Boy-o-boy is it hot here on the East Coast and I see that the rest of the country is also baking under the summer sun. Oppressive heat is just no fun at all for families, as being outside for long stretches becomes increasing difficult and kids wear themselves out more easily so extended sightseeing or playtime itineraries are nearly impossible to manage. It is important then to find fun things to do with your kids while staying cool. Here are five tips for having fun beating the summer heat as a family.
Play in a sprinkler. Sprinklers are cheap, easy to set up and make every kid – young or old – feel as if they are in their own private water park. I have never met a child that didn’t like to parade through, around, under or over the cool blasts of water rising from a sprinkler. Sprinklers are a classic way to stay cool and to have a blast on a warm day.
Visit a local backyard play equipment showroom and “do some shopping” while your kids play for a bit. I will admit that this one is a little coy if you have absolutely no intention of purchasing such equipment, but when the thermometer is approaching 100 degrees you look for fun wherever you can find it!
Set up a Lemonade stand and drink away the profits! Lemonade stands are a fun way to have kids learn about business and make a couple bucks for themselves. Be sure to make an extra batch for the kids to enjoy while they wait for customers to come along!
Kiddie pool. Whether you own or pick up an inflatable or hard plastic one, an inexpensive kid-sized (or baby) pool is the finest way for young children to stay cool this summer. Just fill with water from a garden hose and wait a bit for the sun to work it’s magic and warm it up. Toss in a few bath toys or a whacky water noodle and your gang with be extremely pleased with you. Baby pools are nice for adults as well. Just pull up a chair and soak your feet in the cool water. Grab a book and a tall glass of leftover lemonade and enjoy some peace and quiet during naptime.
Take the family to a movie! Be it Spiderman 3, Transformers, Underdog or Disney’s new animated feature, movie theaters are chilly getaways perfect for the hottest days of summer. Pack up some snacks from home to save money at the insanely overpriced concession stand and spend two hours in air condition comfort enjoying a film together. You could also consider seeing live theater as a family!
Whatever you and your family choose to do, have fun and stay cool!