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Hot summer days are here and keeping the kids hydrated essential! They get so wrapped up swimming and playing, staying hydrated isn’t always their priority. Whether we are at the pool or the beach, I make sure to pack light, hydrating snacks and drinks to keep us all feeling great.
In the past, I would always try to push just water, but that never really worked out the way I hoped. Then I started offering additional options and found that they would actually alternate drinking smartwater with other beverages, like vitaminwater, Gold Peak Tea and Honest Tea. By the way, right now CVS pharmacy has a great deal on these beverages through July 25th! You can buy any combination of 4 for $5, using your ExtraCare card. You also get $2 in ExtraBucks Rewards for your next visit. If you don’t have an ExtraCare card, you can easily sign up for one at your local CVS pharmacy and its free! I bought 8 bottles and got back $4 in ExtraBucks!
Each CVS pharmacy I have shopped at, has a Beverage Center on the far wall of the Grocery section. You will find these beverages there, or perhaps in a special display cooler near the registers.
I am big on keeping my kids well hydrated, whether at work or play. I always pack us a “Hydration Kit” before we head to the pool, beach or if they are participating in any sport or activity.
Here how I make my “Hydration Kit” for a day by the pool:
First, I make sure they have plenty to drink. If we will be out for a long time, I will freeze some of the water or tea bottles. Not only do they stay cold longer, but they also make great ice packs to keep the snacks chilled too!
I always pack fruit! They’ll eat the fruit when they’re hungry and hydrate at the same time without realizing it! Raw fruits have plenty of water in them. Some good choices are grapes, oranges, watermelon, strawberries and blueberries.
Freeze several grapes and blueberries. Not only do they make a great frozen treat, but they can also flavor your water and act as mini “ice cubes” to keep your drink cold.
Encourage raw vegetables to snack on that have high water content, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots and snap peas. Sometimes I pack some ranch or hummus to dip the veggies in.
Use water with electrolytes, such as smartwater, when making ice cubes to chill beverages (or in your smoothies).
Freeze the beverages you want the kids to drink in popsicle molds. My kids eat the whole popsicle. When I offer a beverage, they drink some of it, then set it down to go play. I have made popsicles with some Gold Peak Raspberry Tea and added some fresh raspberries into the popsicle mold. They were fantastic! You can make popsicles with vitaminwater and Honest Tea as well!
Lightly flavor water with fruit and fresh herbs. My kids like water with strawberries and basil. We either add some to our bottled water or I will make a pitcher. My favorites are Lemon-Parsley water and I also enjoy Basil-Lime. Just chop a wedge or two of lemon/lime, along with about a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Add to water with plenty of ice. I usually prefer a glass of Lemon-Parsley water by the pool or post workout. Yummy!
Its pretty simple if you plan right. Variety is key! They hydration kit has really helped us keep on track to stay hydrated when we play outside on a hot day.
Find more great ideas for Hydration Kits at HydrationToGo.com! What will you put in yours? Tell me in the comment section below!
I struggle w/ keeping them hydrated too. We spend most of our days outside at the pool and I periodically will bring popsicles out to them in order to hydrate. Vitamin waters are great too!
Those are great tips for staying hydrated. I like the idea of using frozen fruit as ice cubes. [client]
Thank you Kelly. The grapes are also great for chilling wine without watering it down!