With summer in full swing and a heat wave upon us, now is the time to get ahead of the heat wave and plan before it is too late. Whether you have air conditioning or not, there are several ways to turn the heat into memorable family time and stay cool!
Simple stay-cool tips for the family:
- The sun is strongest between 10am & 4pm, stay indoors if possible through those hours
- Use a fan to keep rooms cool
- Stay hydrated
- Stay indoors and make a craft, read or play a family game
- Keep windows and window shades closed mid-day
- Pack an umbrella when out and about
- Wear a hat
- Limit outdoor exercise to mornings or evenings
Places to visit on a hot day:
- Local pool or spray park
- Movie theater
- Beach or the coast
- Museum
- Shopping center or a mall
- Library
Other ideas to keep kids cool:
- Set up a sprinkler
- Wash the car and have children help
- Set up a small child-sized pool to splash in
- Water the garden in the evening and have children take turns with the hose
- Run a small mister on a patio to help keep the are cool through the day
- Use a small battery-operated fan for strollers
- Pack a small cooler for the car to help keep water cold
- “Paint” the patio or sidewalk with cheap brushes and water
How to stay hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water and make sure children do too. If you become thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- Consume liquids through the day. Coconut water, skim milk, non-dairy milks, sparkling water, broths and soups (hot days are great time for gazpacho!) and other liquids. Try to stay away from sodas and caffeine which tend to pull water out of your system.
- Eat high water content foods such as:
- Oranges
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Plain yogurt
- Most fruits and vegetables
Sources: healthline.com and nurturelife.com