Six 'pro mum' moves to turn outing struggles into smiles

What's not to love about the long warm months in Australia? You can get the kids into nature, head to the beach, spend your days by the pool and hit up your favourite water parks and outdoor play spaces long after summer turns to autumn. It's borderline idyllic, right?

Not so idyllic if you're also carrying 40kg worth of wet towels, abandoned scooters and snacks to and from the car, pleading with your kids to stand still while you slather them in sticky sunscreen and relaxing to the sweet tunes of "Why is it so hot?"

Clearly, outdoorsy fun doesn't come without its pain points, but the good news is most of these bug bears can be easily remedied with a little forward planning. Here's how to reduce your mental (and physical) load this summer so you can bypass the struggles and focus on family fun.

1. Beat the heat

Hiking to a waterfall? Hitting the local splash park? No matter what activities you have planned, time them around the heat. Duck out early to avoid sweltering temps and busy crowds, or head off at dusk for a balmy evening picnic. If you can't avoid the midday sun, dress the kids (and yourself) in breathable cotton or linen, make use of cooling towels and mini electric fans, and remember to stay hydrated. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you leave the house, and reapply every two hours throughout the day, after swimming or after towel‑drying.

2. Swap to kid-friendly sunscreen

If your sweet little cherub turns into a writhing crocodile the moment you pull out the sunscreen, this will be music to your ears. Sunscreen's been made simple.

Banana Boat* Kids SmartMist Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ gives you a short spray for tricky spots and a long spray for larger areas, making application simple, fun and spot on. Formulated for kids' delicate skin, this quick‑drying sunscreen works from any angle. More giggles, fewer wriggles, more fun in the sun.

3. Set the expectations

Minimise pre-departure meltdowns by sharing your plans ahead of time. Most adults like to know what's on their schedule, and kids are the same. Spend some time talking about the details of your trip, like when you'll be leaving, how long you'll be gone and what you'll need. The night before your road trip or outing, let the kids get involved by packing their bags and choosing their outfits for the following day. When it's time to leave, the kids will know what to expect, which means they'll be more likely to cooperate.

4. Pack snacks, then pack some more

Whether you're 10 minutes into a four-hour car ride or embarking on your very first lap of the zoo, a hangry kid can make your day feel a whole lot longer. Pre-portion low-mess snacks (like trail mix, cheese sticks and muesli bars) for quick bites on-the-go and use a cooler bag to store sandwiches, yoghurt pouches and sliced fruit for longer breaks. Heading to the park? A bento-style lunchbox will allow you to pack a variety of snacks without taking up too much space.

5. Let accessories do the heavy lifting

Nope, you're not imagining it, kids really do need twice as much stuff in summer. Between the beach towels, picnic blankets, pool toys and spare clothes, it's no wonder you break into a sweat before you've even left the house. To make outdoor adventures less taxing, invest in a foldable wagon or trolley so you can cart your gear (and the kids) around with ease. Keep essentials stored it in it, so it's ready to roll.

6. Pack a to-go bag

To ensure you're always ready for an outdoor adventure, keep a beach bag or backpack stocked with summer essentials. Think SPF, non-perishable snacks, hats, spare clothes, nappies, wipes and towels. Not only does it allow for more spontaneous adventures, it also comes in handy when you (inevitably) forget something.

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every two hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Visit bananaboat.com.au for more information