Summer Activities at Home to Stay Cool
As the long hot days of summer approach, we’ll want to be ready with lots of summer activities at home to stay cool with the kids. It can be tempting to just stay in an air-conditioned room and let the kids watch some TV in the afternoons, but we all know that the best memories are made when we shake up the routine and to a fun activity together (while reducing our electricity bill). These activities are tested and loved in our households, and most require minimal materials and setup!
Excavate Toys from Ice
This one takes some planning ahead of time, but if you know a heat wave is coming, find a large container, throw some small toys in there, fill it up with water, and throw it in the freezer. We found that our kids especially love themed ice blocks. For example, use toy sea creatures and add a few drops of blue food coloring. When it’s time to play, put the block of ice in a larger bin, throw in some excavation tools (e.g., wooden hammers, some pipettes with warm water to draw from, etc.), and let your little archaeologist go wild!
Popsicle Baths
These are a family favorite because they allow us to take out two birds with one stone. The kids enjoy the popsicles of course (sans mess), as well as extended play time in the water. And parents get to check bath time off of the day’s to-do list!
Turn on the Sprinklers
You could do it the old-fashioned way and just turn on your lawn sprinkler, but there are also some kid-friendly products out there too that will enhance the fun. A simple add-on to your hose, like this sprinkler, adds an element of playfulness and unpredictability, as the water sprays out through wobbly colorful tubes. This splash pad creates a fountain for kids to splash around in—we love it because the steady stream of water allows them to do things like fill up buckets while having a large area to safely play in.
Play with Water Toys
Sprinklers are fun, but not the best choice when it comes to reducing water waste (check out our post Books on Recycling for Preschoolers for some resources to teach your kids about reducing waste). Find a spray bottle, bath squirters, water balloons, or whatever you have on hand and just let them explore. If you want to make it educational, you could set up games where they have to aim for certain things (e.g., a scavenger hunt where you “Throw your water balloon at something that begins with the letter G!”).
Go on a Washing Spree
Enlist your kids to help wash your car and give them a few sprays with the hose while you’re at it. They could also help wash their own toys—set up a bucket of soapy water and a bucket for rinsing, throw in anything that could use some sprucing up, and let it all dry on a towel. Multi-tasking for the win!
There are only so many summers when we’ll have our kids be so little at home wanting to play with us. Hopefully these activities to stay cool will help create lasting memories for you and your family!