We're right smack in the middle of summer, and if this season's weather is a trend -- it's going to remain HOT!
Summer is typically the time for outdoor games and activities, but if you're not in or near the water, the heat this year has been unbearable. So what's a parent to do? Find fun stuff to do indoors -- that's what!
Here are five indoor activities that parents can do with their kids
1. Build a Volcano! - What kid doesn't want to build a colossal mountain made of paper mache? The best thing about this project is that it takes a lot of time. Start with an empty soda bottle, and build around it using strips of newspaper, dipped in a solution of flour glue and water. Then, once it's painted and time to erupt, get the lava flowing with a mixture of baking powder, red food coloring and vinegar. Full instructions are here.
2. Melted Crayon Art!- This craft was hot on Pinterest month ago, but now it's really hot enough for the crayons to melt on their own outside! Attach (with glue) a box of 64 Crayola crayons across the top of a blank canvas, with the tips facing town. Take canvas outside and leave standing upright in the direct sun. Then -- go inside and wait! If the sun isn't hot enough (ha ha!), you can do the craft entirely indoors and melt the crayons with a hairdryer.
3. Go to the Movies! - Who says you have to stay at home!? Hitting the movie theater is a great escape for both children and adults. This summer's film release schedule has been a good one, with movies suitable for the family, including: BRAVE, Ice Age: Continental Drift, and The Amazing Spider-Man (for older kids). Some cinemas even offer discounts on children's tickets!
4. Bake Something! Assuming you have AC, there's nothing more fun to a kid than baking a giant chocolate chip cookie cake! The memories of being in the kitchen with mom (or dad!) last a lifetime 🙂
5. Make Popsicles! If it's just too hot for baked goods, make the alternative -- icy cold popsicles! Whether you use super cool Tovolo molds, or paper cups with sticks, try to focus on using fresh in-season ingredients, like strawberries, blueberries and peaches. There are some great combos out there, and this is the time to experiment! Try these Fruit Cocktail Popsicles if you're craving something sweet.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
Great tips! We need more inside stuff to do, it's hot out there!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Connie
Great list and I love the watermelon ice pop!
Amanda
Those are all great ideas! I like the volcano idea!
Tricia Nightowlmama
we don't bake in the summer cause we dont' have central air but we love going to the movies
Our Small Hours
Great tips! We need those this time of year.
Penelope
That watermelon popsicle is cool!
Donna
All great ideas! Thank you for sharing them!
Colleen
We did the art project, that popsicle is cute!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
I especially like the idea of making popsicles!
Marcie W.
We've been baking once a week and I really want to make melted crayon art before school starts!
Billie
Great tips, love the watermelon popsicles.
Stefani
I want to make my own popsicles!
Toni
We love popsicles in the sumer. I always love the OJ homemade ones.
Kelly
I'm going to check out melted crayon art. That sounds like fun 🙂
Courtney
Thanks for the tips!
HilLesha
Fun ideas!
Kathleen
That popsicle is amazing. These are all things we have done a lot this summer.
Gunnar E. Todal
Good advise! If we don't have a lot of time to go out for travel, these ideas are good for us to spend the free time with family.