Tips for Coping with the Hot Weather

I heard from  a friend that she is melting on the East Coast where the temperature reached over 100 degrees!  Fortunately, we are not as hot here, but I have had more than enough experience with heat waves.  Rather than wallowing in how hot it is, try to have some fun exploring the different options while staying cool, which includes a balance of outdoor activities when it’s a bit cooler and indoor activities during the heat of the mid-day sun:

–Have a breakfast picnic — with morning being the coolest hours, they are some of the best times for walks and outings.  If you have a park nearby and restless kids, go for a picnic for breakfast and let the kids run around before the sun becomes a scorcher.

–Check out the activities at your public library – many libraries have story hour or readings during the summer. In fact, my local public library seems extra packed this summer.

–Cover the table with newspaper and have a craft day — my favorite was always finger painting, but there are lots of things that can be done with homemade clay, cutouts, and other artistic endeavors.

–Place a ziploc bag with moist, clean towels in the fridge — place these on the back of your neck when you come in from the heat for fast cooling.

–Make popsicles — another fun idea to create a homemade treat that everyone can indulge in later. I made fruit and yogurt popsicles last week. Make a plain popsicle for the dogs to enjoy as well.

–Have a salad bar for dinner – assign kids or guests with helping to chop or prep salad bar items and arrange in individual bowls. In addition to chopped fresh vegetables, add 1 or two protein choices, and some nice garnishes like nuts. Let everyone help themselves and create their own dinner.

I’d love to hear your fun and frugal hot weather activities.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday