Best Outdoor Blankets for Families

The best outdoor blankets are water repellent, a must-have feature in our book when you’re using them with babies and kids. The downside? The blankets often aren’t very soft. Goumi’s outdoor blanket stands out from the rest with a waterproof backing on one side and a soft, fleece surface on the other. It’s great for families, but especially for younger babies who may be using it for tummy time or just to relax. The Goumi x Babylist exclusive collab comes in three exclusive (and super stylish) prints and folds compactly into a small square with a built-in strap for portability.

Additional Specs

Little Unicorn’s outdoor blanket comes in a print or a pattern for every taste, including tropical, floral, colorful stripes and lots more. One side is made from a durable, water-resistant polyester and the other is a softer, sleeping bag-like material. There’s a built-in zip pouch for small items and a carry handle to make transport easy. Just note the blanket is spot clean only, so you won’t be able to toss the whole thing in the washing machine after spills. It’s also on the bulkier side when folded, especially in the larger sizes.

Additional Specs

You’re likely already familiar with Yeti’s line of hard and soft coolers. The Lowlands Blanket is a solid addition to their outdoor line and makes adventuring with your family a little bit easier. This outdoor blanket isn’t inexpensive, but it has a lot going for it. It’s completely waterproof, a step up from many of the other blankets on our list which are water resistant. It’s also padded and insulated, making it comfy (and warm) regardless of the terrain. It repels dirt and even pet hair easily. And best of all, you can toss the whole thing in the washing machine (and the dryer) when it gets messy, a huge plus when you’re dealing with messy kids.

Additional Specs

You don’t need to spend a ton on an outdoor blanket. (Costco for the win, as always. ) This Pendleton x Costco collab is a popular outdoor blanket that’s under $25. It’s machine washable, a really impressive feature considering the blanket’s price. It also has a water-resistant outer layer and two built-in storage pockets, and folds up into a compact tote with both a carry handle and a shoulder strap.

Additional Specs

If you’re looking for a soft, quilted outdoor blanket, this one from Toki is your best bet. It’s made from water-resistant organic quilted cotton, so while it has a much softer feel than many outdoor blankets, it will still repel dampness. It’s also free of toxic chemicals. (The water-repellent finish is made by dipping the cotton in a special vegetable-based finish). This blanket rolls instead of folds, so it’s bulkier than many others, but still features a carry handle for transport. It’s also available in a larger epic size.

Additional Specs

Even when folded down, many outdoor blankets are still fairly bulky, and you don’t always have room to take them along. The Matador is your answer if you’re tight on space but still want the option to take a seat. It’s sized for a small family but packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s made from ripstop fabric, so it’s not the cushiest, but it is completely waterproof. It also features built-in corner stakes to help keep the blanket in place and a pattern aid to help remind you how to fold it down (and help you avoid having to Google “how to fold the Matador Pocket Blanket” every single time you use it).

Additional Specs

Lots of outdoor blankets are actually picnic blankets or mats, but this colorful option from Rumpl is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket you can use outdoors to keep you warm. Think “sleeping bag meets blanket,” the Rumpl is soft and puffy, made from a ripstop shell and insulated with 100% recycled materials. You can use it as a blanket, an outdoor mat or even a cape (it’s wearable!) and it’s water, odor and stain-resistant. The whole thing stuffs into a small sack and is completely machine washable.

Additional Specs

Dreaming of your music festival days? Nomadix can help. This fan-favorite blanket doubles as a family-friendly outdoor blanket option. The water-resistant bottom layer will keep you dry while the microsude top layer keeps you comfortable. Dirt, pet hair and sand slide right off and you can anchor the corners down if you want the blanket to stay put. There’s no carry handle or tote, but the blanket is lightweight and easy to compactly roll up and take on the go. We also love the fun retro look.

Additional Specs

This outdoor blanket checks lots of must-have feature boxes. It’s water resistant, large enough to fit a parent or two and a few kids comfortably, folds easily and has a built-in carry strap. It’s durable and holds up well even after years of use, and it’s reasonably priced. The only con is that you can’t throw it into the washing machine—it’s spot clean only—but it is pretty easy to wipe down.

You may also want to check out L.L. Bean’s Sunbuster Blanket. It’s a similar size and design and comes in a fun striped pattern.

Additional Specs