Keep children busy indoors when it’s too hot to play outside
Print
EmailSometimes it’s just too hot for kids to play outside. Explore a few suggestions to keep your child from becoming bored while waiting for a heat wave to pass.
As temperatures push 100 degrees, it can become too hot for children to safely play outside. What is there to do to keep kids off of screens all day? Michigan State University Extension suggests the following ways to keep your child from becoming bored while waiting for a heat wave to pass:
- Join your library’s summer reading program! Take time to hop online and sign up for your local library’s summer reading program. No air conditioning at home? Drive over to the library for free air and free books. Your library will likely even have indoor activities like board games that you can check out, along with a few books. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign yourself up for the adult summer reading program!
- Build a fort. Break out the sheets and blankets and construct an epic fort. Use materials like pool noodles, cardboard and couch cushions to provide structural support. Even something as simple as a sheet over a table can make for a fun space to curl up, read a book or have a snack.
- Make homemade play dough. Playdough has long been a staple of childhood fun and learning! Involve your children in whipping up a batch of homemade playdough. Add colors, essential oils, sparkles and other mix-ins for extra fun. Experiment with other recipes such as Kool-Aid Dough, Marshmallow Dough and Pudding Dough.
- Play hide and seek. A good old-fashioned game of hide and seek can be so much fun! Try a fun variation by hiding and finding household items or favorite toys. Take turns being the “hider” and the “seeker.” Another fun variation on this game is to create a scavenger hunt inside. Add some summer learning by challenging your children to find something that starts with each letter or rhymes with a certain word, etc.
- Play a board game. It sure seems like there is never enough time after school and work to sit down and play a board game from beginning to end. Teach your child how to play a simple board game like Chutes and Ladders, Uno or Don’t Break the Ice. Don’t forget to see if your library has a collection of board games for check out.
- Have an indoor picnic. Let your child help you make it all, from the sandwich to the beverage and all of the sides! Don’t forget to let your child be involved in picking their own plate, setting the table and finding a cup in the cupboard that is perfect for lunch.
- Do a craft together. Kids love to create new things and it can be easy to let them be creative with some household items, paper and glue. Ask your child to create a picture for grandma or grandpa using items like marshmallows, noodles, pretzels, candy, etc. You can also use non-food items like buttons, photographs in magazines, and scraps of fabric.
- Have some fun with water! This one may be an outdoor activity, but hot summer days are always a great time to break out the sprinkler, water balloons, buckets and inflatable pool. Provide children with a range of materials like measuring spoons and cups, plastic bowls, spoons and ladles to scoop, pour, fill and dump. “Paint” the sidewalk with water. Create rivers and lakes in the sandbox. Of course, use precautions when going outside in the heat. Go outdoors in the morning or at night when the temps are cooler. Be sure to apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, play in the shade and take plenty of breaks.
Extremely hot days are sure to pass and more comfortable summer days will arrive soon. But until then, there are many websites, social media pages, books and magazines you can check out for more activities, recipes and science experiments to keep your child busy inside the house and off electronics this summer. And don’t forget, it’s okay for your kids to be bored!
