Beat the heat with your kids this summer

Most of us welcome hot weather but when it’s too hot, kids can get cranky! So it’s important to have back-up plans to beat the heat and any summer boredom. Here’s some of our favourite ways to keep cool…

Public pools
If you aren’t lucky enough to have your own pool or complex pool, Rec center pools often allow kids to swim for free. Some of them even have a splash pad, waterslide or water playground for the kids. Overall it’s a cheap and great way to access a pool,  just don’t forget the sunscreen. While you are at the rec center you can also take…

Dance classes
Get out of the sun and get your kids grooving. Dance classes are a fun inside activity that let your kids get some exercise out of the sun. There is  a variety of styles from hip-hop to ballet, meaning  every dancer can find a class  they love. Start with a drop-in class, then maybe even sign up for a whole session.

Make your own popsicles
All you need is your favorite fruit juice and some Popsicle molds, and in a few hours you have got a delicious ice-cold treat. Popsicle molds are relatively cheap and can be bought at Rite-Aid, Walmart and off Amazon. Our favorite juices to use are orange, mango and guava. If you are feeling fancy you can even add some fruit. It’s a great way for your kids to get a little creative and get to customize their treat.

Water games
Another great, inexpensive way to cool off yet still be outside is to play some water games. Some basic ones are water balloon tossing contests where you get further and further away from your partner. Or just a water balloon fight, providing you don’t mind picking up all the balloon remnants after.

Our final game is a relay where the kids fill up a cup using only a bucket of water and their hair. Kids have to run to the bucket of water, dunk their head in, then run back and squeeze out their hair into the cup that you are holding next to their line.

Outdoor art projects
You know how kids love to paint on themselves or each other? Well this is an activity where that is the goal! Using non-toxic water-soluble paint, create masterpieces on each other. Then to clean up spray each other with the hose! It’s artistic, creative and an ideal way to cool off.

Beach day
If you are lucky enough to live near a beach like our San Diego families, have a beach day. Make it a day trip by bringing a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Also pack the boogie boards, surfboards etc. Just remember to stock up on the sunscreen and bring an umbrella.

Summer camps
Although summer camps are often outside, there are many that are mainly inside. For example science, cooking, sewing, and dance camps. Depending on the camp your child will get some exercise, learn new skills, build on old ones, explore their passions and have fun.

Rock climbing gym
Another fun indoor activity is a rock climbing gym! Many places have lessons for kids and kid friendly climbs. It is amazing exercise, a mental challenge and it’s so incredible when your child reaches the top for the first time. Overall it’s a great way to get out of the sun and try something new.

See a movie
Seeing a movie seems like a nighttime activity but when it is blazing hot, it’s a great way to have fun indoors. If you want a less high-energy activity then this is a good option. So mix it up by seeing a movie during the day instead of at night.

Go to a museum
Summer does not have to be all play all of the time. Museums are a great way for kids to  stay smart over the summer in an air conditioned environment. There is also such a variety from art, history to science that every kid can find a museum they love. Chicago is ripe with museums and San Diego has some brilliant ones in Balboa Park.

Last word
Don’t let summer boredom and the heat, beat you. Keep the kids cool and entertained all summer long by trying the aforementioned activities.