When it comes to hiking with toddlers, comfort, safety, and fun are all closely tied to what they are wearing and how comfortable they are. From sun protection to sturdy shoes, the right clothes to help your little one stay happy outside — which means a more enjoyable time for everyone.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite warm weather clothes that will be on repeat at my house all summer long.
Tops
Patagonia Baby Capilene Silkweight Hoodie: This was the first sun hoodie I got my toddler and he still wears it. Comes in lots of colors! Sun hoodies are great because they are so lightweight, and I don’t have be on full sunscreen alert. There are also some great long sleeved sun shirts with no hood if that more your kid’s style!
REI Kid’s Sahara Shade Hoodie: This one is slightly heavier than the Patagonia one, but my kids don’t seem to care. And it’s less expensive. Here is the link for the toddler size.
Baby Sun Hoodie: My little baby has been living in this sun shirt this summer. Great for babies who can’t wear sunscreen yet or when you’re just out all day and don’t want to constantly reapply. Lightweight and they won’t overheat in it! Can you tell I’m a fan of sun hoodies?
Bottoms
Columbia Washed Out Shorts: These shorts are 100% cotton and I have found them to be really durable while still lightweight. And if they get a little wet, they keep my kids cool. Here is a link for the Girl’s version too!
Patagonia Baby Baggies: I got these shorts for my daughter and she loves them. They are super lightweight and super quick drying. I love my adult baggies, and think the little kid ones are darling!
Girls Active Skort: Soft, stretchy-material, with built in shorts. Cute and feminist, but also sporty and active. Come in many different sizes for all ages.
SHoes
The Perfect Summer Shoes! Waterproof, lightweight, and easy enough kids can slip on with out adult help. Cute with or with out socks!
Hiking Sandals: I love these closed-toe Keen Kid sandals because they are breathable, but still protect their toes.
Merrell Trail Chaser Jr. Toddler Hiking Shoes: One of the best overall pair of toddler hiking shoes in my opinion is the Merrell Trail Chaser Jr. I have bought multiple pairs over the years and will continue to do so.
The mix of suede and mesh makes the shoes tough enough for all the hiking we do, while still being breathable. The easy hook-and-loop closure means my kids can put them on and take them off without any hassle. They love the cushioned footbed that keeps their feet comfortable all day, and I appreciate the grippy sole that gives them good traction on different terrains. Plus, the anti-stink lining is a lifesaver for keeping odors under control.
Hurricane XLT2 Sandals: A sandal summer staple. Waterproof, easy to get on and off, adjustable velcro straps, and good traction. Great for both boys and girls with lots of colors to choose from.
Hats
Wide Brimmed Hat: This is great for protecting their face and back of their neck. It has an adjustable chin strap and a small one around the head too.
REI Trailsmith Cap: A simple baseball cap works great and I love how lightweight and breathable this one is.
MaxNova Baby Sun Hat Smile Face: A solid amazon find! You can buy as a single, or as a two pack. Great for newborns but they also have toddlers sizes! Lots of cute colors to choose from.
Swimsuits
One Piece Rash Guard: Great sun protection and comes in size 0 months all the up to 3T. Zipper for easy diaper changes, and great coverage for less putting-on-sunscreen wrestles.
Boys Rash Guard Set: Lots of different patterns to choose from, as well as sizes. Runs slightly on the smaller size, so if you’re on the fence, I’d recommend sizing up.
Long sleeve Quarter Zip: A classic long sleeved swim suit with a quarter zip. Fun patterns, and has a little fold of fabric over the zipper so it doesn’t rub under the chin.
Accessories and Gear
Speedo Kids’ Life Vest: These are not cost guard approved, but they’ve been great for our family. I’ve liked these more that arm floaties, they give swimmers more freedom and flexibility to move. I would use these on older kids who might still need a little help before being independent in the pool.
Microfiber Cooling Towel: My sister recommended these cooling towels and it has been the BEST for keeping baby boy cool and protected from the sun. You just get them wet and they stay cool for a couple hours. I used it in Disneyland, keeping it on his head and it’s been perfect paired with his little sun shirts.
Microfiber Hooded Towel: Soft, comfy, and absorbent. Way easier to dry off little kids in my opinion! From tiny to teenage sizes, these are an easy lake day grab.
Collapsible Beach Bucket Set: I love that these are collapsible and all fit in a mesh bag you can rinse out at the end of the day. A great size, and so easy to pack!
Trailsmith Merino Wool Lightweight Crew Socks: You would think to stay away from wool socks in the summer time, but it’s actually the opposite! I always use merino wool in hot weather to help keep little feet dry and relatively stink free.
Kids Size Mesh Bag: These come in a three pack and in lots of different colors. Perfect to collect shells, special rocks, sunglasses, or one of the million other things kids love to take everyyywhere with them.
Looking for more hot weather tips and tricks? Check out these related blog post!
