7 Ways to play when it’s too hot: Memory-Making ideas

Whether it is blistering hot outside, storming, or it’s all out blizzard, there are simply times it’s just not appropriate to play outside. But especially as the hotter weather rolls around, it’s important to find fun ways for kids to enjoy time inside and make amazing memories your kids will talk about for years.

You’ll hear them giggling “remember when we went to ‘grandma camp’ at grandma’s house and every day the weather was above 110 degrees she brought out ice cream for us to eat while watching a movie?”

Your other child will answer “or when we built that epic tent to read scary stories under and she helped us make a bond fire that night?”

And you will smile knowing that what may have seemed so simple to you are ways that your kids and your grandkids are making precious memories that both you and they will treasure for a lifetime.

Indoor memories to make when the weather is too hot outside.

It’s important for us as parents and even grandparents to keep our kids safe when the weather is just way too hot and way too dangerous out. And if our kids know that when we say “no outdoor time today” that they have fun and exciting memories lined up, it’s easier and more fun to suffer through hot weather.

First & foremost, have a weather play gauge posted

This means that no matter what the weather is outside, you can base your indoor activity off of the chart. So maybe it’s 80 degrees out, but it’s about to be a summer shower and you won’t been spending your entire time out in it, then you can have an activity planned for any kind of weather that the temperature is in the 80s that day. Then populate your list of ideas!

7 ways to play inside

Plan a cookout for when the sun goes down

Especially if it’s a hot day and you know it will cool off later, make the day about planning for the evening. It’s builds anticipation and excitement around the event that’s about to unfold.

Movie Marathon day

When my girls visited grandparents this spring, we pulled out all of the classic movies I enjoyed from my childhood. And we popped them in the VHS, because they were literally the movies from my childhood.

We sang the songs together, enjoyed the scenes, and had a blast making memories that could connect generations while we sat eating our ice cream.

Build an indoor fort

Even if you’re just setting up a pre-made tent or tunnel in your living room, it’s such a fun way to make any mundane inside activity instantly more fun.

Pick a Puzzle

One of my most treasured memories with family as a child was doing puzzles together. We would laugh and have a great time. Plus is was a great way to not only spend time together but to also work together. And so few tasks in our modern lives require team work quite like a 1,000 piece puzzle.

Story Time

Designate a basket where you can add a bunch of books to it in the morning when you watch the weather. Add favorites, ones you haven’t read in awhile, and maybe even surprise the kids with a brand new book they haven’t seen.

Craft Day

Have a stock pile of learning activities and your favorite crafts. Maybe even put them and your toys on rotation so that you’re always bringing out something different, especially if the weather just isn’t changing.

Have a shopping day

It’s a great chance to get out of the house, but stay in where it’s cool.

Need more ideas? Check out this ebook and some other resources:

   

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.