Thoughts of summer include lots of outdoor fun like pool parties, playing in the sprinklers, baseball and soccer games, and nature hikes. But there are days when it is just too HOT to be outside, especially for little ones. Overheating can happen very quickly on these extremely hot days we’ve had recently. So, what are some ways to get kids – and adults – moving inside, rather than just plopping down in front of the TV?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Get up and move!
- Put on music and have a dance party.
- Balloon party. Have fun blowing them up and then make up games to toss or hit them in the air or in front of a fan. You can also play “tennis” with balloons by making “rackets” from a paper plate and plastic ruler.
- Play Twister or create other color games with pieces of colored paper. Make paths through the house with paper of different colors. Then create a game of stepping or jumping on various colors (sort of like Simon Says).
- Do some simple yoga poses or other exercises.
- Ping pong ball catch. Both preschoolers and older kids can have fun tossing and catching a ping pong ball (or other lightweight ball) in plastic cups.
For quieter times…
- Make a tent or fort. Two folding chairs and a blanket are all you need to create a new and different space to read, do puzzles, or just play.
- Make a “boat” from a rectangular laundry basket or a large cardboard box (recycle those Amazon boxes!). For extra fun, make sails or paddles and take stuffed animals or dolls on an adventure.
- Create a do-it-yourself marble race from cardboard tubes. Search Pinterest for ideas to get you started.
- Use pipe cleaners, straws, macaroni, Fruit Loops, beads, and other items to create necklaces, bracelets, or other things.
- Make a frozen or chilled healthy treat like popsicles, Jell-O, or pudding. Use any favorite fruits and puree them, mix with a little yogurt, scoop into molds or cups with a stick and freeze! Or freeze a banana whole. For extra-special treats, make ice cream floats.
When you just need to get out of the house!
Even a couple of hours away from the house for a change of scenery can improve everyone’s attitude. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to go to a museum or indoor play park. Here are a few ideas for free “field trips”:
- Visit your local library. Most public libraries have summer activities and story times. If you frequent a particular location, try a different one or visit a book store.
- Visit a pet store. Most pet stores are used to visitors who aren’t necessarily interested in taking home a pet. They may even let you help feed an animal or two.
- Create a treasure hunt at Wal-Mart or Target. You can come up with a list of things to find before you go – maybe things of a certain color or category. If possible, try to let little ones out of the cart for at least part of the time to use up some energy. Do a similar thing at the grocery store – maybe to find ingredients for a special snack or dinner.
- Go to a nearby mall – just to walk and hang out. You can buy a snack or lunch – or just bring your own. Most malls have some great seating areas to sit.
Even indoor activities can result in bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Integrity Urgent Care is here for you every day, 8 am – 8 pm. Call us or drop in to your closest location. No appointment is ever necessary. P.S. It may be time to start thinking about back-to-school or sports immunizations and physicals. We can help with those too!
Resources:
Cafemom. 8 Fun indoor activities for kids on hot summer days [online]. [cited 23 Jul 2018]. https://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/173340/8_fun_indoor_activities_for
Hative. 20 Indoor summer activities for kids to have fun [online blog]. [cited 23 Jul 2018].
Pinterest. Indoor activities for kids at home.
