8 Affordable Items Your Child Needs in Their Backpack for School Sporting Events

June 19, 2026

School sporting events are a big part of growing up in Australia.

Whether it's athletics carnivals, inter-school competitions, swimming carnivals, cross-country runs or weekly school sport, kids often spend hours outdoors participating, supporting teammates and enjoying the day.

Packing the right backpack can help children stay comfortable, organised and ready for whatever the day brings. The good news is that most essentials are affordable, practical and easy to keep on hand throughout the school year.

Here are eight affordable items every child should have in their backpack for school sporting events.

1. A Refillable Water Bottle

Hydration is one of the most important considerations during school sport.

Australian schools regularly schedule sporting activities outdoors, particularly during the warmer months. According to Sport Australia, millions of Australian children participate in organised sport and physical activity every year, making hydration an important part of active lifestyles.

A sturdy reusable water bottle helps children stay hydrated throughout the day and reduces the need to purchase drinks at sporting venues.

Practical tip

Fill the bottle with cold water before leaving home and freeze it overnight during hotter weather for longer-lasting cooling.

2. A Broad-Brimmed Hat

Many school sporting events involve extended periods sitting on sidelines, waiting between events or watching teammates compete.

ARPANSA advises that UV levels in Australia frequently reach levels capable of causing skin damage, even outside the peak summer months.

A broad-brimmed hat is one of the easiest ways to help reduce direct sun exposure during breaks between activities.

Practical tip

Choose a hat that meets your school's uniform requirements so your child can wear it throughout the day.

3. Sunscreen

Outdoor sporting events can last for several hours, particularly athletics carnivals, swimming carnivals and inter-school competitions.

The Australian Sunscreen Council recommends sunscreen as part of a broader sun protection strategy that may also include hats, clothing and shade.

For children participating in school sport, sunscreen is one of the most important items to pack.

ThermaSun Kids Zinc SPF50 is a practical option for Australian families looking for chemical UV filter free zinc sunscreen for children. It provides broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, uses non-nano zinc oxide and has a YUKA rating of 90.

For older students involved in regular sport and training, ThermaSun Sport Pro Zinc SPF50 is another practical mineral sunscreen option suitable for outdoor exercise and sporting activities.

Practical tip

Apply sunscreen before arriving at the venue and follow label directions regarding reapplication.

Internal link opportunity:

https://thermasun.com.au/collections/for-kids-family

4. Healthy Snacks

School sporting events can involve early starts and long gaps between meals.

Having a few simple snacks in a backpack helps children maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

Affordable options include:

Bananas
Apples
Muesli bars
Rice crackers
Sandwiches
Dried fruit

These are easy to pack and generally travel well in school bags.

Practical tip

Pack snacks in reusable containers to help prevent them being crushed during transport.

5. A Small Towel

A compact towel can be surprisingly useful during school sporting events.

It can help after running events, swimming carnivals, unexpected weather changes or simply cleaning up after outdoor activities.

For swimming carnivals, a towel is an obvious essential, but it can also be handy during athletics events and other outdoor sports days.

Practical tip

Microfibre towels are lightweight, affordable and take up less space in a backpack.

6. A Spare T-Shirt or Change of Clothes

Children often finish sporting events sweaty, wet or muddy.

A spare shirt or lightweight change of clothes can make the trip home much more comfortable.

This is particularly useful for:

Athletics carnivals
Cross-country events
Swimming carnivals
Outdoor team sports

Practical tip

Store spare clothing in a reusable waterproof bag to keep other items dry.

7. A Rain Jacket or Lightweight Weather Layer

Australian weather can change quickly.

Many school sporting events proceed even when conditions become cooler, windy or lightly wet.

A lightweight rain jacket doesn't take up much room and can make a big difference if conditions change unexpectedly.

Practical tip

Look for compact jackets that fold into their own pocket for easy storage.

8. A Printed Event Schedule or School Information Sheet

Many schools provide event schedules, maps or information sheets before major sporting events.

Having a copy in the backpack can help children know where they need to be and when.

It can also help parents and carers coordinate pickups, event times and meeting locations.

Practical tip

Place important papers in a clear plastic sleeve to protect them from water bottles, weather and general wear throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

School sporting events are often long, busy and active days. Packing a few affordable essentials can help children stay comfortable, organised and prepared from the first event through to the last.

A water bottle, hat, sunscreen, snacks, towel, spare clothes, weather layer and event information are simple items that can make a big difference throughout the day.

For families looking for sunscreen suitable for school sport, ThermaSun Kids Zinc SPF50 and ThermaSun Sport Pro Zinc SPF50 are practical Australian-made mineral sunscreen options that fit naturally into school sporting routines.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Visit thermasun.com.au for supporting information.