I don’t remember summers being this hot when I was a kid. It was never too hot to play outside, ride my bike or swim. My mom sent me outside to play whether it was freezing or hot like the sun. These days the sun blazes down  and temperatures soar to the triple digits!

Activities to keep you cool

The summer heat keeps us all trapped inside air conditioned homes. But our kids need to be active, physically and mentally. How can I keep my kids from turning into couch potatoes till the heat lets up?

Bring the outside in

Bring the outside in

Kids need to run around and get out some energy. How can they when it’s nearly 100 degrees outside? If you have a good sized living room, move all of your furniture to the walls, this allows for a large empty area for kids to play. Set aside some time to do exercises or play outdoor games.

• Bring in their slide or basket ball goal, your kids will be delighted to have their outdoor toys in.
• Put on a blind fold and play hide and seek or Marco Polo.
• Build a huge fort and have a picnic lunch.
• Blow bubbles in the bath.
• Go on an indoor photo walk. Take pics of interesting things-close up or at strange angles.
• Grow an inside garden. Don’t forget to get a book at the library and learn all you can about your plants.

Water play

There are tons of ways to play with water beside swimming or playing in a sprinkler. You may have heard of these fancy things called a water table just get out a large tub and fill it halfway with water.

• Bring out some large spoons and let the kids fill up cups. (This activity will help hone hand-eye coordination.)
• Give them a scrubber and some non-breakable dishes to “wash”.
• Fill up your kitchen sink and let them pretend to be you!

Visit museums

Many museums have exhibits created especially for kids with activities to stimulate their minds. Check out your local museums and any you may visit while on vacation. Here are some museums in Oklahoma that offer discounts during the summer:

• Oklahoma City Zoo-$1 Wednesdays: admission for $1, select rides and attractions for $1 and select food items for $1. A great deal! (July and August)
• National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum-dress up as a cowboy or girl and visit old Prosperity Junction.
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art-inspire your little one’s creative expression.
• Science Museum of Oklahoma-there is so much to see and do you’ll have make another visit to see it all.
• Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum-tons of great indoor and outdoor activities!

Check out the Library

There are always free stuff for kids to do at the local library.

• Reading program offers prizes for # of books or pages read.
• Concerts
• Story time captures their imagination and gives you some quiet time

Old Standards

• Crafts and other creative outlets lets your kid use his imagination. (See my article about making a craft treasure box.)
• Indoor play areas at restaurants or shopping malls lets them play inside where it’s cool.
• Puzzles and games challenge their developing minds and encourages a little competition.
• A dance party in your living room with loud, up-beat music will get their hearts pumping. (Don’t forget to dress in your best dance clothes.)
• Cover the walls with butcher paper and let your kids go crazy with markers or paint if you’re feeling lucky! (Make sure your kiddo knows not to color on the wall without paper up.)
• Get a book from the library and learn something new together. How about tying knots?

I can go on and on about all the activities you can do inside. I actually have to physically stop myself so this article doesn’t go on too long. (Too late for that!) If you have any ideas I haven’t mentioned please leave a comment. I am always searching for new ways to keep my kids happy and cool during the hot, hot summer.