Beat the Heat: Fun & Cool Activities for Families During Extreme Heat

When the temperatures soar and heat advisories roll in, staying safe becomes the top priority — but that doesn’t mean fun has to take a back seat! Extreme heat days offer the perfect excuse to slow down, get creative, and make lasting memories together as a family. Whether you’re staying inside or venturing out in search of air conditioning, here are some fun, simple, and screen-free (or screen-optional!) ways to stay cool and connected.

Indoor Water Play

Who says you need a pool to enjoy the water?

• Bathtub beach day – Grab the swimsuits, beach toys, and maybe even a beach ball and turn your tub into a mini water park.
• Sensory bins with ice – Fill plastic bins with water, ice cubes, or frozen toys for a chilly sensory adventure.
• Kitchen sink car wash – Let little ones “wash” their toy cars or figurines in the sink with soap, water, and sponges.

Cool Creative Crafts

Channel your energy into creativity indoors where it’s air-conditioned.

• Frozen paint pops – Freeze washable paint in an ice cube tray with popsicle sticks and use them to create colorful masterpieces.
• DIY fans – Make paper fans with fun decorations or explore origami together.
• Watercolor ice art – Let ice cubes melt onto paper for a magical design.

Indoor Movie Theater Day

Transform your living room into a theater with dim lights, blankets, and homemade tickets.

• Have a movie marathon with family favorites.
• Make “concession stand” snacks like popcorn, fruit kabobs, or homemade popsicles.

Make Your Own Frozen Treats

Beat the heat from the inside out!

• Blend smoothies or make DIY popsicles using fruit and yogurt.
• Create a build-your-own sundae bar with ice cream or frozen yogurt and fun toppings.
• Try “banana nice cream” – a healthy frozen treat made from blended bananas.

Chill Out with Books

Take a reading break with a fun theme:

• “Under the Sea” or “Arctic Adventures” books to stay mentally cool.
• Create a cozy reading fort in the coolest room of the house.

Family Game Day

Pull out board games, card games, or puzzles for a little friendly competition.

• Try freeze dance with breaks to cool off between rounds.
• Play “cold” scavenger hunts – where all the items have to be things that are cold, blue, or frozen.

Explore Air-Conditioned Adventures

If you need to get out of the house, head somewhere with built-in cooling:

• Museums, aquariums, indoor playgrounds, or libraries often have free or low-cost programming.
• Many malls offer family-friendly areas with play spaces, snack stops, and plenty of AC.

Pro Tips to Stay Safe & Cool

• Drink water regularly – and keep it fun with fruit slices or fun cups.
• Dress in light-colored, loose clothing and avoid being outside between 11am–4pm.
• Keep shades closed to block heat and use fans strategically to circulate air.

Even during the hottest days, with a little creativity and planning, your family can stay cool, safe, and full of summertime joy. So grab the popsicles, cue up the crafts, and create some cool memories indoors!

Stay safe, have fun, and don’t forget to hydrate!