Beat the Summer Heat

Summer is not my favorite season. I would much rather enjoy the new flowers and baby animals of spring, or tear up a pumpkin patch in autumn. If you barely tolerate summer like me, it doesn’t have to be a complete drag; there are fun activities to keep you and your little one cool and entertained, even in the time of COVID-19.

Outdoor Activities

I’ve talked extensively about taking walks and hikes, so there’s no mistake that it’s my favorite outdoor activity (if the weather permits). If you melt into a puddle going out into the great outdoors, a few simple patio alternatives include:

• Blowing bubbles
• Silly painting using dyed vanilla pudding, shaving cream, or any gooey/spreadable substance. Set your kid up in their diaper in the shade, and be ready for bath time after!

Water play

Long holding its place at the top of the summer-time activity list, water time is king. If you are lucky enough to have a pool (or a yard where you can turn on a sprinkler and let your kid run loose), you are way ahead of the game. For those of us without a waterfront view, there are tons of options:

• Water tables (this one and this one are on my wish list)
• Splash pads
• Kiddie pools (I like this one, because it fits Ivy perfectly, fits on our patio, and doesn’t take forever to fill with water.) BONUS: after it’s dried from water time, put some plastic balls in it for a home ball pit experience.
• Water tub. Fill a cubby or small storage tub with water and a few water/bath safe toys, set it and your kid outside (or on a waterproof surface), and voila. What’s that, you say? You don’t have to give MORE money to the Baby Industrial Complex? Sign me up!

Always supervise your little one in and around water of any depth. Drowning is silent, swift, and can happen in a moment.

Indoor Activities

If your little one is bored of their toys and using everyday household items as toys (you and I both know banging on pots is bae), there are fun options that take little effort:

• Movie night. Set up pillows and blankets, make some snacks, and hold a movie night. Building and setting up the area is an excellent activity for older kids, and if you decide to hold your own screening with just you and your partner, I won’t judge you.
• Take advantage of berry and stone fruit season and make smoothies. Nutritious and delicious!
• When all else fails, check out Pinterest for ideas that will potentially overwhelm you and make you feel like an unimaginative parent.

There are many ways you can get ahead of the heat and have some fun this summer. How are you keeping your kids engaged and yourself sane this season?