The Second Season: 14 Summer Essentials for Lacrosse Parents

The summer is here. Which means one thing for lacrosse parents.

Grueling and unending travel for club lacrosse for the next month and a half.

It’s OK. You got this. And even if you don’t, I’m here to help you fake your way through it.

So empty out the trunk, put a seat down in the SUV and get ready to pack for success throughout the second lacrosse season.

Obviously, buy your own snacks. I’m not going to burden you with my odd taste preferences — although Buffalo Wing-flavored Cheez-Its exist, and you need to try those.

But for everything else, here is your checklist.

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SUNSCREEN

Kind of a no-brainer, but you will need to pack a lot of this. You can go several routes, but the most popular avenues are the basic SPF 50 protection and the mineralized variety.

Here are two of the best-selling and most available brand choices. And don’t get the spray as your only option. It always runs out at the worst possible time. 

Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 
3-pack (8oz squeeze bottles) 
$44.97  $26.91 on Amazon

Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50:  
5oz squeeze bottle 
$13.49 $10.97 on Amazon

SUNGLASSES

I know, you already have sick Ray-Bans — we all do. But you’re going to need a pair of backups for your child, one for their friends or for when you lose yours in the lake/car seat cushions between games. I own these. They’re cheap and they work. Get a multi-pack.

KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses for Men and Women 
$22.85 $15.99 on Amazon

UMBRELLA

I’m not an umbrella person. They feel quite…British to me. It’s raining, I’m going to get wet, I should have brought a rain jacket and galoshes — that’s on me.

But if you’re into umbrellas, you accept that it’s going to rain at some point, and you’re going to be thankful you packed one. Again, the bigger the better, but here are two sizes for convenience.

Looking for another option? Poncho my Villa, sir. 

Baraida Golf Umbrella (Large)
72-inch oversize double canopy
$37.99 on Amazon

SIEPASA Compact Travel Umbrella (Small)
42-inch canopy
$9.99 on Amazon

Hagon Pro Disposable Rain Poncho
5 pack
$14.99 $11.99 on Amazon

COOLING TOWEL

Disclaimer: I think these are dumb and don’t work. But I am also a grizzled veteran of all climates because I grew up in the woods of New Hampshire.

Still, some kids love these. Keep one in the ice of your cooler, ready to go between games to beat the heat. 

PVA Cooling Towels
3 pack
$8.99 on Amazon

CANOPY/SUNSHADE

So, you want to be a hero? If a storm of intense heat rolls in and you have a canopy or sunshade, this is your ticket to glory. There are multiple varieties and options here, from metal-framed pop-ups to simple beachy shade groves.

Impact Canopy is a longtime supporter of USA Lacrosse. They offer commercial- and recreational-grade 10x10 canopies. Both are linked below.

Impact Canopy (Commercial)
10x10
$385.58 on Amazon

Impact Canopy (Recreational)
10x10
$159.95 on Amazon

Gorich Beach Tent Sun Shelter
10-person
$179.99 on Amazon

CHAIRS

We’ve all fallen victim to the cheap foldable chair. The cup holder meshing always tears and the bolts come undone on your first sit (even though it’s been sitting in your garage since the fall).

You can just buy it again, or you can fork over some serious cash and either get a lighter version or one of those ones that rock back and forth. I’ve also included another option: a portable stool. If you’re going to travel light, this thing is awesome.

GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker
Outdoor rocking chair with canopy
$110 on Amazon

Amazon Basics Camping Chair
Large with mesh back
$29.99 on Amazon

ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool
$19.99 on Amazon

BEACH WAGON

If you want to be the wagon guy, you don’t have to buy the super expensive modular one. You can get by with a simple folding wagon at a reasonable price. 

Feelnais Collapsible Wagon
135L capacity
 $38.99 $37.04 on Amazon

GAMES BETWEEN GAMES

The secret sauce of the summer is curing the boredom. It’s too bright to have the tablet or phone out. The kids are still restless after the long break between the first few games. You need something low-impact to distract them from how hot it is.

You need the game between the games. Here are some solid options.

Spikeball Rookie Set
3 balls, net and carrying bag
$64.99 $59.99 on Amazon

Kan Jam Travel
Foldable outdoor disc toss game
$29.00 on Amazon

Jumbo Pong
Giant cups with indoor/outdoor ball and pump
$59.99 on Amazon

Amazon Basics Bocce Ball
100mm set
$34.80 on Amazon

STRINGING KIT

This is going to come in handy for someone, even if they’re stripping it for parts. A lot of tournaments have on-site gear, but there are just as many that don’t make that a priority.

If you’re the parent with the extra piece of mesh or sidewall, you’re a legend. 

ECD Lacrosse Hero 4.0
Semi-soft mesh kit
$36.99 on Amazon

StringKing Type 5s
Semi-soft mesh kit
$39.99 on Amazon

PORTABLE DRILL

If your child has even broken a stick or a head, you know how valuable this is. Do you want to wrench on a stripped screw or do you want to be able to switch on the fly? We all know the answer.

FADAKWALK Cordless Drill Set
12V power drill set with battery, charger, driver/drill bits
$24.99 on Amazon

FIRST AID KIT

You’re going to need bandages for cuts, ice packs for bruises and Advil for, you know, yourself.

My advice: don’t go crazy here. Just have it in the back of the car or tucked into the wagon just in case. 

First Aid Only
OSHA-compliant first aid kit (large)
$20.95 on Amazon

Atickyaid Mini First Aid Kit
140-piece first aid kit (small)
$9.92 on Amazon