4 Summer Activities to Help the Kids Stay Cool

When the temperatures get too hot in the summer, your kids make all kinds of excuses to sit in front of the television and play video games. It’s hot outside. We’re tired. We don’t feel good. You’ve heard them all. It may very well be too hot outside, but this doesn’t mean they have a right to turn into sloths. There are plenty of summer activities to keep your kids engaged while they stay cool, and the best part is that you’ll have fun, too.

1. Make Homemade Popsicles

Save money and cool your kids off with sweet treats they’ll love. Grab their favorite all-natural juice, ice cube trays, toothpicks, and the kids and head to the kitchen to make homemade popsicles. Pour the juice into smaller vessels that the kids can handle, such as a liquid measuring cup or creamer. Let them fill the ice cube trays with the juice. Put the juice in the freezer until it starts to freeze and then press the toothpicks in so they stand up straight. Freeze until solid. Add finely diced fruit prior to freezing for a healthier snack.

2. Play Marco Polo

Head out to the pool and teach the kids a little history with a fierce Marco Polo game. Tell the kids who Marco Polo was. Go online first and trace his exploration steps with lessons and maps. Have the kids decide where they would’ve explored had they been alive at that time. Then, head to the pool. Put floaters on the little ones and dive in. Tell them you’re whichever location they chose. Maybe you’re the United States, and play Marco Polo until they discover you. Who would’ve thought history was so fun and cool – literally!

3. Bathe the Dog

Is your dog having a hard time beating the summer heat, too? Does he smell? Bathe him! This can be a great way to teach your kids responsibility while cooling off at the same time. If you aren’t too concerned about your bathroom, plop Fido in the tub and let the kids go crazy. If you are concerned about the mess, head outside and give Fido a bath on the patio. Make certain you run the hose first before you douse the dog or kids with water. The water will be hot. Then, go crazy and get everyone wet while bathing the dog.

4. Play Career

You can stay indoors in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home and play career. Maybe your husband is the top Pittsburg car insurance agent in the city and your son has aspirations to follow in his footsteps. Maybe your daughter is going to become the first female POTUS. Remember when you pretended you were a doctor when you were a child? Set up offices throughout the house and play career. You’ll be surprised how much fun you have playing this tried and true game and your kids get to learn more about working when they become adults. A vital lesson that prepares them for college, even if you hate the thought of an empty nest.

These are a few ideas to keep you cool all summer long when it’s time to turn off the video games. Besides, the TV heats up the house!