Regular readers know by now that I live in the “Sunshine State”. We are known for our hot weather and sunshine! However, planning an outdoor summer party at this time of year can be a bit challenging. You see, summer is also smack dab in the middle of hurricane season and we also get a large amount of thunderstorms! That being said, when I was given the opportunity to host a 101 Days of Summer Play party for Banana Boat®, I still jumped at the opportunity to get the kids out in the sun for some fun with friends! What I did not anticipate was the fickle weather situation we have had over the past few weeks! I had to reschedule my party several times! LOL! However, once we finally outwitted the weather and found a few hour window of fabulous skies and rain-free weather, we dove in!
Banana Boat® Sunscreen Natural Reflect Lotion is challenging parents across the country to take its 101 Days of Summer Play pledge. By taking the pledge on the Banana Boat® brand Facebook page, parents make a commitment to enable and encourage their children to play outside in the sun every day, all season long. Each pledge triggers a donation of one bottle of Banana Boat® Natural Reflect Lotion to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a nonprofit, residential summer camp and year-round center serving children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.
I did everything a good host should do…I made cute little goodie bags filled with summer essentials–some were provided by Banana Boat and I added a few of my own! My guests were thrilled with their goodies. Banana Boat® provided us with several bottles of Sunscreen Natural Reflect Lotion. We made sure to lather up ourselves and the kids with sunscreen.
If you do not know already, it is VERY important to wear sunscreen when going outdoors–especially between the hours of 10am and 3pm. That is when the sun is at it most damaging. The simple act of applying sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, sun burn and skin damage. It is important, as moms, to begin teaching our children at a young age the importance of using sunscreen. If we train them now, they will be more likely to continue on with the good habits when they grow up!
Quick Tip: Do not be a doof like me and only apply sunscreen once. If you plan to play in the water, follow the directions on the bottle and reapply frequently. I was too busy hosting and never reapplied, so I paid the price with a bit of a burn…Ouch! Lesson: REAPPLY..often–especially if you are in and out of the water and towel drying!!
Once the party was in full swing it was clear that the noodles were to become the life of the party! There were “sword fights”, “pony rides”, and more fun than you can pack in a day…with NOODLES! You know those colored foam sticks they make for water fun?? Yeah, those! I was amazed at how much fun everyone had with them! We had a blast playing in the pool and enjoying time with friends and family. It just does not get better than that!
I think it is important to not only get the kids outdoors during summer break, it is also a great way to connect and spend time as a family! There are so many activities you can do:
- play at the pool
- go canoeing
- a picnic at the park
- cook out at the beach
- sprinkler relays (use your sprinklers for more than watering your yard! Plan some fun events using the fun-filled water spraying! No pool required!)
- nature walks
- feed the ducks
- family reunions
- block parties
- themed party
- “field day” at home with friends and family
These are just a few ideas! Think outside the box and get outside with the kids. Enjoy them while you have them! Soon they will be all grown up with families of their own! Seize the moment…er summers!!!!
Don’t forget your sunscreen!!! Why not make it Banana Boat® Sunscreen Natural Reflect Lotion??
I thought it was a pretty decent sunscreen. However, you DO need to reapply it, otherwise you WILL get burned! I love that it is natural! There are so many harmful chemicals in products these days, that your brain can go into overload just thinking about how much harm we must be inflicting on ourselves and children!
It is refreshing to find a product that is NATURAL! Banana Boat® Sunscreen Natural Reflect Lotion is:
- 100% naturally-sourced mineral sunscreen active with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
- Oxybenzone-free
- Paraben-free
- Gentle on sensitive and delicate skin
- Proven effective against sunburn and to help prevent long-term skin damage
- Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
- Water resistant
- Dermatologist tested
- Pediatrician tested (children and baby)
- Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
I hope that this article helps you to enjoy the summer with your kids, get outdoors more and remember to use sunscreen ALL year long! Have a fabulous summer…
Oh, and we are also going to give away one FREE Banana Boat kit filled with goodies to one of our fabulous readers! All you need to do is share at least one family friendly summer activity idea below!! Winner will be announced at random on June 22 at noon (EST). Winner MUST reply with full shipping address by June 23 at 5pm EST or an alternate winner will be chosen.
Feel free to like Banana Boat® and Moms of Faith® on Facebook. (not required to enter)
Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Banana Boat® Sun Care and received a party kit to facilitate my review, party kits to give to my guests, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
One of of favorite summer activites is playing at the pool and the sprinkler.
We love making strawberry lemonade slushies and popcorn. We eat inside when it’s really hot and outside on the porch when it’s nice. So yummy! :)
We love beach days- it’s free, fun and since we live clos to the beach easy to get to:)