A summer (or rather, spring, in our case) heat wave can be just as unbearable as a winter snow/ice storm. In fact, after a few days, it feels like cabin fever all over again! Whether you choose to brave the heat or spend more time inside, here are a few ideas to help you and your little(s) stay cool this summer.
- Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: THE POOL! If your neighborhood has a pool or you are a member of a swim club, great! Expect it to be hopping with people who had the same idea. If you do not have access to a pool, buy a blow up one from Target or Walmart. Best $10-$30 you’ll spend!
- Set up a sprinkler in your backyard. This one is a huge hit at our house. And for added entertainment value, if you or Dad run through it with your clothes on, your kids will think you are the funniest and coolest parent(s) ever!
- Have a water table? Use it! This is a great activity for toddlers. Fully expect that they will dump the water out quickly, but oh well. Do not have a water table? Make one out of a shallow plastic bin and bath toys!
- Freeze small toys in small bowls of water and let your kids have fun chiseling away the ice to get to the toys with tools! This one will require more supervision and is definitely an outside activity. I give my kids play tools (from Ikea) and they seem to do the trick!
- Seek out your local splash pad and get some water fun in! We really love the Splash Zone at Latta Park, and best of all, its FREE!
Think you want to beat the heat indoors? Great! Keep reading…
- Movies are an excellent indoor heat activity. I know we want to keep screen time to a minimum, but having a movie day complete with popcorn, milk duds and gummy bears once in a while never hurt anyone, right?!
- Play a board game. I can’t wait for my babes to be able to play Candyland!
- Create a scavenger hunt around your house for your kids. You can get very creative with this one! Depending on your kid(s) age, you can create a general one, one with more complicated riddles, or even themed hunts as well!
- Make an awesome fort!
- Have an indoor picnic.
- Take a field trip to DiscoveryPlace for the day.
- Go to story time at the Library or Barnes and Noble.
Need more ideas? Check out our Indoor Play series!
Of course, if you’ll be spending time outside, please remember to wear sunscreen (and re-apply often), hats, and drink LOTS of water to stay hydrated! Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and stay alert. Also, avoid being outside in the middle of the afternoon if you can help it as it is the hottest part of the day. Safety first, always, when it comes to our precious children.
Stay cool out there, Charlotte!