my car and charge it. No need to buy batteries constantly." —tatyana

Price: $44.99 (originally $49.99)

31. An Evenflo Hummingbird ultra-lightweight stroller that can be opened and closed with one hand, which is clutch because you'll most likely be holding the baby with the other! Drives well, travels well, and fits almost anywhere.

Walmart

I used an older Evenflo model on all our family trips with two children. It lasted for years. But I got a chance to test this new model (my youngest hasn't quite grown out of the stroller yet), and it's even better. It is amazingly light, which is the best thing it can be when packing it onto a plane or a car trunk. How light? When the box arrived, I literally tossed it to my wife and said, "Check out how light this is!" Luckily, she caught it and didn't wing it back at my head.

Promising review: "Great lightweight stroller!!!" —leticia

Price: $229.99 (available in three colors)

32. A Battery Daddy storage case, because there are many battery storage options out there, but there is only one called Daddy. Never again will you need to steal batteries from a remote control for your kid's favorite toy. Includes a built-in battery tester, too.

Walmart

Promising review: "I love this battery storage case! It sure beats hunting through my junk drawer. I know at a glance what batteries I need to replace. I buy them for my friends and family. And that's saying something." —Patty

Price: $19.75+ (originally $34.44; available in six colors)

Want to see even *more* of our Walmart recommendations? Try these:

* Hey You, Come Treat Yourself To These 30 Walmart Products That You Deserve

* Walmart Products That’ll Make Your Living Room A Space You Actually Wanna Live In

* Walmart Products With Such Rave Reviews You'll Find Yourself Saying "It's My Turn"

* Parenting Is Hard Enough, Let These 30 Reviewer-Approved Walmart Products Help

* Your Home Is Begging For A Glow-Up And These 30 Walmart Products Are Here To Help

Plus, dresses.

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.