While we encourage our children to play outdoors and exercise daily, it can sometimes be difficult when the warmer months of summer hit. Creating a cool and welcoming outdoor environment will enable you children to play safely, even when the sun is at its brightest. If you’re looking for some fun and interesting ways to keep your kids cool this summer, check out these family-friendly activities below.

Go for a Swim

It seems like one of the most obvious ways to cool down, but this activity needn’t be restricted to families with large pools. Children love to play in kid-sized pools and you’ll find that they’ll provide hours of enjoyment. Most parents end up joining in on the festivities, because on a hot summer’s day, taking a dip with your kids is the best fun!

Create a Shaded Environment

Shade is the key to keeping your kids cool and safe in summer. Sunburn and heatstroke are not pleasant, to say the very least, so avoid these nasties by creating a shaded play environment for your children. Erect a temporary shade sail or even take advantage of the natural shade provided by trees, whatever you do, your kids will love playing outdoors in their new, cool environment. You can also check out some of the new home and land packages Sydney has to offer for ideas on the latest shade solutions.

Make a Cool Foods Station

One of the best ways to cool off in the midst of a heat wave is to consume cold food or drinks. Frozen fruit is always a favourite with kids in summer, simply place orange slices or grapes into the freezer for a quick cool down. Take the mess outside and get your kids involved in making some fun treats of their own. Make all natural smoothies or turn your smoothies into ice pops, the choice is yours!

Water Play Station

Now this may sound impressive (and it will be), but that doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. Creating a water play station will have your children amused for hours and will help to keep them from overheating on a hot day. Purchase a cheap plastic table, fill different sized containers and trays with water and add some water-safe toys – and you’ve got yourself a water play station! The different sized containers and shapes will allow your children to create waterfalls and different sound effects, while cooling off with the splashes of water.

Bobbing for Apples

If you’re restricted by the size of your yard, always remember that you can still have fun while raising your children in an apartment or townhouse. Activities such as ‘bobbing for apples’ will have you all in stitches, while you cool down in the process! One of the best things about activities such as this is that you only need the space for a bucket and some towels to dry off! Don’t worry if you’re limited on space, there’s still plenty of fun to be had!

Your kids will love you for creating their new favourite play space, while you’ll be happy knowing that they’re cool and protected from the sun. For the best summer fun, try out these activities today!