When temperatures soar, outdoor play and activities become challenging for kids, and excessive heat can even pose health risks. As a parent, it’s essential to find ways to keep children cool, hydrated, and entertained indoors. Here’s how to help your kids cope when it’s too hot outside, including setting up an air-conditioned space where they can play and relax safely.
1. Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is critical for kids, especially during hot weather, as they can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Encourage them to drink water regularly, even if they’re indoors. To make hydration fun, try infusing water with slices of fresh fruit like lemon, strawberry, or cucumber for added flavor. Frozen treats, like homemade fruit popsicles, are also a great way to keep them cool and hydrated simultaneously.
2. Plan Indoor Activities
When it’s too hot outside, indoor activities can be a lifesaver. Plan a variety of activities to keep kids engaged and entertained. Crafts, board games, puzzles, and building projects are great ways to beat the boredom indoors. Consider making it a movie day with some popcorn or setting up a reading nook for some quiet time.
Creating a schedule with different activities helps children transition between games, learning activities, and relaxation, keeping them active without the outdoor heat.
3. Limit Screen Time with Alternative Games
It’s tempting to let kids turn to screens during hot days, but extended screen time can have downsides. Instead, try introducing activities like scavenger hunts, DIY obstacle courses, or hide-and-seek, which keep kids active without too much screen exposure. Some online dance or workout classes tailored for kids can also be fun, letting them move around and release energy.
4. Set Up an Air-Conditioned Play Area
High temperatures can make kids feel irritable and exhausted, and too much heat exposure can impact their mood, sleep, and overall health. Having an air-conditioned space is one of the most effective ways to keep kids comfortable and safe when outdoor temperatures are too high. If your home doesn’t have central air, consider setting up a portable air conditioner in a designated play area. This can make a significant difference in keeping children cool and reduce the risk of heat-related health issues like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Once this is set up at the start of summer, you’ll want to ensure it stays in working order every summer day, year after year. This is why AC maintenance is so necessary. Whether it breaks or you just want to keep it in working order by doing preventative maintenance, experts are on hand to help you through these hot days.
5. Create a Cooling Station
Set up a “cooling station” with items like cooling towels, mini fans, and a bowl of ice water with washcloths for kids to cool their faces or necks. Cold packs or reusable gel packs from the freezer can also be helpful for quick cooling. Keep these items easily accessible so your kids can use them when they feel warm. This can be especially useful after they’ve been active or playing in a warmer part of the house.
6. Encourage Rest and Nap Time
Heat can be draining, making kids feel more tired than usual. Encourage them to take short naps or rest in a cool, shaded area. Setting up a cozy, air-conditioned space with blankets, pillows, and a good book or quiet music can provide a calm atmosphere for kids to recharge.
7. Offer Light, Refreshing Snacks
Heavy meals can feel uncomfortable in high heat. Light, hydrating snacks like yogurt, fresh fruit, smoothies, and cucumber slices are great options to keep kids satisfied without weighing them down. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks, as they can make children feel more lethargic. Consider setting up a snack station with easy-to-reach cold snacks so they can help themselves when they feel hungry.
Final Thoughts
Helping kids cope with extreme heat means creating a comfortable, safe environment indoors, keeping them hydrated, and giving them engaging ways to stay entertained. Setting up an air-conditioned space is especially helpful in giving kids a place to stay cool, while the right snacks, hydration, and a few creative indoor activities will ensure that they feel refreshed and content even on the hottest days.
