During the summer, mother nature makes a mark with a mix of hazy, hot, and humid conditions. Particularly in the Northeast, and down the Eastern seaboard, this summer mix creates some difficult conditions. At times it is difficult to figure out things to do and stay cool. Of course, pools are great ways to cool down, however excessive time in the sun during a heatwave is not healthy. So, how do you beat the heat? Here are some ideas and activities that are great ways to spend some time during a heatwave. 

 

For those active kids, here are some activities that burn up some energy and stay cool at the same time. 

1. Homemade Slip and Slide: All you have to do is swing by the hardware store and pick up some plastic sheeting. The benefit of homemade slip ‘n slide is flexibility. Choose the size and width that fits your yard. Be careful in the sun and make sure to take a break in the shade every once in a little while. 

2. Kid’s Car (or Tricycle) Wash: For those adventurous and crafty parents, then as Domestic Charm notes, a nice DIY project is a kid’s car wash. The family can work together to build a carwash that the kids can drive-thru and keep their rides sparkling all summer long. 

Of course, a nice variation is washing real cars. Bring fun to your driveway with a hose, bucket, and sponges. Plus, you get a sparkling car at the end of the day!

3. Sponge Bombs: If you have sponges laying around the house and looking for a fun way to stay cool, then Sponge Bombs are the answer. Simply cut the sponges in a half or a third and tie them with a hair elastic. Check out Inner Child Fun for some additional information and ideas to play with your repurposed toys. 

4. Backyard Water Obstacle Course: Time to break out the sprinkler! Get creative with things to jump over or run through and try to avoid the sprinkler while doing it. Once you've made it through your obstacle course, take a break in the cool water and watch your friends or family try!

5. Umbrella Tent: Umberall tents have been around for a long and that's because they are so much fun! There are a few variations of umbrella tents. Either take some old sheets and extend the outdoor patio umbrella or find new ways with the materials you have around the house. While the tent may make for good shade, it may get hot as well if you close the tent up. Be sure to leave an opening for fresh air and go for a swim or run inside for a break if it gets hot. 

6. Turn the Deck into a Game Board: A classic heatwave activity is playing board games. A modern take on this family fun classic, find some painter's tape or chalk and make a game board. For those brutal heat waves, then make sure a few squares are water-related. The game is a great way to take a dip in the pool or run through a sprinkler to stay cool while playing outside.

7. Make Ice Cream: An all-time summer favorite family outing is going to the ice cream shop. Instead of packing the family in the car, you can learn a new skill and how to make a delicious family treat. 

11. Icebox Baking: During the summer, baking is often the last thing anyone wants to do. The summer is hot enough, why make the house hotter? Well, icebox baking solves the summer sweet tooth problem by making dessert without the oven! Here are a few examples and recipes of no-bake desserts:

8. Fruit Excavation: Looking for interesting ways to integrate fruit in kids' games? Try fruit excavation! As Hands On As We Grow outlines, kids love the process of finding buried treasure (fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and grapes) in ice. Then all you have to do is break the ice to excavate the treasure! Once your activity is over, your kids will have a cold treat to enjoy.

9. Make a Popsicle: If the homemade ice cream seemed appealing but too ambitious for your limited time, then try homemade popsicles. Simply add some fruit juice or fruit pieces and water to a small container and add popsicle sticks. After a few hours, you’ll have dessert ready.

10. Ice Chalk: Drawing on the sidewalk is one of the all-time great outdoor activities. During the next heatwave, mix up some sidewalk paint and freeze it. Half cornstarch, half water, plenty of food coloring is all you need to make sidewalk paint. Once the mixture is frozen, take it outside and start drawing! 

11. Ice Eggs: Very similar to the fruit or toy excavation, ice eggs involve freezing toys in a balloon. It might be best to do the prep work for this game when the kids are asleep. Fill a balloon with some water and a small toy and let freeze. In the morning, remove the balloon and let the kids play with the ice egg outside. 

12. Soap Boat Racing: A simple and quick way to entertain kids and keep them cool is soap boat racing. To plan this, find a tube or something like a rain gutter and add some water and soap. Depending on the age of the kids, they can carve the soap and add a flag as they watch the boats race down the stream. 

13. Make a Movie: As we all know, kids can get dramatic at times. Build on that enthusiasm and make a movie! Have the kids use their imagination to write or think up a plot. To add some exercise, encourage an action sequence. For those especially hot days, a water scene is a perfect way to cool off.  

14. Sun Melted Recycled Crayons: Looking for a way to get rid of all those broken crayons? A heatwave is a perfect opportunity. Take some old cookie cutters and put the broken crayons in them. Cover the cookie cutters with tin foil and let the sun work its magic. Now you have new crayons and in fun shapes. 

 

What are your favorite ways to beat the heat? Please join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook to find out more fun ways to stay cool!