Going to the pool on a hot summer day is one of the best ways to cool down, but if that community pool is starting get boring, there are some other great ways to stay cool during those hot summer months.
Water balloon fight!
It’s a great way to play and get wet but it does require some post-fight clean up.
Mud volleyball
Especially if that mud was made from clay and ice cold water. There are a lot of places that actually host mud volleyball games. All you have to do is show up, get dirty and have fun! If you drive there though make sure to bring some seat covers so you don’t muddy up your car!
Solar S’mores
Though it isn’t a water game, solar s’mores is a really fun way to eat s’mores without a fire!
Feed the Ducks
If you live close to any ponds, there are likely to be ducks around. Take some old bread and head to the pond and make some new, feathered friends.
Water Baseball
It takes some preparation but the end result is so much fun. You’ll need a kiddie pool for bases 1-3 and a slip and slide (or tarp) for the “run” into home base! Take a wiffle ball, slide a waterballoon on inside and fill it up. You get a splash at home plate and each base!
Bake Cookies
Bake cookies and then turn them into delicious ice cream sandwiches. Yum!
Image from Cooking On the Side
Picnic
Plan a picnic at a local park (or even in your backyard) don’t forget the lemonade!
Play Soccer
Dig out that old soccer ball sitting in the garage and play a pick up game!
Image from Active for Life
Make Popsicles!
Use paper cups and fruit juice to make your own Popsicle. It’s healthier too!
Image from Desmoines Parent
Fire Works
Nothing quite says summer like watching a fire work show. Bring some blankets and make an evening out of it!
Image from Mesh Besher
Go Camping
Even if it is just in the backyard! Your kids will love being able to sleep outside!
Image from here
Plant a Garden
Channel your inner green thumb, and spend the summer tending your plants with your kids!
Image from Hostel Gardens
Visit the Beach
If the beach is close, this would be perfect for you. See who can collect the most seashells!
Image from Vacation Coast
Create a Fort
Create a fort in the backyard using those cardboard boxes you cannot seem to get rid of!
Volunteer
Teach your children the importance of volunteer work and spend the afternoon picking up trash at a local park.
Image from Bristol Rising
Go Ice Blocking
One of my favorite summer activities! Buy a block of ice and slide down a hill! So much fun!
Image from Leigh Statham
Dress Up
Dress up for the day! Wear costumes and talk in character all day long.
Image from Corbis