School’s almost out and pool season is here. A curated list of summer essentials for the whole family — clean sun protection, hydration, skin + bug protection, sun-safe clothing, and simple frozen treats for hot days ahead.

1. Nemah SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

A gentle mineral SPF designed for easy, everyday use for kids and adults from a skincare brand I love and trust. Made with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection that sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. The air-powered spray allows for quick, even application without chemical propellants, making it ideal for wiggly bodies and busy summer days.

I prefer mineral-based sunscreens and avoid aerosol chemical sprays when I can. This one is fragrance-free, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and safe for ages 6 months+. I use it for the body and prefer a stick for my kids’ faces.

Use code JESSBEWELL for 15% off Nemah products.

2. Attitude Kids Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 50, Unscented

A gentle, mineral sunscreen stick made for kids, offering broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with non-nano zinc oxide and free from harsh chemical filters. Light, unscented, and easy for you and the kids to apply, it glides on smoothly with no sticky or greasy feel and no heavy white cast. The stick application is perfect for faces and quick touch-ups on busy, sunny days.

3. Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Getting my son to drink enough water can be a struggle. When we're traveling on an airplane and planning to be out in the sun all day, I pack him electrolytes to stay hydrated too. This is a delicious clean, hydration powder made with real fruit. We have a few other supplements from this brand that we also love.

4. Cure Hydration Kids Electrolyte Mix - 15-Packets, Variety

A new-to-us clean, kid-friendly electrolyte my son loves. Perfect for keeping kids hydrated on warm days, and it comes in easy on-the-go packets that are great for travel, sports, or pool days. Pick your favorite flavor with this variety pack. My son likes the mixed berry best.

5. Kroma Cranberry Hydration Elixir

I love this electrolyte elixir from Kroma. It’s a functional hydration blend with coconut water, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, finished with a light ginger-cayenne kick. A little sweet, a little spicy, and made without cane sugar. Great for hydration and energy support in the heat.

Use code JESSBEWELL for 20% off.

6. Kate McLeod Bug Balm

I love Kate McLeod body stones and I’m excited to try this all-natural bug balm stick—one of my newest finds that I recently ordered but haven’t used yet. It’s a solid bug repellent and moisturizer in one, made with citronella, geranium, cedarwood, and lemongrass to help repel insects while nourishing skin with cocoa butter and oils.

7. Skeem Aura Triple-Wick Candle, Citronella Palo Santo

I just ordered this clean citronella candle for our back porch to help keep mosquitoes away this summer. I’ve also been using Skeem’s Palo Santo body spray and love the scent—it’s a warm, woody blend of palo santo and cedar with a hint of citrus. I usually get eaten alive by mosquitoes, but this actually worked well for me on my recent trip to Little Cayman.

Citronella is a plant-derived oil commonly used to help mask scents that attract insects. While essential oil-based repellents aren’t as strong or long-lasting as DEET, I personally prefer using cleaner options like this for myself and my kids, along with clean-burning candles.

8. Skeem Sea Salt Citronella Incense

I also just got these slow-burning Skeem incense sticks made with all-natural citronella, grapefruit, lemon, and lime essential oils, and I can’t wait to use them on our back patio. I ordered this heat-proof incense holder to burn them in, making it a great non-toxic, flame-free option for patios and evening gatherings.

9. Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie

Free Fly’s UPF 50+ bamboo sun hoodie is a summer staple for my husband and son. They make it in Toddler 2+, Kids and Men’s sizes. Made from ultra-soft bamboo fabric, it’s lightweight, cooling, stretchy, and an easy alternative to constant sunscreen reapplication. My son thinks he’s too cool for his Minnow rashguard now, but loves wearing this in vintage camo like dad. Comfortable, practical, and something they’ll want to wear for sun protection.

10. Janessa Leone Felix Straw Bucket Hat

I always wear a hat to help protect my face from the sun, and this Janessa Leone hat has been a favorite of mine for years. This timeless, structured straw bucket hat provides great coverage from every angle while still feeling lightweight and easy to wear. It’s also travel-friendly and flexible enough to roll into your bag without losing its shape.

11. Metrue Popsicle Molds, 12 Pieces Silicone Popsicle Molds

My silicone popsicle molds for making healthy frozen treats at home. Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, they’re easy to clean and release popsicles so much easier than traditional molds. I use them for fruit pops, smoothie pops, and homemade electrolyte pops. Perfect for hot summer days or when the kids are sick and need extra hydration.

12. JBW Strawberry Coconut Lime Popsicle Recipe

A favorite, simple, homemade popsicle recipe with fresh strawberries, lime, mint, and coconut milk. See the full recipe on my Instagram feed linked here. Perfect for hot summer days and a delicious frozen treat that the whole family will love. If you try it out, please take a photo and tag me. I’d love to see you enjoying my recipe. Xo, Jess