How do you get your kids to hold their own water??

[gianna2006]

Hi everyone!! We're going in August and, as everyone knows, it's wickedly hot!! There are 4 kids in out party ranging from age 12 to age 7. I plan on giving everyone their own water bottle with strap and would like to give them also each a water spray bottle so they can mist themselves. Problem is, I don't want to end up carrying 4 water bottles and 4 misters !!! Anyone have any suggestions for a bag or carrier that would be comfortable for a child to carry that would hold both these things ?? The misters are rather small (maybe 2" round and 5" high) and the water bottle size can be negotiable. Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[DizneeMommy]

My kids are 11 and 7 and they both wear a small waist pack to hold their autograph book, a pen, and a small snack. They have these little misting fans with a caribiner clip and hang them onto the packs.

My son's pack has a spot for a water bottle. We put my daughter's in the mesh pouch on the small backpack my DH carries (there's one on each side). We just carry in bottled water, then when it's gone we toss it in the trash. We then get free ice water and put the single servings of Kool Aid or Crystal Lite in them to make it taste better! (They also wore their own waist packs on the last trip when they were 9 and 5.)

 

[NMMickeymom]

My girls have small camelback backpacks. They have a water bladder with the sipper tube thing and a enough storage for a few trinkets and their autograph books. I liked that they were able to keep them on in the rides as they are not bulky. I am seeing them more often at places at Wal-Mart and Target in the camping areas. We use them at girl scout camp, at the zoo, and on hikes. They come in child sizes which is nice but they do adjust to "grown-up" size if you do end up carrying them. My 5 year old was so well hydrated because of the novelty of the pack that we had many.. trips to the potty!! Still.... much better than a crabby 5 year old with a headache. Have Fun!!!

 

[TinaLala]

I'm making backsacks out of an old shirt so they can hold their things themsleves this year!! I like the camel packs!

 

[bellebud]

wow - i love the camelpack idea! I have to remember that one... the novelty alone will make my kids drink more and carry it.

but if that won't work for you - i'd have each bring the smallest size water bottle available, and refill it in the drinking fountains (w/ a packet of something if they need it). i'd rather refill frequently than carry a large, heavy water bottle. there are many ways to carry it - fanny pack, backpack, bottle strap... whatever is more comfy to each kid.

 

[tjmw2727]

We use the water bottle straps they sell at Disney, most of the water/soda carts have them. They are just a neck strap/lanyard with a loop to hold a water bottle. They are light and a nice souvineer and you can also put a couple trading pins on them. I find if my kids are wearing the water they
drink more.

My girls also wear a light colored hat that we use for autographs, this way I only have to carry the sharpie.

As for the mister I would probably just 1 or 2 and let them share. This way they can take turns carrying them and if you do have to help you won't be carrying all 4. Wallmart carries a small mister fan with a carabener that could be clipped onto the water bottle strap.

TJ

 

[gianna2006]

Never heard of a camelpack....I'll have to check that one out!! Thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately the misters I bought do not have any kind of clip on them so they can't be attached to anything. I'm wondering if I can buy just a clip of some kind to attach to the misters? I check that out as well as some waist bags and the camelpack.

 

[trnorbrn]

My older children have camel backs or are they packs? They really like them and use them for lots of activities besides Disney.

They also enjoy a cold drink with ice and a kool-aid or crystal light powder added in.

I find we have to find a place in the shade every few hours and pass out snacks and drinks just to keep everyone hydrated and to regain our energy. Kids just get so excited they forget to eat, drink, use the bathrooms and rest.

 

[coastiewifern]

another vote for camelbacks. We need to buy another one. Anyone know where to find the best deal on one?

 

[princessmom29]

It took me a minute figure out your title I though you ment holding your water as in waiting for a bathroom!!

 

[okeydokey]

Our kids carry waistpacks for their water bottle, sunglasses, snacks etc. Works out great for Mom and Dad too!

 

[dis-happy]

Once my kids are out of the stroller they are old enough to have a small backpack on to carry their own stuff around the parks! I like the 8 oz. Deer Park water bottles, small but convenient. They can be refilled as needed. We also make use of cups of ice water at CS. The flavor packets are a nice addition too.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We went the last 2 Augusts and just stopped frequently for drinks instead of carrying around water bottles. Ice water is free at CS places, we would add a little packet of kool-aid and were good to go.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

My 8 and 10 yos each have a bottle holder on a carabiner for camping. They will wear those on their belt loops or the strap for their fanny packs. They're used to it. The fanny pack will hold crystal light packets and a few small snacks to go with the water.

I got the misters in the picture way above. They attach with carabiners, too.

Also, I have trained my kids since they started elementary that mom is not a pack mule. I don't carry their stuff; they do. They now have it pretty well ingrained, and only ask me when they are in a testing mood. I simply don't give in.

 

[SGTex]

My kids are 11 and 7 and they both wear a small waist pack to hold their autograph book, a pen, and a small snack. They have these little misting fans with a caribiner clip and hang them onto the packs.

My son's pack has a spot for a water bottle. We put my daughter's in the mesh pouch on the small backpack my DH carries (there's one on each side). We just carry in bottled water, then when it's gone we toss it in the trash. We then get free ice water and put the single servings of Kool Aid or Crystal Lite in them to make it taste better! (They also wore their own waist packs on the last trip when they were 9 and 5.)

Thanks for the good suggestions in here! Where can I get a mister fan like this?

 

[NMMickeymom]

Camelback is the brand but you can search under hydration pack and you will find all kinds of brands in lots of different price ranges. REI and Amazon are good places to start. Happy Shopping!!!

 

[CLR4321]

I would have them each bring their own backpack. Get kids sized ones for the younger ones. Make it clear that no one else is responsible for their backpack, and they need to carry it themselves. They are definitely all old enough to carry one without a problem. This will also allow space for any souvenirs bought or additional items your kids may want to bring such as hand held video games, ipods, etc. If you are flying, the backpack can double as their carry on bag as well.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Thanks for the good suggestions in here! Where can I get a mister fan like this?

I got mine at Walmart, in the section with the big fans and a/c units. They were about $3.50 each, and come in four colors.

 

[okeydokey]

I got mine at Walmart, in the section with the big fans and a/c units. They were about $3.50 each, and come in four colors.

They have mini ones too that attach with a carbiner.

 

[SGTex]

I got mine at Walmart, in the section with the big fans and a/c units. They were about $3.50 each, and come in four colors.

Great! Thank you!