On the blog this week, our friends at Active For Life share with us their top tips for keeping kids cool this summer, while still having fun!
Give them a sponge bath: Place your baby on a towel inside or in a shady protected spot outside, such as under a tree or an umbrella, and use a clean washcloth or sponge to gently drip water on them from head to toe as you say each body part. Your baby will discover new sensations while cooling off and learn new words.
Set up a splash play area: In a waterproof area (like outside!) put a small amount of water in a large but shallow container such as a baking sheet or pan. Give your baby toys or clean sponges to tap, splat, and stir the water. Besides being super fun, all that splashing is great sensory play, and grasping different toys and items helps develop their fine motor skills.
Set them to work! Fill a sink or basin with water, some dish soap, a few drops of food colouring, and plastic dishes and spoons. Your kids will have a blast mixing up potions, “washing” the dishes, and scooping up and pouring out water. Throw in a couple of ice cubes and it becomes a whole new adventure!
Try ice cube painting: Fill ice cube trays with water and different food colouring and use the frozen cubes to “paint” on paper. The creativity will flow as they use their imagination and stay cool.
“Paint” with water: Another painting idea involves using clean brushes and rollers, a bucket of water, and your driveway, fence, or balcony. There will probably be just as much water on them as on their “canvas” and that’s okay!
Aim and toss: Wet sponges to make reusable “water balloons” and let the kids run around and throw them at each other. Unlike water balloons, these are reusable: just dip in a bucket of water to recharge.
Give them a fun (wet!) chore: Our cars always needs washing, which is great when there are eager kids around. Give your child a bucket, soap, sponge, and the hose and they’ll have a ball getting the car sparkly, while soaking themselves in the process.
Fish for marbles: Fill a paddling pool with water and toss in a couple of dozen marbles. Kids stand in the water and fish out the marbles with their toes, then drop them into a container. With multiple kids, it can be a game to see who collects the most marbles in a minute or two. Throw in a handful of ice cubes for added fun while they develop their balance, coordination, and dexterity!
Visit Active For Life for more summer fun ideas >
