What to pack for kids' activities
Updated October 2, 2026
Short checklists for the activities families ask about most. Coaches and teachers have their own rules, so add what yours asks for and cross out what they don't need. Tip: keep one bag per activity and pack it the night before.
Soccer practice
- Cleats
- Shin guards and soccer socks
- Ball (pumped)
- Water bottle
- Practice jersey or pinny, if the team uses one
- Sunscreen and a hat, or a jacket for evening practice
Swim practice
- Swimsuit
- Goggles (and a spare pair)
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Flip-flops
- Water bottle
- A dry change of clothes and a bag for wet things
Music lesson (violin and other strings)
- Instrument in its case
- Bow and rosin
- Music books and the practice notebook
- Shoulder rest
- Pencil
- Spare strings, if the teacher asks for them
Basketball practice
- Basketball shoes (indoor only)
- Practice clothes
- Ball, if players bring their own
- Water bottle
- Knee pads or a mouth guard, if the coach requires them
Dance class
- Class shoes (ballet, jazz or tap, as the class needs)
- Leotard and tights, or the studio's dress code
- Hair ties and pins
- Water bottle
- A cover-up for the drive home
Game days and recitals
Add what's different on the big days: the uniform or concert clothes, the call time, and anything the coach or teacher sent in the week's email. Those are the items that most often get missed.
How FamHuddle does this
Each activity in FamHuddle starts from a packing list you can change. Tap an item once it's in the bag, and packed items move to the bottom. If something isn't where it should be, mark where it is (like "Mom's car"). When a coach's email says to bring something new, it shows up on that activity's list to review.