As the thermometer rises during the summer months, there are lots of ways to keep your family cool and having fun. Here are some ideas to get you started.
We all scream for ice cream
You only have to go as far as the neighborhood ice cream parlor to cool your family down and find respite from the heat. One such mom-and-pop place in Asheville, N.C. — The Hop Ice Cream Cafe — offers unique flavors that are created from local organic fruits and vegetables. The flavors change almost daily and feature vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free options, as well as local goat's milk ice cream and sorbet. Check out thehopicecreamcafe.com for more.
Frozen treats
When you’re going on a picnic or headed to a ball game, throw some bottles of water in the freezer. Also, add some fruit and let it freeze as well. Consider such items as grapes, melon, blueberries and strawberries. Once you take them out in the summer sun, they will thaw quickly but remain cold and delicious. You can also freeze a bandana and wear it around your neck. Put one in for Fido to keep him cool too.
Portable fans
The kids will especially enjoy having a small electric fan to carry around with them to keep them cool. Some are even attached to a water mister so you get a cool spray along with the cooler air. If you don’t have a portable fan, take breaks to step inside air-conditioned stores, movie theaters or restaurants along your path.
Turn on the faucet
Your yard can become a very popular playground when you hook up sprinklers for the kids to play in. You might even install a Slip 'N Slide® and let the kids put on their bathing suits and careen down the slippery path. Keep water guns on hand, too. There are some amazing super soakers on the market that keep everyone laughing as they spray each other and cool down at the same time.
Pool time
Whether you head to a neighborhood pool or install a pool in your backyard, always keep a close eye on your kids and never let them swim or play alone in the water. This heat buster is a good way to engage with your family and even help your children practice their swimming and diving skills.
Set a schedule
Plan activities that you can do either in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. If you can’t change your schedule, make sure to put on plenty of sunscreen or wear a hat during peak times when the sun is at its hottest.
It’s possible to stay cool as a cucumber while enjoying the summer sunshine.
