Wave Kids™ Helps Families Keep Water Front and Center on National Hydration Day

Summer doesn’t run on the same routines. And for families with kids, that changes how hydration actually happens.

Days start earlier, end later, and fill quickly with camp, sports practices, pool time, and travel. Kids are moving constantly, often outdoors, and making more of their own choices about what to eat and drink along the way.

At home, water is usually the default. But once kids are out in the world – at snack shacks, team coolers, and beach setups – the landscape shifts. What’s easiest, most visible, and most appealing often wins.

“Summer is when habits get tested,” said Shelly Garg, mom of two and founder of Wave Kids. “Kids are more independent, more social, and more exposed to different options. We wanted to make sure water still had a place in those moments in a way that feels natural, not forced.”

Wave Kids was designed with these real-life moments in mind, from the quick sideline break to the long car ride, where kids are thirsty but not always thinking about hydration.

As National Hydration Day approaches on June 23, families can keep water more naturally in the mix during summer by thinking about a few simple shifts:

Make space for hydration earlier in the day
Waiting until kids say they’re thirsty can be tough during hot, active summer days. Offering water before camp, before games, or before heading outside can help set the tone early.

Look for natural hydration moments
Halftime, snack breaks, getting back in the car, or winding down after swimming can all become easy points to offer water without making it feel like a separate task.

Keep convenience in mind
What kids can grab easily, hold comfortably, and finish in one sitting often has a better chance of actually getting consumed, especially on the go.

Remember what water is competing with
Summer tends to bring more brightly packaged, sugary drink options into the picture. Making water feel visible, fun, and easy can help it stay part of the rotation.

Leave room for independence
Small moments of ownership – reaching for their own drink, opening it themselves, or feeling like it was made with them in mind – can go a long way in making hydration feel more natural.

Summer may be less structured, but healthy habits can still travel with it. A few small shifts can help water stay part of the fun, from camp days and car rides to beach afternoons and post-game cool-downs.

Learn more at Wave-Kids.com.