When the intense heat of the summer hits, it can be much easier to simply stay inside. But we don’t want to miss all the outdoor fun that summer holds! So let’s consider a few different ways to help keep kids cool (or at least less hot) when playing outside, even if just for a few minutes at a time.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you, helping to support this blog. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Keep kids cool and beat the heat
1. Keep Them Hydrated
Keeping kids hydrated is one of the most important things to remember in the heat. Encourage your kids to start drinking before they get thirsty. Make sure kids have plenty of fluids prior to the start of any adventure. I often remind my kids to “pre-hydrate”.
Make it easy for kids to stay hydrated by always having water at hand and within reach.
When you’re out and about without a cooler at hand, consider insulated water bottles with a few ice cubes inside.
Our family has had good experience with these inexpensive stainless steel bottles, with either a straw lid or screw-top cap. They come in 32 oz (nice and big!) and smaller kid-sized 14 oz bottles with straw lid.
Feed them fruits and veggies with a high water content.
There’s a reason why watermelon is such a popular summer treat — it’s more than 90% water! Other fruits and veggies high in water content to consider are:
- oranges
- strawberries
- apricots
- raspberries
- tomatoes
- lettuce
- celery
- cucumbers
- bell peppers
- cauliflower
- apples
- peaches
- pineapples
- grapes
- blueberries
Make their water “interesting”.
- Flavor your water by adding sliced lemons, limes, strawberries, basil, mint, etc.
- Add flavored ice cubes by freezing their favorite juice. (A “popsicle” in their drink!)
- Consider adding drinks with elecrolytes [e.g., Gatorade, Powerade, Smart Water, etc.]
Give them a “special straw”.
A straw is a simple tool, but if it encourages them to drink even more water than normal, it’s a powerful tool!
- silly straws [animal, curvy glass]
- jumbo straws [stainless, silicone, glass, or colored plastic — some boba-sized, so make sure your child can handle the volume/flow]
- colorful glass straws [these are our favorite]
Check in regularly.
Check in with your kids regularly to make sure they are staying hydrated. Have mandated water breaks and don’t be afraid to ask them:
- When did you last go pee?
- What color was your pee? (It should be light yellow, like lemonade!)
2. Play games that involve water
Even if you can’t get to a body of water, you can bring that body of water to you! Staying wet is a great way for kids to keep cool. Play games that involve water — many of which can still respect water conservation.
Play sprinkler games.
If can do so while following local water usage regulations, sprinkler games are always fun!
- fill the vessel: Each person gets a vessel (such as a cup). See who can fill it up first using water from the sprinkler.
- sponge relay: As a variation of the above, everyone gets a vessel (such as a cup) and a sponge. Place your cup outside of the reach of the sprinkler. Saturate your sponge, bring it to your cup, squeeze all the water out and repeat. See who can fill up their cup first!
- water slide: If you have a slide in your backyard, turn it into a water slide by aiming the spray from your sprinkler.
- dance party: Put on some music and dance away!
- keep it simple: Turn on the sprinkler and run in and out of its spray. Simple for the win!
Sprinklers themselves can provide much of the entertainment. From simple to silly to unpredictable to water rocket.
Engage in water battles.
Getting each other wet will never not be fun! Go beyond just the hose and consider some of the following to keep kids cool:
- squirt guns battles [from simple to easy-fill to super soaker to firefighter-themed]
- sponge tag
- reusable water “balloon” fights
Enjoy water table play.
Even without an official water table, you can get creative with water play. Gather together buckets, tubs, pots, pans, containers, funnels, cups, ladles, and a variety of small toys and get creative!
Examples of water tables to purchase can be found here or here (comes with umbrella).
Hold a toy wash.
Learn the joy of cleaning with having fun with water! Have your kids hold a “toy wash” with a container of water, sponge, scrub brush or water gun. Bring out their toy cars, plastic animals, action figures — anything that can be washed without harm.
If you want to stretch out the time even more, have them “wash” their bike or scooter using only a squirt gun! Kids can keep cool and clean at the same time.
3. Play in a body of water
Find a body of water and get wet! Dip your feet, dive in, run your hands in the cool water. Splash around, swim, go canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Whether you’re in the city or the country, you should be able to find a source of water somewhere! Bodies of water can come in all forms:
- pool
- ocean
- pond
- stream
- splash pad
- river
If you’re in an urban environment, Google “splash pad” or “spray park near me”. Look for community pools or gyms that allow day passes.
Further from the city, look for town beaches or state parks. Some may require you to pay for admission, but this often means that there will be facilities (bathrooms, etc.) onsite.
4. Seek out & stay in the shade
Stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible! Direct sun can make the temperature feel as much as 15 degrees higher (heat index), so it’s best to find shade.
Go to the woods or a local park and set yourself up in the shade of a nearby tree.
Take frequent breaks indoors — it’s ok to only be outside in small snatches of time, especially in high temperatures and humidity.
If you can’t find shade, a few more strategies include:
- Use a cooling towel: Bring along a cooling towel, which can be as simple as a washcloth or hand towel soaked in water. Lay it on the back of your neck and recharge it occasionally with fresh water. Other spots to apply a cooling towel or cool pack to include your temples, wrists, behind your knees, and in the crook of your elbows.
- Don’t be afraid of umbrellas! Beach umbrellas (and their new iterations) are helpful, but why not take an umbrella on a walk?
- Wear damp clothing! Although the idea of a wet shirt may not sound appealing, it does help cool you down!
5. Be strategic with your timing
Avoid the day’s peak heat (approx. 10am-2pm) by starting your day early. Kids are often up at the crack of dawn, so you may as well take advantage of it! Pack the night before and head out earlier than usual. There’s no reason why beach day or a family walk can’t begin at 8am.
We also really enjoy the beach in the evening, when the heat of the day, crowds, and fees have all gone away!
Further considerations for summer days:
Be sure to:
- dress in loose-fitting, breathable, light-colored clothing (the right material can make a difference!)
- use and re-apply sunscreen
- stay alert to signs of overheating
- keep in mind appropriate water usage
- consider less active play, including sit spot activities
Sometimes it’s just TOO hot
N.B. Sometime is legitimately is TOO HOT to go outside. We’ve recently see record highs across the globe, so be aware of the heat index. It’s ok to stay inside sometimes!
Whether it’s a dry heat or high humidity, check your local heat index (what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature) and determine whether your planned activity matches the weather outside. Does the activity level suit the temperature?
Monitor your children for signs of heat exhaustion and don’t take any chances. There’s plenty of time for adventure another day!
Summertime is such a great season to spend outdoors, though sometimes the heat can make it challenging. Consider a few of these ways to keep kids cool when the temperatures soar, and you can still enjoy plenty of activities outside!
For more information on being outside in “bad weather”, check out our post: “How to Help Kids Get Outside in ‘Bad’ Weather: 12 Strategies“.
Sit spot activities are a great way to enjoy nature on a hot day, making sure you stay in the shade. (Be strategic with your choice of spot!) Check out our post, “16 Quiet and Calm Sit Spot Activities for Kids to Enjoy Outdoors“.
